transform your relationship
we are wired for connection
heartfelt feedback
“Homely, safe, warm, effortless, fluid. We now know better. Heleen knows and loves what she does. She is positive, energetic, passionate, caring, loving and she has a lot of joy. She is a professional, responsible and nurturing.” Ziyaad.
“Ek het baie gehou van die woud se geluide en ‘n gevoel van ‘n avontuur …. ons het amper verdwaal maar dit was baie lekker. Ons het op n dieper vlak met mekaar connect” Christiaan
((I loved the forest sounds and the sense of adventure … we almost got lost … but we really enjoyed it and connected with each other on a deeper level)) Christiaan
“The beautiful raindrops hanging in the trees. The growth of this ancient forest and how it all is interconnected and have a relationship, it felt very connecting” Mbali
“I really enjoyed Platbos. It was very relaxing. The trees slowed us down to take in more of the forest. It was special to slow down together. If we had more time, I would take a little blankie and have a nap.” Neo
“What struck me was the energy of the forest, the feeling of ancient, agelessness and growth, the sense of change and adaptation over hundreds of years. It was tranquil. For me it was really spiritual.” Zalia
“It was overwhelmingly peaceful. Zalia and I have done many walks together and visited many cathedrals in different places in the world but in this one we felt in-tuned. It was sacred like a cathedral. A feeling of reverence and awe” Graham
“For me it felt there were three of us – me, my partner and the forest. The most powerful was how nature can actually enhance our relationship. We connected to nature and nature reached out and connected us, as a couple.” Sharon
“In these four days I learnt a lot about myself and the relationship cycle. Everything was curated. It was enjoyable, nurturing and powerful. I loved the reflection time. The group sessions were constructive and the couple sessions sometimes difficult, but we had the tools. It was wonderful to be able to talk about the things that worried us. I loved the behaviour-change-request dialogue. All in all it was successful and fun. For couples I would say it is an amazing opportunity to springboard your relationship into healing and a deeper connection.” Ziyaad
“An Aha moment for me was that childhood trauma can actually be healed. That was mind-blowing! And wonderful that my partner could hear me and get me. At first, when walking on the beach we were not so close like we used to be. We realized how disconnected we have become. We remembered what we liked about each other. It was a powerful learning how you can bring your strengths together as a couple. Your willingness to do the work of relationship is going to make it last” Zalia
“It was most powerful to discover the interphase of the sea and the earth and how that is like our relationship …. changing all the time. Being in nature highlighted for me how we need that calm and reflecting space. An aha moment was the relationship cycle, and it showed up some gaps we need to work at. I would say to couples if you are stuck and need to unblock your connection, what a beautiful place this is to hold you and to lift your spirit. It is the best of both worlds, an excellent guide and a beautiful space. It was enlightening” Graham and Zalia.
“Dit was n wonderlike reis saam met my maat en ook saam met die ander couples. Dit het ons verhouding verdiep. Die natuur was verskriklik lekker en dit het ons weer bewus gemaak hoe belangrik ons verhouding met die natuur is. En ook hoe om te ontkoppel van die tegnologie. N Aha moment was dat daar altyd n manier is om konflik te benader en oplossings te kry. Ek het geleer om die “pause button” te druk en hoe dit die spasie tussen ons verander. Die hele ervaring was leersaam en my ongelooflik.” Christiaan ((This was a wonderful journey with my partner and together with all the other couples. Our relationship has deepened. We realised how important it is to maintain our relationship with nature. And how to disconnect from technology. An Aha moment was that there is always a way to dissolve conflict. I learned how to push the pause button for the space to change. I have learned a lot. The whole experience has been unbelievable.)) Christiaan
“I had the idea a relationship will get easier as you go on but realised you will always have to do the work if you want a happy one. We received so many nuggets of knowledge and wisdom. The discussions in the groups were very good. People do evolve. Being in nature really helps to navigate difficult conversations. There is an openness, time to explain yourself better. For couples I would say it doesn’t matter in what phase you are, you will gain from this experience. You are in a safe space with your therapist and being in a natural environment that will calm you and contribute to your wellbeing. It was really worthwhile. The discussions in the group and the different perspectives will broaden your mind. It was really valuable to learn from other couples when you allow these conversations.“ Mbali
“Amazing location, amazing food. I loved how you have created the space where we all felt we could open what needed to be opened. I loved your gentleness and safety and we never felt pushed. What I really liked was the reflection we did after being in nature. And breathing ‘to land’ before we started the group.” Neo
“ I loved that we started with breathing every morning and session, it puts you in the right head space. I also liked that we made food together. It was really nice. There was also time to ‘kuier’ and to do stuff apart from the therapy. I enjoyed the exercises and dialogues we did.” Christiaan
“ It was quite inspirational and commendable. You have perfected this and you are an expert.” Ziyaad
“What worked for us: the mix of couples; ocean location; balance between work and play and nature; communal meals; challenging dialogues; gentle facilitation style; honesty of couples; your empathic nature as it made sharing easy.” Graham and Zalia
“This was one of the richest, best four days I had in my life” Graham