Anam Cara
Sessions
Anam Cara is a Celtic term meaning 'soul friend.'
These sessions offer a safe, reflective space for psychological and spiritual growth — supporting you as you listen more deeply to your inner world.
For guests staying a week or more, we offer four complimentary Anam Cara sessions.
For shorter stays, some sessions may be possible depending on availability.
Sessions usually last up to one hour and serve as gentle anchor points throughout your retreat. They offer check in points— helping you remain intentional and supported during your time with us.
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Pre-retreat session: A video call before you arrive to plan your personalised retreat with us. You can discuss hopes, expectations, and practical questions, helping you make the most of your time here
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On retreat: One session soon after arrival, one midway, and one at the end of your stay
Sessions are tailored to you and may take different forms, as outlined below.
For some guests, these sessions may take the form of psychological therapy, for others it may be spiritual accompaniment and other guests may use the time to review life and personal development.
Additional paid sessions may be possible depending on availability.
Couples may choose joint sessions or individual ones.
For guests who prefer not to have Anam Cara sessions, we still ask to meet briefly for a check-in. We value knowing how you are doing and whether there is anything we can do to support your stay.
Anam Cara sessions are usually offered by Dr Hilary Garraway. As well as being the retreat house manager, Hilary is an experienced consultant clinical psychologist, eco-therapist, art therapist, and spiritual accompanier.
Guests are encouraged to trust and listen to their own inner wisdom
Other trained therapists and spiritual accompaniers may also offer sessions depending on availability.
While we facilitate these sessions, we honour that only you are the expert in your own life. Guests are encouraged to trust and listen to their own inner wisdom.
All therapists follow professional codes of conduct and are offered in an ethical, confidential, and safe space.
Sessions range from $100-$300 EC depending on the type of session.
'Listening is the highest form of hospitality'
(Henri Nouwen)
and we want you to feel heard during your retreat.
Psychological therapy: various approaches are used such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and an holistic version of CBT, person-centred counselling, and couple counselling. Psychological therapy helps with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout and other psychological difficulties.
Life coaching: a structured approach to consider life's goals and purpose. This may focus on overall personal development or address a particular life issue.
Spiritual accompaniment: (also known as spiritual direction) offers a reflective space to explore the presence of the Divine in your life — however you understand or name that.
For some, this may be a time to voice spiritual questions or seek meaning; for others, it may involve navigating faith deconstruction, discerning a sense of calling, or deepening personal spiritual practices.
These sessions are shaped around what feels most alive and important for you.
Art therapy: a private session in the Creative Space to explore the inner world through creative expression.
Using a range of art materials, you are gently guided by a trained therapist.
No artistic experience is needed — the focus is not on the finished piece, but on the therapeutic and exploratory process.
Eco-Therapy: Guided nature walks, eco-meditation, and other nature-based interventions. It may include pet therapy.
Card readings: unlike fortune telling, we use cards of archetypal symbols and nature-based images for insight and encouragement.
A Listening Ear: A simple, supportive space to talk, ask questions, raise concerns, or chat about how your retreat is unfolding.
'The soul friend awakens your life in order to free the wild possibilities within you.'
John O'Donohue