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Awakening to Self: A Dyad & IFS Intensive Retreat

Location icon
Rue des Pèlerins 4, Mont-Gauthier 5580 Rochefort, Belgium
Users icon
Up to 30 in group
Date
Feb 5 - 11, 2027

Retreat Highlights

  • Integration time in nature
  • Mindful body movement
  • Creative self-expression
  • Tasty healthy meals

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Many people who discover Internal Family Systems (IFS) experience a profound shift in how they relate to their inner world. And yet, much of this work happens quietly and alone — in therapy rooms, in personal practice, in the privacy of our inner landscape.
Over time, a different kind of longing can emerge: for space, for time, and for the depth of this work to unfold more fully in the presence of others.
Awakening to Self is a carefully held intensive designed to support the gentle shift from insight into embodied, relational presence.
By weaving together the depth of Dyad meditation with the clarity and compassion of Internal Family Systems (IFS), we create a structured and supportive environment where Self-energy can become more accessible — both within yourself and in connection with others.



🧭 Why Dyads & IFS?
In our years of facilitating both dyad intensives and IFS work, we have seen how naturally these approaches complement one another.



Dyads offer a precise relational mirror


IFS offers a compassionate inner map


Together they support deeper unblending and integration


Many IFS practitioners find that dyads help Self-energy become more embodied and relational, rather than remaining primarily an internal experience.



✨ What the retreat includes


Extended guided dyad meditation practice


IFS-informed teachings and processes


Structured partner and small-group exploration


Periods of silence and integration


Gentle embodiment and movement sessions


Optional trauma-sensitive breathwork


Ongoing nervous-system-aware facilitation


The days follow a steady and supportive rhythm, balancing depth practice with spacious integration time.


👥 Who this retreat is for
This retreat tends to serve people who:



Have experience with IFS, parts work, NVC, or meditation


Are IFS practitioners or IFS-curious


Long to embody Self-energy more consistently


Value depth, structure, and emotional safety


Are comfortable in an immersive retreat environment


You do not need prior dyad experience.



🏡 Venue
Château Frandeux is nestled on the edge of the Belgian Ardennes, beside a peaceful lake and surrounded by forest. Accommodation is in simple and comfortable rooms within the château, with our main practice hall located in the adjacent building.
Participants are served nourishing home-style vegetarian meals throughout the retreat. On selected evenings, the sauna is available, with the lake nearby for those who enjoy a refreshing dip.


📅 Retreat Details
Dates: February 5–11, 2027Location: Château Frandeux, BelgiumGroup size: Limited to maintain depth and safety
Application requiredWe use a short application process to help ensure a well-matched group.
If you feel the quiet pull toward deepening your IFS work in relational presence, you are warmly welcome to apply.

Schedule

What a day at an Intensive Dyad meditation retreat might look like:

07.00 - 07.15 - Candle lighting & silence
07.15 - 07.45 - Circle sharing
07.45 - 08.30 - Dyad
08.30 - 09.30 - Breakfast
09.30 - 10.45 - Dyad
10.45 - 11.15 - Silent integration time in nature
11.15 - 11.30 - Tea/coffee
11.30 - 12.15 - Introducing a theme
12.15 - 13.00 - Movement exploration
13.00 - 13.45 - Dyad
13.45 - 14.30 - Midday sharing circle
14.30 - 16.00 - Lunch
16.00 - 16.45 - Dyad
16.45 - 17.15 - Movement dyad
17.15 - 18.15 - Silent integration time in nature
18.15 - 18.30 - Tea / coffee
18.30 - 19.15 - Dyad
19.15 - 20.15 - Dinner
20.15 - 21.00 - Dyad
21.00 - 21.40 - Check-out home groups
21.45 - 22.00 - Evening call, silence & putting out the candle
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Compassionate Self, Rue des Pèlerins 4, Mont-Gauthier 5580 Rochefort, Belgium

Directions

The closest airport is Brussels Airport Zaventem. Train: from Brussels and Liège every hour a train stops in Jemelle.
Busses are leaving from the station in Jemelle direction Frandeux. They stop close to the Château. For exact times, go to www.infotec.be. We will also create a group with all participants in which they can connect to request and offer lifts.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in the Château itself, where simple and comfortable rooms support both rest and integration. Twin rooms, single rooms, and double rooms are available, some with private bathrooms and others sharing with a few other participants. Windows offer views of the beautiful natural surroundings.

Premium Single Room (Private Bathroom)

Accommodation
A peaceful private room offering the comfort of your own space along with a private bathroom (toilet and shower). Ideal for those who appreciate quiet solitude and extra privacy between sessions.

Standard Single (Shared Bathroom)

Accommodation
A comfortable private room with a single bed and access to shared communal bathrooms nearby. A simple and cozy option that still offers personal space while keeping the retreat more affordable.

Double Room - Ensuite (Couples/friends)

Accommodation
A comfortable double room with a private bathroom (toilet and shower) shared only between the two occupants. Ideal for couples or friends attending together, this option offers a lovely balance of connection and privacy, with the convenience of your own bathroom just steps away.

Double Shared (Communal bathroom)

Accommodation
A cozy double room for two people who are happy to share both the room and nearby communal bathroom facilities. A simple and welcoming option that allows you to stay comfortably while keeping the retreat accessible and community-oriented.

Twin room - Ensuite (Shared between two)

Accommodation
A room with two separate beds and a private bathroom shared only between the two occupants. A lovely balance of comfort and connection for those happy to share a room while enjoying ensuite facilities.

Twin Room (Shared communal bathroom)

Accommodation
A twin room with two separate beds and access to shared communal bathrooms. A practical and sociable option for participants comfortable sharing both room and facilities.

Single Use Double Room

Accommodation
For participants who prefer a little extra space, a double room may be reserved for single occupancy. This option offers additional privacy and room to relax between retreat sessions.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Our retreat venue is a chateau nestled on the edge of the Belgian Ardennes, beside a peaceful lake and surrounded by beautiful forest.
The quiet natural surroundings and warm indoor spaces create a supportive backdrop for deep inner work. ​Bring some walking shoes if you’d enjoy wandering the nearby forest.

​As you enter the château, you’re welcomed into a spacious lounge with a majestic fireplace and piano — a comfortable place to land, connect, or simply take in the view over the water.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

fresh • local • organic • vegetarian • vegan friendly • healthy • tasty Meals follow the rhythm of the seasons. Many vegetables, herbs, berries and mushrooms are sourced from local farms.

What's Included

  • Retreat program/facilitation
  • All program materials
  • Comfortable accommodation
  • Organic, fresh healthy plant-based meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

What's Not Included

  • Airfare & travel
  • Visas & travel documents
  • Additional snacks & drinks

Customer Reviews

4.97 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Lifechanging experience
One of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. Nic and Sara are doing an amazing job here.

5.0
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intuitive and insightful IFS therapist
I have been working with Nic for about a year now and have come to value him as an intuitive and insightful therapist. his extensive knowledge of IFS and psychedelic healing have supported me a lot in my search for better self-understanding and self-acceptance.
Nic is a gentle and strong companion on the sometimes difficult road to self-knowledge and healing. I strongly recommend him to all who seek help to come closer to themselves.

5.0
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Compassionate Self psychedelic weekend retreats in Almkerk

I attended two Compassionate Self psychedelic weekend retreats in Almkerk, Netherlands, run by Sarah and Nic, in 2023 and 2024.

Both retreats took place in a beautiful spacious old Dutch barn, with a serene garden. The setting was peaceful, safe, full of warmth, natural and very tranquil. Everything was very well organized and the organic vegetarian food was simply amazing.

Sarah and Nic were wonderful caring guides during all stages of my journey and all sessions were well structured, with lots of attention to detail and one's needs.

Overall it was a safe and truly compassionate and fulfilling experience, which has changed my life!

I would recommend Sarah & Nic's retreats 100%!

Rob W



5.0
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I feel more connected to myself than ever before
The whole retreat was very well organized and there was plenty of attention for everyone. The food was really good and prepared with a lot of love, taking into account everyone’s specific needs.

During the different sessions I felt well guided so I understood very well what was coming.

The guidance I got from Sarah, Nic and Hilde during my travels was phenomenal. I was truly able to explore my parts and hold space for myself and my parts.Nor only have I become.a better friend to myself, I feel a strong connection with the group that was journeying with me during the weekend.

5.0
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a place where you belong
The compassion, empathy, relaxation, and the immense ability of Sarah, Nic, and Marica to understand both the needs of the group and of each individual is out of this world. The location is like a fairytale, with healing fairies, and Nic’s skills in blending foods are super yaaamii. One word to describe it: fulfillment! It is a safe and holding space for all that is and all that comes. Thank you!

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