Trauma Retreat Reviews — What Women Say

I have struggled with my mental health for no obvious reason my entire life, seeing various psychologists and professionals along the way — but by far this retreat has been the most impactful in helping me get clarity and a path forward.

As someone who was reluctant to go on a ‘trauma’ retreat due to no obvious single traumatic incident, I can confidently recommend this experience to anyone who has experienced a shaky sense of self, anxiety or depression. The way Tess explains things sits somewhere between a therapist and a friend. Her extensive knowledge and experience means she can adapt her method to what is most effective for you — the whole experience is highly personalised.

It’s really difficult to sum up everything in one testimonial but I have walked away feeling more at home in my body, less afraid of the world, and with a renewed sense of hope that life isn’t going to play out for me as I once thought it would.

The combination of professional therapy sessions and the morning and evening movement — and the freedom to opt in and out as needed — made this a non-‘woo-woo’ and profoundly transformative experience.

If you’re someone for whom weekly therapy isn’t working, or someone who has never done a retreat before and is looking for something grounded rather than spiritual — I highly recommend it.

Grateful doesn’t even cut it.

Daisy, Australia

I find it hard to put into words just how transforming this retreat has been for me. It was amazing in so many ways — the incredible team of Tess, Viktoria and Eszter, the caring, the sessions, the delicious food, the beautiful place, the wonderful group, and the deeply relaxing massages.

When I first arrived in Italy, I was so nervous that I even thought: what if this retreat doesn’t exist? I felt relieved when the car showed up. But then, sitting in the car with three women I didn’t know, I couldn’t help but think: what have I done… Looking back now, I smile at that moment, because what awaited me was one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had.

I came in feeling stuck in an automatic pattern that I couldn’t seem to shift, despite having tried many things before. I hoped this retreat might help me break through — and it did. I experienced real behavioural changes I never thought were possible.

The intense, deep and caring sessions with Tess opened something in me I hadn’t been able to access before. The somatic yoga sessions brought me back into my body in such a grounding way. And the massages — normally I am too restless to enjoy them — but with Viktoria and Eszter they were so calming, nurturing, and profoundly relaxing.

And I couldn’t have imagined how beautiful it would be to share this experience with other women. It was so special how we all came for ourselves, yet through sharing and understanding each other’s stories, something even greater unfolded.

This experience has had such a positive impact on my life, and I am truly thankful and forever grateful. Tess, Viktoria and Eszter — thank you.

Mireille, Switzerland

I found this retreat by accident, and had never imagined that such a thing existed. I set off in early June, after a few emails from Tess, and a Zoom call where I learned a bit about how it worked.

It turned out to be a glorious setting — beautiful mountains, fairly remote, gifting us with only the sound of birdsong. The house was comfortable, lovely beds, all mod cons in a gorgeous wild place. The food was delicious and nourishing, with lots of local fresh produce and fruits.

Tess works with Eszter and Viki. They are very skilled yoga and massage therapists — both warm and kind. There was gentle yoga and breath work morning and evening, helping me to love my imperfect body. Massage outside under oak trees. Reflexology in the shade under the birdsong.

There were group exercises in looking into ourselves and describing our difficulties. No one was pressed to contribute, and it took me a day or two to relax completely, but I was glad that I did. Tess has a workbook that guided us through it all. It was all very gentle. We did not have to share — there is no group work. But my fellow retreatants were also warm and open. That was a great bonus.

The one-to-one work Tess did with me was like nothing I had ever experienced. I was able to reach into my heart and pull out difficulties that I thought I would never be rid of. Everything happened in a safe space, and I did not feel at all threatened or scared. Tess is very skilled. She has seen everything and nothing phases her. I felt completely free, accepted and not judged. It was a marvellous experience.

I felt like I came into control of my life. I learned how to set real boundaries, how to let go of false situations, how to understand what is for me, and what is not.

The week was a real turning point. I am still coming to terms with it all, and I know it will take a while before my new ways of living are my only ways of living.

I am very grateful. I recommend this retreat 100% to anyone who feels they are not living fully, who wants to deal with issues happening now, or things that happened years ago.

Mary, Ireland

I am not sure what expectations I had of the retreat before I attended. I just knew that I was overwhelmed, grieving, and broken. It turned out that Tess can genuinely transform you within those seven days.

Yes, the monastery is utterly beautiful. Fifteenth-century frescos, ancient brickwork, soaring ceilings, and a sense of peace. The accommodation is sweet, humble, honest, and in keeping with the period of the site. There are multiple beautiful vistas to enjoy and the sounds of the birds are truly extraordinary. You’ll have fabulous yoga lessons and visit some stunning little villages.

But it is Tess that you really go for. The depth of her knowledge, experience, and expertise is priceless. She took three very overwhelmed women in my week and left us lighter, more positive, and more in control than we were when we arrived. Her one-to-one sessions are hard to describe but brilliantly, inexplicably powerful. You sort of become more empathetic towards yourself.

I have come away cleansed of my habitual stresses and traumas and equipped to meet future stresses full-on.

My family are genuinely impressed with my development and I’m incredibly thankful for the week I spent there. It was not always comfortable. The work was hard. But Tess is completely in control of her skills and ability and will astound you if you lean in.

Ellie, USA

I didn’t quite know what I was looking for when I stumbled upon Tess’s website, but something kept drawing me back. When I finally reached out, I felt a flicker of hope — though I was sceptical. Could a single week really make any meaningful difference?

Those seven days at San Flaviano have truly changed my life.

From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of being looked after in a way that allows you to settle. The setting is quiet and expansive. The food, prepared by Eszter and Viktoria, is nourishing and thoughtful. The rhythm of the days — movement, space, conversation — feels carefully held.

Tess’s one-to-one sessions are difficult to put into words. She has a rare ability to help you look at yourself with both honesty and compassion. The work was not always easy, but it felt real.

I had been unsure about spending a week with strangers, but that quickly shifted. There was a sense of connection that I hadn’t expected.

This is one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Sally, UK

Fantastic retreat with Tess Hunneybell

I came to the retreat carrying serious childhood trauma that I wanted to address. The combination of trauma-focused therapy, yoga, and guided trauma-release work was unique and reached exactly what I needed.

The retreat delivered everything it promised and more. Tess Hunneybell, the retreat’s host and therapist, is brilliant — highly professional, deeply kind, and exceptionally experienced.

The supporting team were wonderful. Whether teaching yoga, preparing delicious food, caring for the house, or simply offering their warm and uplifting presence, they created an atmosphere that felt genuinely supportive.

All of this takes place in the peaceful beauty of the Umbrian countryside, at San Flaviano — Tess’s private residence, a stunning medieval former church and abbey. The setting itself feels calm, spacious, and restorative.

I arrived expecting to work on childhood trauma, but I could never have anticipated the profound positive shift I experienced in just one week. I left feeling lighter, calmer, and more energised than I had in years. People around me noticed immediately, asking where I had been to return looking so relaxed and revitalised.

Tess, her team, the retreat structure, and the setting are all held to the highest standards of care and professionalism. The retreat gave me everything I hoped for and more.

Anyone who attends will be treated with kindness, respect, and deep care, and safely guided through whatever circumstances or experiences they arrive with.

Anita, Switzerland

“I got more from this retreat in six days than I had from years of previous therapy.”

I found this retreat at a time when I was completely overwhelmed by my personal life and really needed support.

I had read the reviews and spoken with Tess on the phone before booking, but I had no idea how special this retreat was going to be.

Tess has a skill unlike any therapist I have worked with before. She is kind, creates an immediate sense of safety, and at the same time helps you see things with complete clarity. I gained more from these six days than I had from years of previous therapy.

The combination of Tess and Marina is truly special, along with the wonderful group of women who shared the retreat with me — women I am now fortunate enough to call friends.

Marina is a fantastic yoga teacher, an incredible cook, and one of the loveliest people you could meet. The combination of therapy, yoga, nourishing food, and the beautiful setting creates something genuinely transformative.

I arrived mentally and physically bruised. I have lived with a particular phobia all my life and in recent months had been forced to face it daily.

I never imagined I would be able to overcome it. But with Tess’s guidance and the support of the women at the retreat, the unimaginable happened — the phobia is gone.

I cannot thank you all enough.

Lauren, New Zealand

Eye opening retreat like no other.

This was my first retreat, and I did not know what to expect. From the first moments of meeting Tess and arriving at the monastery I felt very welcome and at ease.

Daily schedules were just perfect — occupied and engaged yet free and flexible. Every day was a new experience as I was learning a lot about myself, my feelings, my emotions, and most importantly understanding, acceptance and empathy towards myself.

Tess is very knowledgeable, attentive, empathetic and real. I enjoyed the group exercises where everyone was very open and engaged. It was truly amazing to see a positive transformation of each individual as we progressed through the week.

The one-to-one sessions were very intense and deep. Tess made me feel like I could completely bear my soul without feeling exposed — she made me feel secure and protected.

The food was absolutely amazing. The quality and everyday variety was impressive. Eszter and Viktoria’s cooking deserves every praise.

I think this retreat is just perfect for anyone who is emotionally distressed and needs that space to just stop and allow yourself to live through these emotions. The stunning monastery surrounded by pure nature, fresh air, and the helping and caring hands of Tess and her team is the right direction to finding light and hope.

Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

Daiva, Lithuania

These trauma retreat reviews come from women across the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia. Shared with permission. First names used to protect confidentiality.