SERVICES
Upcoming group Retreat in February 2013
50% Discount on it if booked and payed for by 10th January 2013.
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Click To Find Out More About;
One to One Sessions
Transpersonal Therapy is an integrative approach with a holistic and spiritual dimension, giving the therapist a variety of treatment methods, ranging from Psychodynamic Counselling over Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Existential and Gestalt Therapy to Jungian and Transpersonal concepts. It aims at balancing mind, body and soul, allowing you to live your life consciously and joyfully. A life crisis is seen as an opportunity for break-through and self actualization
We meet your needs in so many ways: - week long retreats
- two to three day retreats
- group retreats
- day courses
- counselling/psychotherapy
- distance coaching/mentoring
- hypnotherapy for freedom from phobias, weight reduction, giving up smoking
- relationship issues and family dynamics
- bereavement counselling
| - self esteem building
- freedom from addictions
- anxiety
- eating disorders
- bullying
- anger management
- abuse
- career counselling
- depression
| - low self-confidence
- sleep issues
- stress
- sexuality
- trauma surrounding termination/abortion/miscarriage
- work related issues
- sexual issues
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Full Day Sessions
I can offer a 6-8 hour concentrated session focussing on many emotional problems such as * Low self-esteem, Stress, Depression
- Feelings of anxiety and an inability to cope or concentrate
- Lack of confidence or feelings of underachievement
- Feelings of emptyness, sadness or depression
- Losses such as bereavement, divorce, loss of a job, or loss of youth
- Physical sysmtoms
| - Financial insecurity
- One's own or another's illness-acute and chronic pain management
- Family conflicts, relationships and friendships
- Restlessness, feeling miserable
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Breakthrough Retreats
The Courtney Institute is led by Maureen Courtney, a professional psychotherapy who specializes in the provision of bespoke, exclusive retreats in an energising natural environment
By choosing this personalised retreat package you will be able to identify issues you need to work with and come away feeling more confident, energised and focused.
This is a unique, life-changing opportunity to expand your life and let go of damaging past experiences that stop you being the person you want to be.
We will design a retreat especially for you and your needs. Break through, call NOW and discover how to find YOUR answers.
What Is Your Life Purpose?- Are you ready to change your life?
- Do you know deep down that there is more to life?
- Do you feel you are wasting your life?
- Do you feel there are opportunities that are passing you by?
- Are you convinced that you have potential yet to be discovered?
- Do you hate what you are doing now so much that you know you have to make a big change?
- Do you want to forget past mistakes and move on?
If so click on Transpersonal Psychotherapy
What is the Courtney Process?
The Courtney Process is exclusive to Breakthrough Retreats and is a 5 or 7 day personal development retreat led by Maureen Courtney a highly experienced Teacher. The programme is residential and held in a secluded countryside retreat allowing for greater privacy and effectiveness.
During the week we will help you examine your life in detail and trace the origins and consequences of your behaviour patterns and take these learnings forward into your life now.
"If you are struggling because the fear of letting go is too great, then you should consider this Retreat", Jo Lane, age 45 -Marketing Executive.
The Process was developed with the help of numerous experts including Health Professionals, Psychotherapists, Educational Advisers, Spiritual Healers and others from The Human Potential Movement. During the week you will work individually and in a group using techniques such as visualisations, bodywork, NLP, hypnosis, family taboo and anger release work. The combination of intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual work provides an all-round and integrated approach to resolving many of life's problems. Published research has demonstrated the long term positive effects that Retreats have on relieving depression and anxiety.
Time and Space
We get into habits and beliefs that do not always serve us best. It can be such a gradual process that often we do not realize it. Getting away and investing time facilitates and accelerates change.
We ensure that our venues are comfortable, up-market and conducive to this process of change.
All our Retreats whatever length you choose have structured timetables and content so you can get the most out of them.
You may choose a one-to-one Retreat or go as part of a group if you like meeting people and making new friends. We are all on our personal journey and even in the group Retreats we ensure that you are treated very much as an individual.
We do not want you to feel that you have to wait before starting your process of change so we have structured the cost and length of Retreats to suit most pockets and you can start by choosing a one day "Intro-Retreat" or a 2-day weekend Retreat so you can get going straight away. You might even choose telephone/internet coaching spacing sessions so that they are affordable within your budget. Speak to us and we can find a way!
The Briers Country House B&B
Nestled in the heart of South Down, our 18th Century Country House provides an excellent base at the foot of the Mourne Mountains whilst still being within easy reach of Newcastle and the many activities it has to offer. Just a 15 minute walk from the town, and less than an hour from the cities of Belfast, Newry and Lisburn, the Briers is in an ideal location for walkers, wedding guests and sight-seers alike.
For the more adventurous, we offer a fantastic location to begin to explore the varied terrain around the area, with plenty of outdoor centres to help you on your way, whilst the luxurious seaweed baths and nearby seaside spas offer a less strenuous way to recharge your batteries. Combined with breath-taking views, spacious and comfortable rooms and ever-friendly service, it'll feel like a home from home in no time!
Click here for more information.
Bereavement
There are people who seem hardly to grieve at all. They do not cry at the funeral, avoid any mention fo their loss and return to their normal life remarkably quickly. This is their normal way of dealing with loss and no harm results, but others may suffer from strange physical symptoms or repeated spells of depression over the following years. Some may not have the opportunity to grieve properly. The heavy demands of looking after a family or business may mean that there is just isn't the time.
Sometimes the problem is that the loss is not seen as a 'proper' bereavement. This happens often, but by no means always, to those who have had a misscarriage or still birth, or even an abortion. Again, frequent periods of depression may follow.
Some may start to grieve, but get stuck. The early sense of shock and disbelief just goes on and on. Years may pass and still the sufferer finds it hard to believe that the person they love is dead. Others may carry on being unable to think of anything else, often making the room of the dead person into a kind of shrine to their memory
Occasionally, the depression that occurs with every bereavement may deepen to the extent that food and drink are refused and thoughts of suicide arise. Putting meaning back into life and having a purpose is a lifeline to a different but satisfying future.
Bereavement results in many different and competing feelings of loss, anger, regret, guilt and fear. It is true that life will never be the same but that does not mean that you must give up hope completely. A Breakthrough Retreat can bring back meaning into your life, show you that you have a lot to give and a lot to receive yet.
We will try to bring back joy into your life, explore those things that will sustain and enrich you in your loss.
Do not hesitate to telephone us to see how we can help you.
If you feel a one-to-one retreat is not for you just now and you need help straightaway, if you live within travelling distance you may choose to come to our therapy rooms for bereavement counselling or consider telephone counselling. Either way we are sure we can help you through this very difficult time. The first step is always the most difficult it could be that the first step for you would be picking up the phone and contacting us.
Hypnotherapy is. . .
People tend to think that hypnosis is part of entertainment and involves embarrassing yourself against your will on stage. However, hypnosis and hypnotherapy is a perfectly natural, safe, relaxing state of mind much like daydreaming. While in this comfortable state you are able to reprogram your own sub conscious to alleviate or cure all manner of physical and emotional ills.
Everybody in the world goes into a hypnotic state at least 25 times a day. Have you ever driven a familiar route and suddenly thought I dont remember passing a certain place... or have you ever been engrossed watching a film and realised your coffee has gone cold all the time.
That is a light hypnotic state. If you have ever encountered one of this situations or something similar then you would greatly benefit from hypnotherapy.
These are just a few of the popular uses of hypnotherapy- Weight Loss
- Stop smoking
- Stress Relieve
- Stop panic attack
- Insomnia
- Cure of all phobias (height, flying and spiders)
- Calming driving test nerves
- Increased confidence
- Pre and Post surgery
- Public Speaking
There may be a specific event in your life that you know you will have to experience but you are terrified by the thought of it. Maybe a speech, presentation, an exam or important interview. Let us help you! We can teach you self-hypnosis. You would be surprised to know that this is used by many famous and successful people as a day to day tool. Let us let you into the secret of how you can do this too.
Losing weight takes willpower. What does this mean? It is mind over matter, changing your relationship with food. Hypnotherapy is proven to be successful as part of a healthy eating plan.
The Courtney "Zest for Life Program" includes hypnotherapy to maintain a healthy weight.
The "Zest for Life Program" also aims to free you from smoking addiction, alcohol abuse and disturbed sleep patterns.
Reiki is. . .
REIKI is, above all, a quite unique experience. The sensations and benifits will vary from person to person. REIKI is a powerful yet subtle therapy that is a completely safe, natural and holistic way of treating disease, through a deep sense of relaxation, REIKI will help release blocked energy and cleanse the body of toxins.
What happens during a REIKI session?
A session usually lasts about an hour and includes a confidential discussion before treatment to ascertain your needs and answer any questions.
I will methodically put my hands on you in a number of 'postures' working from your head to your toes. You will remain fully clothed and the whole experience is both comforting and reassuring. What you experience will be unique to you and may vary from session to session. Some people experience heat coming from my hands, others may experience a tingling sensation, and some nothing more than a deep sense of absolute calm and relaxation.
Testimonials
"I have just returned from a 3 day 1-to-1 retreat with Maureen, who I can only describe as a very sincere, calm and gifted lady. The journey for me was one of spiritual healing, whereby I now feel I am embarking on a new life, in balance with my surrounding. I have an understanding of who I am and have been left feeling I can deal with anything that comes into my life.
It's the attention to detail, total relaxation that all compliments the therapy. I would whole heartedly recommend Maureen and Breakthrough Retreats to anyone."
Donna Ball, Hampshire
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"Firstly I would like to thank Maureen and her team for looking after me so well at a desperate time. I know I needed some guidance as I had been fighting life for 37 years, Maureen and her team enabled me to let go of all my anger, frustration and negative thoughts and see my new life ahead. The combination of psychotherapy and holistic therapies done the trick, I am now beginning a new chapter in my life with a much more calm and happy me and now anything is possible. I would recommend these Retreats to anyone who is at a crossroads in their lives. Keep up the good work Maureen and I look forward to seeing you for the "How To Survive Christmas" Retreat in Suffolk in November."
Michelle Jay, Suffolk
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"BREATHTAKING!"
Iain McDonald, Wales
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"I am writing this a month after returning from a four day retreat in Cornwall- it has taken me this long to just begin to properly grasp all that the retreat helped to uncover. I was very conscious, at the time of my decision, that I was falling apart, and try as I might, I could no longer hold myself together. Although I could feel the desperate need in me to temporarily escape the routine of my day-to-day life, I was deeply worried about how I would be received outside the obvious multi-culturism of London; as a head-scarf-wearing women travelling alone. My fears were completely unfounded, as I was made to feel very welcome, and everyone I came across ranged from friendly to extremely friendly. I was also quite apprehensive about having to face those parts of me that I had suppressed for so long and also about what else may be discovered during the course of the Retreat. Looking back, I wish I had not wasted my energy on such negative thoughts because Maureen undertook her work in a very subtle and sensitive way I always felt I was in a very safe environment. I particularly found the combination of Psychotherapy and Complimentary therapies very useful and It felt very much an holistic approach. There are some very positive experiences I would like to share; in the hope that it might encourage anyone who is considering seeking some resolution in their life. I went to Maureen with two seemingly separate problems, but not only did her techniques show me that they were intertwined, I made great progress at actually overcoming them. The most precious outcome of my four days with Maureen was the release of the traumatic experience of my childhood and early adulthood that had been inflicted by my family. I am delighted to be able to write that they no longer weigh me down and discolour my new experiences- I feel I have reclaimed myself from all the anger and bitterness of my past. Maureen has inspired in me a confidence that continues to grow and returned my clarity to my thinking that I feared I had permanently lost. Since coming back from the Retreat, I have taken up indoor wall climbing, will be enrolling onto a Diploma course and, in between, will be discovering my true vocation. I went to Maureen with some of the dots of a dot-to-dot puzzle, and I came away with not only all the dots, but with them nicely joined up!"
A Mohmed, London
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"Being with Maureen has been a life changing experience. when I arrived at Cape Cornwall I was a mess of shock, horror, shame and grief following my husbands suicide. after only 4 days of talk, exploration and being exposed once again to the beauty of life, I now know that I can arry on and see life for the wonderful thing it can be. I am restored by the deeper understanding of what has happened to me. I now know that I would not have been able to cope for much longer without Maureen's help; I felt so ill when I arrived. A much stronger person left Cape Cornwall than the shell who had arrived there only 4 days previously. Boswedden House is THE place to be when life needs transforming. The warmth, kindness and overwhelming generosity of Thelma and Nigel are a huge part of the Breakthrough to a new life. I cannot thank them enough. Maureen is my saviour. I totally recommend this experience if, like me, you recognise that you are in a dark place in need of a skilled rescue. You cannot afford NOT to do it."
Melinda Sproston, Cheshire
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"I chose this Retreat over others because I wanted to work 1:1 to change the way that I approach my career and to find a way to a more balanced life. Maureen's approach is very helpful one for this because of the combination of techniques that she uses, firstly to identify the source og the particular behaviour/ attitude and then to apply very efficient techniques to help to break the pattern. Maureen has great insight and is committed to helping you to make a positive change."
TG, Buckinghamshire
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"I went on the Retreat when I was was at a very low ebb physically and emotionally following marriage break up and 7 years of treatment for cancer. Whittlebury Hall was a wonderful place to chill out and be pampered ( The Reflexology was particularly good), and the session's with Maureen helped me start to think positive changes I could ( And Would ) make in the future. It wasn't cheap but I'm glad I decided to do it!"
Sue, Cheshire
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"I needed space and support to work through bereavement and partnership issues, and the combination of therapy, space, exhilarating scenary and Maureen's skills turned me around in 7 days. Ever patient and honest, never afraid to be real. Totally recommend this Retreat to anyone who's just stuck in the groove that's not playing their tune any more. The weather was perfect as well, even in December. We stayed in a rented apartment in Cape Cornwall next to the Golf Club as Maureen's usually place was closed for Christmas, it had amazing views and lots of room to work. The daily walks to the sea are totally up lifting, the sea has such power! I also went to some truly amazing places, and had some wonderful therapies from Katie & Kate. if your thinking about going on this retreat GO, forget the price it's amazing."
Anne Campbell, Hertfordshire. Dec 2009
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"I've recently benefitted from a four day retreat with Maureen in beautiful Cape Cornwall. I had an amazing experience that has truly transformed how I see my future. The four days were spent on a 1-1 basis with Maureen and supplemented by other wonderful therapies to complement my journey to achieving the peace I needed in my life. I felt extremely safe and secure at all times in Maureen's very capable hands and she has helped me achieved results that I never thought would be possible for me. The Retreat represents excellent value for money because of all the time you are given and the obvious skills Maureen has to help anyone. Also the accommodation is great with yummy food and amazing views that will always lift your spirits. I will always remember our daily walks to the sea and be enternally greatful that our paths crossed and as a result I got my life back. I have absolutely no reservations at all when highly recommending Maureen and Breakthrough Retreats."
Sarah Trethowan, Cornwall
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"Wonderful location near to Land's End, Cornwall, with plenty of outdoor activities. Did I get what I came for? Yes, and so much more. I would recommend breakthrough retreats to anyone looking for more purpose in their lives. Maureen is a great therapist "
JP, Barnet, Herts
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"I stayed for 2 nights at Breakthrough Retreats and was very impressed by the attentiveness of the staff and the overall experience. I'd recommend the business rooms to anyone looking for a comfortable stay."
Daniel, London
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"I came to England from Germany to go on a retreat with Maureen and I can say with confidence that she has completely changed my life for the better. I came to her suffering with a phobia of vomiting which was so bad that it was seriously affecting the way I was living. After spending 2 days with Maureen I feel like a different person. I now have so much more confidence in myself and since the retreat 2 weeks ago have not suffered from any symptoms of my phobia and have even managed to do things I never would have previously done and managed situations that I wouldn’t have been able to before. Maureen not only helped me with my phobia but also helped me become a more positive and generally happier person. I had recently split from my partner of four years and was extremely emotional about it but I can say that after the retreat I feel so much more positive about the future and about myself and Maureen has helped me to see things/opportunities I couldn’t see before. The retreat focused on my overall psychological health alongside my phobia which I feel helped me in a huge way what with my state of mind and my phobia. I couldn’t have wished for a better person to go on a retreat with. Maureen is a lovely lady and is very empathetic, patient and calming. I especially liked the fact that Maureen was very professional but also very friendly at the same time. From the moment I met her I felt totally relaxed and was able to talk to her with ease and comfort. Maureen was very flexible and designed the retreat especially for my needs. Whittlebury Hall was the hotel the retreat was held and I felt this was a perfect location; the hotel itself was very nice and luxurious and the food and staff were excellent. The overall atmosphere and feel to the place was very calming and relaxing. I would recommend anyone to go a retreat with Maureen. I feel that even without my phobia a retreat with Maureen would have been extremely beneficial. Taking time out for yourself is a must every now and then and I think Maureen and the retreat give you the perfect opportunity to do this. Not only did Maureen help me during the retreat but I have come away with many different techniques she taught me that I can use in the future to help me with any difficulties related to my phobia. I have come away from the retreat a different person...thanks to Maureen I am a much happier person. "
Hannah, Germany
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"I came to Maureen in crisis. She guided me to a place of peace and happiness which was no small task. She is a bright place in a time of gray rainy days. Through a combination of therapy methods, she tailored ourr sessions to suit my particular situation. Maureen has brought tranquility back into my world!! Thank you-- you are amazing!!"
SMW, NJ, USA
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"I had the pleasure on going on this retreat with Maureen - I highly recommend this to anyone who is wanting to change their life for the better - i thank Maureen for having given me a new outlook and a more positive mindset, all in all, a new lease of life...."
Shiv Singh, New Delhi, India
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"I have had the op purtunity and good luck to have worked with maureen courtney and have gained immensely, from her knowlege of handling issues and a sense of calmness that she posseses. She is a talented psychotherapist and has the ability to handle complicated issues with ease. I recommend her highly and have sent people to her and will continue to do so as they have benefitted in their lives to become more wholesome individuals. I wish her her success"
Sadhana Singh, India
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"An amazing journey of self-discovery. Thank you for helping me discover the life I was meant to lead."
LA, Leicester
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"Maureen is such an empathetic person and immensely patient, she takes a great deal of care to design each retreat specifically for each person so that it is especially relevant for them and the issues they want to resolve."
Ruth Featherstone, Hitchin, Herts
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"They normally say that the hardest decision or route to take is the right decision. When i decided to pick up the phone and call Maureen, it was a very hard task for me, although probably the best decision I've ever made for MYSELF in my life. The entire experience of spending 4 days away from my normal life, surroundings and people, was really the only way to just focus on myself. For me, an intensive session like this was probably the only way to breakthrough the hard surface I had built around myself to protect myself. Being around complete strangers, a new place and full focus on my internal processes is exactly what was needed to take me to the next phase of my life.
I have never experienced anything quite like the time I spent in Cornwall with Maureen. Very Intense but very powerful and completely what I needed. The surroundings were so symbolic to the way I was feeling and the freshness of the air felt like I was breathing fresh life into my self. I arrived at the retreat moving at 120mph and left it 20mph, although the slow pace did not mean my inner or outer work was slower, it was just more efficient.
I know that this experience is something which I need throughout my life to continue to find myself, learn past lessons to move effectively and change the world. I feel alive, energised and unstoppable. Thank you, Maureen, we will be able to change the world together."
Rakhee N., Delhi, India
Qualifications
Maureen Courtney is a fully qualified professional Psychotherapist with the following credentials:Registered with UKCP (UK Council For Psychotherapy)
Diploma in Counselling
Diploma in Psychotherapy
Master Practitioner of NeuroLinguistic Programming
Master in Ericksonian Hypnosis
Master Results Coach
Performance Consultant, Advanced Neurological Repatterning
Level 3 Award in Workplace Coaching for Team Leaders and First Line Managers from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Memberships
 
Service Categories
Body Harmony, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Counselling, Hypnotherapist, Life Coaching, Psychotherapy, Reiki, Yoga
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