NEWS: Mindful Compassion Retreat with Dr Deborah Lee. We are now ready with our Advanced Mindful Compassion Retreat in 2026 and are happy to announce that Dr Deborah Lee will be facilitating the retreat. The retreat will take place from Saturday 10th January to Saturday 17th January. If you wish to know more about the retreat, please contact us at info@mindwork.dk.
We invite you to join us for another compassion retreat focused on deepening our understanding of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) by experiencing it from the inside out. The program will build upon the ideas and practices from Compassion Focused Therapy (Gilbert, 2009, 2014). CFT is designed to help individuals who struggle with self-criticism and feelings of shame. It is rooted in evolutionary human science and social mentality theory (Gilbert). The approach aims to improve intra- and interpersonal functioning in our social worlds by working with the three flows of compassion. We can maintain our compassionate motivations at the heart of our work through self-practice and experience this approach from the inside out.
As professionals and human beings, we, too, can experience self-criticism, social comparison, and feelings of inadequacy and we sometimes struggle to meet our own needs. Looking after our own emotional well-being is essential for the work that we do with our clients or in other professional settings. By developing self-awareness and engaging in self-practice, this retreat aims to help us enhance our self-compassion. We will continue to develop our compassionate minds, bring balance to our emotional worlds, and improve our personal well-being. Our own practice not only helps us in our professional lives but also more compassionate versions of ourselves in our own lives. During the five days we will focus on deepening and elaborating the qualities and skills of the ‘compassionate mind’, working in depth with self-criticism, difficult emotions and other challenging aspects of human life.
The retreat is designed for participants who have either previous been on our Mindful Compassion Retreat or have experience in working with compassion. The retreat is experiential and practice-based and the focus is even more than the previous retreats on the application of mindful compassion in relation to self-reflection and personal development aiming to facilitate growth and wellbeing on a deeper level.
During the retreat, we will work together to create safe boundaries and, a respectful and supportive, space to explore these topics. This is a self-practice retreat and not a formal therapy retreat, and there is no pressure to share experiences or parts of yourself that you do not feel comfortable sharing. You are welcome to work on your own process, use your own memories/experiences/self-criticism, but as you oversee your own mind, it is up to you to decide the way you use the compassion exercises.
To secure a common starting point for all participants, bookings from participants who have not participated in our previous retreats or similar training might require some proof of prior Mindful Compassion training and/or practice. If you are interested in the retreat and have no experience with Mindful Compassion training you are welcome to contact us to hear about training opportunities.
You will be staying 7 nights at the Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas, Thailand. We have carefully chosen it for the retreat, as this resort offers an unique possibility for peace and concentration which will support the personal development process during the staying. The resort offers harmonious surroundings with graceful nature, fantastic gastronomy and exquisite personal service. You can read more about the resort at wyndhamhuahin.com.
I hereby sign up for the Advanced Mindful Compassion Retreat in Thailand from the 10th of January to the 17th of January 2026.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to have a good travel insurance that also covers in case of new Covid19 restrictions.
Dates:
The 10th of January to the 17th of January 2025.
The workshop runs from the 13th of January to the 17th of January 2026.
IMPORTANT: Make sure your own travel insurance cover in case of new Covid19 restrictions.
Fee*:
23.900 DKK (approx. € 3200).
Flight not included.
The rate includes accommodation for 7 nights in single room at Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas with daily breakfast, 5 days workshop and retreat-program with lunch, 2 dinners, and 1 massage at the spa.
It is possible to upgrade to a 2 persons pool villa at an additional charge 0f 5.900 DKK (approx. € 790).
You can also upgrade to a Deluxe SeaView room for an additional 1.900 DKK. (approx. €250).
If you wish to share a double room with another participant, a reduction in price is possible. Call or e-mail us to hear more.
It will be possible to extend your stay in Thailand. Mindwork has an agreement with the resort that offers you advantageous prices for additional nights.
Transfer
Mindwork will help coordinate transfer for participants arriving in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) Saturday morning before 07:00.
* The fee in Euro is converted from the price in DKK, which is at all times the one that applies. There can therefore be slight adjustments in the € price.
Dr Deborah Lee is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, an Honorary Associate Professor at University College London and Founding Board Member of The Compassionate Mind Foundation. She runs a complex PTSD service and mental health services for military veterans in the NHS. Dr Lee has pioneered the development of compassion focused therapy for shame based trauma. Dr Lee and authored the best selling self help book, The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Recovering from Trauma and PTSD: Using Compassion-Focused Therapy to Overcome Flashbacks Shame, Guilt, and Fear (2013). New Harbinger, New York. She has worked in the field of trauma and compassion for 34 year and closely collaborate with Professor Paul Gilbert, who is her supervisor and mentor, over this time.
As part of her work, she has developed a compassionate leadership programme for NHS teams and her Trust, became one of the first Trusts in England to embed compassionate leadership principles into its leadership framework. She now provides compassionate leadership courses and consultation to other Trusts.
Dr Lee has widely contributed to the dissemination of her clinical knowledge through writing and, delivering clinical and leadership workshops, keynote addresses, podcasts, self practice retreats in North & South America, Europe, Japan and Australia.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an integrate approach developed by Professor Paul Gilbert. It is rooted in evolution theory, neuroscience, social- and developmental psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. The approach was originally developed for people with high levels of self-criticism and shame, who tended to make less progress in traditional therapeutic approaches. Shame, self-criticism and difficulties in managing emotions are known to have an important role in keeping a certain psychological condition.
CFT’s focus on development of empathy and self-care has proven effective in treating across diagnosis and therapy methods. CFT is now used for a broad variety of clinical presentations. Crucially, CFT emphasises the importance for practitioners to consider how this model – the insights into human suffering and distress, along with compassion based approaches to alleviating this distress – applies to themselves.
“Russell was a fantastic facilitator and instructor. He created a safe and open space from the first day and he participated actively with his own experiences. He has a deep knowledge of Compassion Focused Therapy and he was sharp, open, funny and very attentive. Vibeke was – as always – a wonderful host with her sweet and attentive presence. If you want to sharpen your compassionate mind and gain new insights and energy, then come to Thailand”. Pernille Blidsøe
“On these retreats there is always an atmosphere of trust, of care and of courageous honesty, that I have not experienced in any other setting. This means that the work and personal growth that can be done on the retreat is much more deep and profound, and I know that I always leave a different person than the one who arrived. I’m a little wiser, a little calmer and a lot stronger. I am ever so grateful!” Aurora Veber (a third time participant).
“The atmosphere – the hotel and Thailand – is wonderful for learning new skills. Chris, Vibeke and Julie was truly engaged, motivated and served as great inspiration”. Signe Colding-Jørgensen.
“Really amazing experience. The resort wraps itself around which enhances the learning and the bonding of the group. The instructor was always helpful in the workshop, always compassionate and hed everyones emotions respectfully” Alice Campbell.
“The surroundings are amazing; the heat, beautiful plants and flowers, damp smells, sounds and smells awakens your senses to explore the human mind. I felt as a new person with the potential to be a wiser, stronger and more caring version of myself.” Maria R. Madsen.
“Going as far away as Thailand had a big influence on me. The group, the accommodation and the concept all together influenced me on my way back to myself. I thank all and also myself for that.” Heidi Rosenqvist.
“Excellent experience. I will never forget it.” Marie Kingston.
“This Mindfull Compassion Retreat is the best thing I have ever done for myself. After a week with a completely well organised program in amazing surroundings, I am leaving Thailand with gratitude, strength, wisdom and great compassion to myself. Chris is the perfect instructor and the organizers have been fantastic. It has been a complete experience.” Lisette Bjerregaard.
“The Mindful Compassion Retreat 2017 gave me an indescribable opportunity to learn about compassion both personally and professionally. The instructor, Chris, has been extremely competent and there has been a good mix between theory, exercises and contemplation. The course facilitators are clearly passionate about what they do and it is wonderful to be around people, who have a natural interest in making their guests feel good.” Kirstine Nørrelykke.
“Chris is authentic, knowledgeable and caring. The best teacher i have ever met, and I have met quite a few. If you are ready to look at and challenge yourself, this retreat is amazing and a fantastic opportunity for development both personally and professionally.” Susanne Vineke.
“This Mindful Compassion Retreat has been a defining moment in my life and for my future. THANK YOU!” Hanne Otte.
“This retreat brings development both privately and professionally. The perfect match between the two results in a complete a feeling of perfection”. Tove L.
“It has been a lovely and fantastic experience. It has given me more insights into myself and I know I will be able to work more authentic with compassion in the future.” Puk E.
“The concept about mindful compassion is important to share in many professional areas, where we work with other people. It gives you food for thought, that can be used in many aspects of life – both professionally and privately.” Pia Muller.
“Wonderful retreat! Good instructor with the perfect combination of theoretical knowledge and practical know how. Fantastic surrounding with room for reflection and growth. Nobody will leave here without valuable insights”. Louise Harboe.
“A great retreat, professionally organised and presented. A week to spend time on yourself and learn and practice tools to be more compassionate to ourselves and others. All conducted in a great environment. Take time for your self, this retreat allows it”. Cheryl Cornelius.
“The training was very well balanced and helped in staying alerted, focused and able to learn and integrate the learning. Take this time to go away and immerse yourself in this training”. Judy Vidulich.
“A lifechanging experience! This was really a retreat. I will contain all my memories from here, and I’m sure it will prevent any burnout. What a wonderful group experience with dedicated and motivated retreat facilitators”. John Lerche.
“The Mindful Compassion retreat is the experience of a lifetime – it has provided me with a deeper understanding of the struggles of life and how to both accept and alleviate suffering in myself and my loved ones. I highly recommend this retreat.” Michaela Thomas.
“Ideal blend of theory, personal development, social/private life, food, drinks and warmth! You don’t have to know about Mindful Compassion beforehand to learn it”. Christian Frøkjær Thomsen.
“This retreat was a truly amazing experience. The mix between theory and experiential practice allowed me to fully understand the model and myself. The experience on the retreat has helped me to understand myself greater which in turn can help me to help the people that I work with too. The experience of being in Thailand in an lovely setting also allows you to experience the deep and dark places that your mind can go to and fully understand difficult emotions such as shame. I would really recommend this retreat to any practitioner wanting to not only understand themselves deeper but also to help the people that they work with”. Sunil Lad.
