Scientific Research has shown the Hoffman Process is highly effective in the treatment of Depression
Feeling sad at times is a normal human experience. Usually, if we are able to fully experience our sadness and make meaning of it, these feelings subside in time. This is different to the sorrow of grief from loss or death, which takes a long time to regulate and integrate. However, if sorrow persists and starts to overwhelm us, we might have entered into a state of depression.
Depression is not so much the experience of ‘sadness’ but a toxic belief that we hold about ourselves. In the Hoffman Process (Depression Retreat) we call it the belief of ‘unlovability’. ( Read the essay by Bob Hoffman)
This self-belief that we are not ‘ok’ the way we are, can make it hard to cope with our day to day life. Many people suffer from lack of enjoyment, constant tiredness, difficulties sleeping, inertia, indifference and meaninglessness. Some people may experience a greater sense of irritability and a lack of resilience dealing with stress.
In the Hoffman Process, we deal with the underlying issues that cause depression. Furthermore, the HP offers a corrective experience in regards to a lack of ‘lovability’ and helps participants to be able to find self-understanding, self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, self-love and joy.
(Have a free consultation with a HP trained mental health expert, to help you identify what are the specific causes of your depression)
Independent Scientific Research shows that The Hoffman Process is the Most Effective Therapy for Depression
The HP not only produces significant lasting reductions in negative affect i.e. depression, anxiety, hostility, interpersonal over-sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms but also engenders significant, lasting, increases in positive affect i.e. emotional intelligence, spirituality, mindfulness, forgiveness and empathy, along with increases in physical energy and vitality.
These changes were demonstrated in a University of California’s Study (Levenson et al., 2006). This rigorous study, with a one-year follow-up, showed that most of the gains that participants made during the Process were sustained over the next year, in comparison with the control group. Depression practically disappeared a week after the HP and remained low after a year, with only a 17% relapse rate, while, for example, CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) has shown a relapse rate of 30.8% and antidepressant medication alone 76.2% after one year (Hollon et al., 2005). These outstanding effects on depression were mediated by increases in forgiveness and spirituality. Learn more about the Science underpinning the Hoffman Process.
This is the only personal development retreat in the world to be independently backed by research. Learn what the Hoffman Process is, who takes it, how it works and how it can help people becomes their best selves regardless of their history.
Volker Krohn
Director of Hoffman Institute International and Hoffman Centre Australia/ Singapore
Benefits of Retreats for Depression
Whether you’ve gone on a retreat for depression before or this is your first time considering this type of event, there are countless benefits of committing yourself to actively participating in this kind of getaway. Some examples include:
- Learn valuable coping tools: When you’re suffering from depression or anxiety, it can feel as though every aspect of your life is out of control. During your retreat, you will learn to cope methods, including yoga or meditation, that can help you focus on the moment and work through your negative emotions.
- Meet new people: Understandably, you may feel uncomfortable interacting with new people when you struggle with anxiety or depression. A retreat provides you with a neutral setting, so you don’t need to feel nervous or overwhelmed when you share your thoughts and feelings with others.
- Develop a better understanding regarding the source of your depression: Some people don’t know what triggered their addiction in the first place. As a result, they don’t know where to start when working through the emotions associated with the condition. Our experienced team can help you take the initial steps you need to try to understand what may have triggered your depression and anxiety so that you can better address the results of your diagnosis.
We could go on and on about the advantages of attending one of our retreats. The best way to understand the positive impact that a getaway like this could have on your life is by committing to attend one.
What Our Graduates Say
Over the past 50+ years, thousands of people from all walks of life have benefited from the Hoffman Process. We receive ongoing referrals from therapists, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals.
What's Provided in the Process?
Over the course of 7 days, participants engage in a variety of scientifically-backed modalities including experiential psychotherapy, family constellation, bioenergetics, Gestalt, and more, resulting in accelerated personal growth and fulfillment.
- 7 nights accommodation in Byron Bay
- All daily meals of delicious healthy food
- One experienced, qualified facilitator per 8 participants
- 44 page questionnaire and comprehensive assessment
- 28 page Process Introduction booklet
- 175 page Course Workbook
- 4 Follow-up support sessions tailored to your group
- Over 30 practical and powerful techniques
- Audio download Kit
Who attends the Hoffman Process?
People come with a strong desire to make lasting positive changes and to accelerate their personal growth and development. 90% of participants are between the ages of 30 and 60. Many are executives or professionals, their spouses and other adult family members and friends. Since 1967, more than 150,000 people worldwide have used the Process to achieve greater balance, inner peace, vitality and overall well-being.
Over the years, hundreds of psychotherapists have participated in the Hoffman Process and experienced the Process as a safe place to do their own work and to create lasting changes. Subsequently, they have referred many of their clients as a powerful addition to individual therapy.
Why do people come to the Process?
People come to the Hoffman Process to improve the quality of their lives and to create lasting positive change.
There are many reasons why people choose to do the Process. These include, but are not limited to issues with intimacy, relationship, family, career, creativity, and personal power; enthusiasm, energy and depression; spirituality, the meaning of life, connection and belonging;, compulsive or addictive behaviours, and unwanted personal limitations including stress and anxiety.
We see people who have achieved material success but cannot freely give and receive love. They feel something is missing. Others are in a life transition, perhaps feeling a loss of meaning in their relationships or careers, a sense of being uninspired with their world
We also work with adults who grew up in difficult or even abusive families, Some, needing a breakthrough, are referred by therapists. We see religious and spiritual practitioners as well as students of the human potential movement who know that something is still missing. And we work with parents who see themselves passing their pain onto their children.
What are the indicators for taking the Hoffman Process?
Here is a list of statements that you can review to see if the Hoffman Process is for you.
- I feel that something is holding me back and want to take the limits off.
- I experience too much stress, and I’m not having enough fun.
- I know what I should do, but often can’t generate the will to do it.
- I often feel angry, resentful, embarrassed or depressed.
- I flip flop between dominating and intimidating people below me and avoid being dominated by people above me.
- I feel intimidated, coerced, and manipulated and can’t stand up for myself.
- I work compulsively, often to the detriment of other aspects of my life.
- Meaning is going out of my marriage, my career, or life in general. I often feel I’m just going through the motions.
- There’s a lack of intimacy in my life — I’ve been unsuccessful in creating relationships.
- I’m in recovery from substance abuse (clean and sober for 90 days minimum) and want to deal with the original pain that led to addiction.
- I recognize that my parents were not as loving and supportive as I wanted them to be, or that bad things happened in my childhood.
- I see myself passing my own suffering on to my children.
If one or more of these statements apply to you, we recommend that you consider taking the Process. Contact us to discuss how the Process can assist you to resolve the patterns that let to these experiences.
What are some possible outcomes of the Hoffman Process?
Through the Hoffman Process, you will come to know yourself emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually as never before. The Process offers deep and rapid resolution of emotional issues and enables you to come to terms with life as it is. You can recover the love, happiness, ease of self-expression, and emotional intelligence that are your birthright, and emerge as a renewed powerful and mature adult. It induces a renewed sense of leadership in a person’s life.
How long does it take?
The Hoffman Process is a comprehensive 3-month personal development program, the foundation of which is a 7 day intensive residential retreat. We recommend that you spend the two days following the 7 day program as time for personal reflection and integration. On that weekend the whole group reconvenes for a 2 hours tutorial about how to apply the tools of the Process in daily life. Our experience is that participants notice positive results immediately. Of course, there is also a period of adjustment in the days and weeks following the Process while you integrate insights and knowledge into your daily life. For the first 3 weeks after the Process, the facilitators track the integration process weekly via phone calls.
Who presents the Hoffman Process?
All our Hoffman teachers have completed very rigorous training in the methodology of the Hoffman Process. They are highly trained therapists and mature professionals grounded in various disciplines. Our teachers provide instruction and personalized individual guidance to ensure that each student progresses successfully through the Process and learns tools for ongoing development.
How large is the group? Will I get individual attention?
Typical Process size ranges from 20 to 23 participants with one certified Hoffman Process teacher for every six to eight students.
What does it cost?
The full Process fee is AUD $6,975 inc gst. This includes accommodation (Friday to Thursday night inclusive), meals, tuition, workbooks, tools and support. Accommodation is on a shared basis for participants of the same gender. Private rooms can be arranged subject to availability. Please contact our administration team for availability.
To secure a place, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required, with the balance due 2 weeks prior to Process commencement. Whether paid in full or a deposit paid, we offer a $400 Early Bird Discount if full Process payment is received no later than 4 weeks prior to the commencement date. The Process cost after the Early Bird discount is AUD $6,575 incl. gst.
We accept payment via Credit Card (no surcharges apply): Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paypal or Direct Deposit.
Cancellation, Deferral and Refund Policy: The $500 non-refundable deposit is valid for twelve months and applies to a specific course date. If you change or cancel your Process within 2 weeks of commencement, a $3500 Process fee is applicable. If you change or cancel your Process within 1 week of Course commencement, the entire fee is forfeited. Exemptions are considered on medical grounds if a Medical Certificate is provided. All other date changes made outside of these specified periods, incur a $110 administration fee. For any questions, please call +61 3 9826 2133 or contact us by email.
How do I Enrol?
You may enrol in the Hoffman Process on our secure registration page, by phone (61 3) 9826 2133, email: admin@hoffmanprocess.com.au, fax (61 2) 6678 0328 or mail (PO Box 1225, Byron Bay, NSW 2481) A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place in a scheduled Process. Upon registering you will be sent detailed enrollment information, pre-Process documents, and directions to the Process site.
Sangurya Retreat Centre in Byron Bay
Accommodation for the Process
The Hoffman Process runs from 9am Saturday morning and concludes at 1:30pm on Friday afternoon. There is a tutorial the day after the Process ends on Saturday from 10am – 12:30pm in Byron Bay town centre.
- 7 nights accommodation at Sangurya Retreat Centre in Byron Bay (Friday to Thursday night inclusive).
- Accommodation commences on Friday from 2pm and includes dinner
- Rooms are on a shared basis with participants of the same gender. Private rooms can be arranged subject to availability. Please contact our administration team for more information.
- All daily meals of delicious healthy food are included
Hoffman Process Dates in Australia
Tuition Support Available
What you can expect from the Hoffman Process in Australia
As a trusted name for wellness retreats for depression, you can count on our team to provide you with an experience you will not soon forget. When you attend a depression therapies retreat, you can expect the following from our team:
- Free consultation: If you’re still on the fence about whether our depression and anxiety retreats in Australia are for you, we offer the option of a free consultation. During these calls, we can address any questions regarding what you can expect from your retreat on this phone call, so we encourage you to take full advantage of it.
- Personalised attention: You never have to worry about not receiving the care you need while attending our retreats. Anywhere between 20 and 23 people come to our retreats, and you will have access to a certified instructor assigned to you. Our retreats take place in the Byron Bay Area, which provides you with a relaxing and calming environment, so you can work on overcoming your anxiety or depression in peace
- Events throughout the year: We do everything that we can to accommodate the unique schedule of our clients, which is why we offer a handful of events throughout the year. Whether you decide to attend just one or opt to register for multiple events, you will consistently find the care and support that you need to make a serious change in your life.
If you still have more questions regarding what you can expect when you attend one of our depression retreats in Australia, just let us know. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable throughout the time that you’re at an event.
Tips on getting more Value out of the Process for Depression
Taking the step to attend a retreat to address your anxiety is potentially life changing. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to ensure you make the most out of your time:
- Be honest: Remember, other attendees are likely feeling similar emotions as you. Although it may initially feel uncomfortable, by communicating openly and honestly with other retreat attendees as well as our team, you will begin to learn the best way to interact with people so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by your anxiety or depression.
- Arrive on time: Each session of our retreat begins promptly at its assigned time. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to arrive five to 10 minutes early to ensure that you don’t miss out on any helpful information. Our events typically occur at night, so they are less likely to interfere with your personal or professional responsibilities.
- Adopt what you learn into your everyday life: Whether you picked up a relaxation technique or a new way of thinking that you didn’t consider before, we encourage our clients to incorporate what they learned into their daily routine. Doing so can help to centre your focus and may help you work through the effects of anxiety or depression if they manifest during the day.
Related Services We Provide to Depression Retreats
Did you know that we offer our clients more than just options for retreats for anxiety and depression? Some related services include:
- Free materials: Do you want to listen or read more about how a retreat can help you? Our team believes that this information is invaluable and should always be free, which is why we offer a downloadable booklet or audio materials that can help you understand more about the details of our retreats.
- Waitlist: We recommend that you book your retreat as soon as possible as spots are limited, and they do fill up quickly. If there is a retreat that interests you and there aren’t any available spots, you can request to join our waitlist. If a spot opens up, we will notify you right away and encourage you to register immediately so that you don’t lose your position.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Every human being on planet earth is faced with the same fundamental existential dilemmas: Birth and Death, Freedom, Isolation vs Belonging and Meaninglessness. If we never take the time to indwell these questions and to find personal resolution with them, they will inevitably impact upon our sense of self and our primary relationships, because we are unable to bring the ‘presence’ of our being to another human if we have not truly encountered our own being.
This commonly leads to deterioration in our relationships, as we do not know how to get our own needs met or to be able to meet the needs of our partner or intimates and many people seek help in this instance. If we still manage to avoid ourselves, this lack of ‘presence’ will impact further in our ability to form meaningful connectedness with our extended family and friends.
We will lack resilience to meet the interpersonal demands at work, compensating our lack of inner resolve and control with maybe bullying others or becoming a target of bullying, aggravating unnecessary levels of stress which further destabilizes and jeopardizes us.
Such vicious cycles can lead to a sense that our job is at risk and stimulates survival anxiety. The amount of stress hormones that are released if such situations persist over an extended period of time, will lead to the repression of our immune system and make us more prone to ill health further acerbating the cycle of depression. Our weakened organism cannot produce enough serotonin and we can move into clinical depression.
Often people seek medication to alleviate these unbearable feelings but medication without personal intervention does not lead to resolution. Medication without conversation can just lead to further repression of the underlying causes.
We Are Here to Help You
To break this cycle in the treatment of depression, it is essential is to address the underlying existential and emotional issues, as well as to build a sense of inner understanding and awareness that can enable us to respond to external stressors. Depression also occurs when we have learnt to habitually repress certain emotional states like ‘anger’ and ‘grief or sadness’. Depending upon how these emotions were socialized within our families and communities they usually camouflage the internal toxic shame beliefs that we hold about our selves, like un-lovability, inadequacy, self-invalidation and self-criticism.
According to the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, depression occurs when you have at least 5 of the following symptoms at the same time:
- A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
- Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
- Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
- A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
If you still have more questions regarding what you can expect when you attend one of our depression retreats in Australia, just let us know. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable throughout the time that you’re at an event.
Book a Free Consultation
Take advantage of our free consultation and speak with one of our consultants.
Free Self Assessment
Find out in 5 minutes if the Hoffman Process is right for you.
- Mental Health Retreats
- Mental Health Retreats NSW
- Mental Health Retreats Victoria
- Health Retreat Byron Bay
- Spiritual Retreats
- Depression Retreat
- Anxiety Retreat
- Mental Health Retreats Australia
- Byron Bay Health Retreat
- Wellness Retreat Byron Bay
- Byron Bay Spiritual Retreat
- Byron Bay Detox Retreat
- Byron Bay Retreats
- Emotional Healing Retreats Australia
- Health Retreat
- Darkness Retreat Australia
- Mental Wellness Retreat
- Best Wellness Retreats
- Detox Retreat
- Wellness Retreat
- Wellbeing Retreat
- Meditation Retreat Byron Bay
- Retreat for Depression
- Mental Therapy Retreat
- Health Retreat Gold Coast
- Mental Health Retreat Sydney
- Byron Bay Hinterland Retreat
- Mental Health Retreat Melbourne
- Health Wellness Retreats
- Behavioral Health Retreat
- Mental Health Retreat QLD
- Victorian Health Retreat
- Health Wellness Retreats for Women
- Health Retreats NSW Australia