Retreat FAQs

Address:
Chateau de Puissentut
Lieu dit Puissentut
32120 Homps
Gers
France

info@puissentut.com
+33 6 45 54 60 49 or +33 6 45 00 97 65

Fly: The nearest airport is Toulouse (Blagnac) which is an international hub for major and budget airlines.

Train: The TGV train from Paris arrives at Agen or Toulouse (Matabiau).

Transfer: The team at Chateau de Puissentut arrange transfers so you can travel with ease and be reassured you will be looked after.  Please ensure you let us know your full travel details including airline, flight number and times, or train station, times and codes.  This will help the Chateau team to coordinate your transfer.

There is no local public transport to Puissentut so if you would like to get about you will need to hire a car.

- Comfortable clothing for yoga and healing sessions
- Light / Rain jacket
- Layers for cooler evenings
- Walking shoes / trainers
- Swimwear

All yoga mats and equipment is provided. Resources for healing and wellness coaching are provided. If you are used to using a journal you may wish to bring that, however, there is no need to bring a notebook as everything needed will be provided for you.

Check in - When do I need to arrive?

You are welcome to check in from 2:00pm (official check-in on Chateau website 4:00pm) and check-out is at 10:00am.  Please aim to arrive well ahead of the welcome event which will start at 5.30pm and be followed by dinner.  That way you have time to settle into your room, catch a breath from your travel, rest if needed, say hello and be feeling more relaxed in time for your retreat experience to begin.

Check out - What time do I need to leave by?

Check-out is at 10:00am.  There will be a yoga class as usual at 8am should you wish to attend and breakfast will also be served prior to check out.

Yes

Please bring cash for any massages and separate treatments you wish to book over your retreat, wine purchases from the venue or for leaving tips for the staff cleaning your room.  

All bathroom and swim towels will be provided.

The entire ground floor and two of the bedrooms are accessible for wheel chairs. Both bedrooms, one of which is a double and the other can be either a double or twins, have wet rooms.

It is also possible to access the barn and the treatment rooms.

The garden is accessible with help. There are no steps but there are no paths either which means manoeuvring across the grass. The pool terrace is accessible but not the pool.

Is there an age restriction? What ages will the participants be?

This retreat is for any Adult of 18 years and older.  On previous and similar retreats, guests typically range in age between 25 and 65 years old.  

What kind of yoga is involved?
The yoga offered is gentle, restorative, and accessible. Sessions focus on breath, movement, and relaxation rather than athletic performance or advanced postures.

I am a beginner, will it suit me?
Yes. All sessions are designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear guidance and modifications provided so you can go at your own pace. 

I am very experienced with yoga, will it suit me?
Yes. While sessions are accessible for beginners, our Yoga leaders can adapt the movements for the full range of experience within the group.  Participants more familiar with yoga will also find depth through mindfulness, breath work, and the meditative elements of the practice.

Who will lead the yoga?
Chloe Goddard, our qualified and highly experienced yoga teacher will guide each session, offering safe, supportive, and inclusive instruction.  Read more about Chloe on our page about our Facilitators.

What is a sound bath?
A sound bath is a deeply restorative meditative experience where soothing vibrations from crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes calm the mind, release tension, and rebalance the nervous system, leaving you feeling grounded, clear, and deeply renewed. It is not an active practice.  you simply lie down, relax, and allow the sounds to wash over you.

What can I expect?
Expect a calm, restorative practice that helps you relax, release tension, and reconnect with yourself. You’ll leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and restored.

What is Vortex Healing?
Vortex Healing is a form of energy healing that focuses on clearing deep-rooted patterns, restoring balance, and reconnecting you with your natural vitality. It works on physical, emotional, and energetic levels.

Who will lead Vortex Healing?
Sessions will be led by Kate Wykes who is a qualified practitioner trained and experienced in Vortex Healing.  Read more about Kate on page about our Facilitators.

I have never done healing before, is it safe?
Yes. Vortex Healing is safe, gentle, and supportive. You do not need prior experience, and you remain fully in control of your experience.

What can I expect?
Each person’s experience is unique. Some feel deep relaxation, warmth, or subtle energy shifts, while others may notice insights or emotional release. Whatever you experience, it will be held in a safe and supportive space.

What will the Wellness Coaching focus on?
The coaching sessions explore limiting beliefs, those unconscious patterns or stories that may hold you back. Through practical tools and guided reflection, you’ll learn practical ways to reframe, release yourself from their strength, replace and ultimately live more effectively with them, while applying more empowering perspectives.  There are so many examples of limiting beliefs and the "shoulds and must" rules that are born from them, that it is impossible to list them all here.  

Below are some limits in the domains of Self, Others and The World and a few common messages many of us heard when growing up.  Some of these may resonate with you, some may not, for some the opposite message may have been learned.  If you dont recognise these examples, that's absolutely fine as the Retreat is designed to help you identify those limits that are relevant to you.  Together we explore the many parts of your life, messages you absorbed, created and internalised, all to help you survive, stay safe and navigate the world.  

The world is dangerous/ unfair/ unjust/ scary.  Others are unpredictable/ untrustworthy/ unreliable.  Marriage is forever. Couples should never fight and should always stay together for kids.  Rich people are mean/ ruthless/ selfish.  Sickness = weakness.  Fat people dont look after themselves and have no will power.  I must please others/ look after others/ put others' needs before mine.  I must avoid discomfort. I must never show vulnerability or weakness.  I must always be totally prepared.  I must never say what I am truly thinking or feeling. I must never disappoint. I must be perfect.  

Who will lead the Wellness Coaching?
The sessions will be led by Dr Janine Hayward a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and  experienced wellness coach trained in working with limiting beliefs and personal transformation.  Learn more about Janine on our page about our Facilitators.

Will my parents be blamed for my childhood?
No. The sessions are not about placing blame but about understanding how beliefs are formed and how they may affect you today. The focus is on self-awareness, healing, and moving forward.  Some people have experienced very challenging childhood environments and experiences and in these cases we may name those experiences for their true nature however this will never involve placing blame.

Will I have to speak in front of the group?
Participation is encouraged but never forced. You’ll always be invited to share at your own comfort level, and there will be opportunities for quiet reflection if you prefer not to speak.

Why do you ask me to complete questionnaires?
The questionnaires help you reflect in advance and allow the facilitator to better understand your needs. They are a tool for self-discovery and support, not a test.

Will there be any tests or exams at the end of the workshops?
No. There are no tests or exams. The workshops are about personal growth, not performance or striving for perfection (unless ‘I must be perfect’ is one of the beliefs that holds you back!).

What happens if I get really upset or overwhelmed during the session?
The facilitators are experienced in holding safe, supportive spaces. If you become upset or overwhelmed, you’ll be given time, compassion, and support. You can step out, take a break, or receive one-to-one support if needed.

A Typical Day

A day at the retreat usually follows this gentle rhythm:

• 8:00am – Morning yoga session (45m)
•  8:45am – Group healing meditation (30m)
• 9:15am – Leisurely breakfast (75mins) 
• 10.50 for 11:00am – Wellness coaching workshop - Part 1, 2, or 3 (90-120m)
• 1:00pm – Free time (30m)
• 1:30pm – Relaxed lunch (60–90 minutes)
• 3pm – Free time (optional 45-minute 1-to-1 healing session or massage available)
• 5.50pm – Early evening Yoga and/or sound bath and breathwork depending on group need (60m)
• 7pm - Restorative dinner
• 8.30pm – Free time 

Variations in the Programme

• Day 3: There is no wellness coaching session. This space is designed for you to absorb and reflect on what you’ve learned so far. You’ll also have opportunities to join creative workshops, take nature walks, or simply rest. A parent-focused workshop may also be available (dependent on relevance to participants and appetite).
• Final full day: Part 3 of the wellness coaching series takes place, bringing the programme to completion.

Attendance and Flow of Learning

You are welcome to join as much or as little of the programme as you like. However, please note that the Wellness Coaching sessions build on each other. To gain the most from the experience, it’s important to attend them in sequence, especially the first session.

Missing sessions makes it harder to fully benefit from the learning, and catching up may unintentionally affect other participants’ experiences. Of course, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. If this happens, we will do our best to help you catch up as quickly and smoothly as possible, without disrupting the group.

Will there be free time?
Yes. While the retreat offers a full programme, we’ve also included dedicated free time (at least 3-4 hours per day) so you can rest, reflect, or simply enjoy the surroundings.

What can I do with my free time?
That’s entirely up to you. You might choose to rest, journal, explore the grounds, connect with fellow participants, or book an individual healing session or massage.

Is this retreat about relaxation?
Absolutely. The retreat is designed to balance structured sessions with opportunities for rest and self-care, so you leave feeling nourished and recharged.

Can I book 1-to-1 sessions with facilitators?
Yes, however availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don’t manage to book during the retreat, we can easily arrange follow-up sessions with your preferred facilitator(s) once you’re home.  We will let you know how to book these sessions during the first day and welcome ceremony.  It is likely we will have a booking sheet on a table nearby where you have breakfast; it will show available times in which you can add your name under the relevant facilitator.

Can I get a massage?
Yes. Chloe, our experienced and qualified massage therapist, will be offering sessions. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to get booked up quickly. Please check the booking sheet on arrival to reserve your preferred time(s).

Alcohol
Yes, local and organic wines will be available for purchase for anyone who fancies a wine with dinner.  This is your retreat, your break away from your day to day life so we want you to feel free to make it your own.  We do encourage an alcohol free approach to the day time activities allowing for clear heads during the ‘work’ so that nothing gets in the way of you getting the absolute most out of the whole experience.  On the last night of the Retreat there will be a celebration with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to help mark the occasion.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic drinks will be available with meals and throughout the day at a refreshment station.

How many meals are included?
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served daily including dinner on the day of your arrival and breakfast on the day of check out.

Will snacks be available between meals?
Enjoy complimentary teas, coffee, and spring water available throughout the day, as well as a selection of fresh seasonal fruit.

I am Vegetarian, Vegan and or Protein Lover - can you accommodate me?
The healthy meals will involve vegetarian, vegan and protein lover friendly options.  The caterers will do their best to meet your preferences. We can not guarantee food intolerance will be fully accommodated because it depends on the diversity of requirements and preferences across the whole group.

I have a food allergy - will this be accommodated?
Yes, the caterers are experienced in meeting the needs of people with a food allergy.  Please note, if no medical need or dietary requirement is stated and we are not advised of a change 72 hours prior to the start of the retreat we can not guarantee your need will be accommodated.

What are the rooms and bathrooms like?
The Chateau rooms are doubles and have a kingsize bed, modern bathroom with local organic products.  All very similar they feature a luxury laid back feeling from exposed walls, charm, modern facilities and touches.

Will I have to share?
No you will not have to share, unless you prefer to share and pre arrange with us to share with a friend.  

Will I have my own bathroom?
Yes, each room comes with it's own ensuite.  There is one exception, two double rooms share a private bathroom,  lounge and kitchenette (it is perfect for friends).

Can I share a room with a friend?
It may be possible to arrange to share a room and bathroom with a friend.  Please contact Janine and Kate on info@composurepsychology.com to check availability using Subject: RETREAT to arrange this

If I share with a friend does this change the cost?
The price for the entire Retreat programme and experience is the same for each person regardless of whether a room is shared or not.  A small reduction may be made available if two people decide they would prefer to share (however this is not guaranteed).  Please contact Kate and Janine on info@composurepsychology.com to discuss sharing. 

Is there a single supplement?
No, every participant pays the same programme price regardless of room occupancy. The only exception is when two friends choose to share a room—in these cases, we may offer a small discount on accommodation costs, though this isn't guaranteed. Our pricing covers the complete retreat experience, with accommodation charged separately. This approach ensures fairness and accessibility for all guests, whether they're attending solo, with a friend, or with a partner.

Can I use my mobile phone on this retreat?
We encourage and welcome you to use the retreat to fully disengage and detox from your mobile phone.  If this seems too extreme, you may like to experiment with leaving your phone in your room for longer and longer periods of time as the retreat unfolds.  

We do ask that you leave your mobile phone in your room during each yoga, healing and workshop activity or if you must bring it with you, to ensure it is turned off or turned to airplane mode for the session duration.  

We highly recommend you resist the urge to go and get your mobile and turn your mobile back on as soon as a session ends.  The 10-20 minutes immediately after an activity is a wonderful juicy time when your mind and body processes its experience, begins to lay down new memories and neural pathways in your brain and often provides you with insights and sensations you may never have noticed before.  Reaching for your mobile phone during or immediately after an activity can interfere and prevent this from happening and instead reinforce already present, often unhelpful or unwanted thought patterns and trigger attention shifting to expected body sensations.  

Phone downtime will help you nurture yourself, give you the best chance of staying fully present, moment to moment with each activity.  It will pave the way for you to get the most out of everything on offer including the work that you do, for you, and every opportunity to relax, connect with yourself, others and nature for five whole days.  

However: We do absolutely understand that we all have different responsibilities that may mean we need to be in regular touch with children, those we care for or others. If your biggest client needs you or the wheels are falling off a project and you need to mentor your team - we get it!   If you are ensconced in a fab audio book or desperate to watch the last episode of your latest Netflix series while languishing on a sun lounger - we wont judge!

Will the sessions be recorded?
We would like to record and transcribe our group coaching sessions to help us

• Review and improve our coaching techniques
• Create anonymised summaries for programme development
• Ensure we're providing the best possible service and support

This is how we handle your information

Recording & Transcription:

• Audio recordings will be made of group coaching sessions
• Recordings will be transcribed into written text

Anonymisation Process:

• All personal identifiers (names, locations, specific details) will be removed from transcripts
• Participants will be referred to generically (e.g., "Participant A" or "Female, 40s, Project Manager and Parent)
• Any identifying details about personal situations will be generalised or removed

Data Retention & Deletion:

• Original audio recordings will be deleted within 7 days of the session
• Original transcripts (with identifying information) will be deleted within 7 days
• Only anonymised summaries will be retained for programme improvement purposes

Use of Anonymised Summaries:

• To improve future coaching sessions and retreat programmes
• For internal training and development purposes
• Will never be shared externally or used for commercial purposes

Your Rights and the process

• Recording requires unanimous consent from all participants.  We will ask you to sign a consent form for recording on the first day of the Retreat.
• Participation is completely voluntary - you can attend sessions without giving consent to recording
• You can withdraw consent at any time during the session by simply letting Janine or another co-lead know and the recording will be stopped
• You can request information about how your data has been handled at any time

How do you look after my data?

We take all reasonable steps to hold your information securely within ComposurePsychology’s system and processes:

All client files are kept within a secure client management system widely used in the health service industry including the NHS, called WriteUpp.  Please refer to WriteUpp’s privacy policy for more detail.  

Stripe is used for payment processing.  Please refer to Stripe’s privacy policy for more details.

Access to your personal information is restricted on a ‘need-to-know’ basis only i.e. for those concerned directly with your retreat arrangements, your care and with your account.

Any information you send us is held within a password protected, encrypted email system hosted by Fixed.Net. Please refer to their privacy policy for more details.  

To prevent unauthorised disclosure or access to your information, we have implemented strong physical and electronic security safeguards. 

In addition, ComposurePsychology implements procedures to comply with all relevant statutory requirements and monitors internal procedures periodically to ensure that there is compliance for security measures.

In the unlikely event of a data protection breach we will notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) so that their procedures can be followed. We will also notify all individuals whose data may have been accessed to alert them to the breach and any potential risks. 

Who do we share it with?

We will not use, sell or disclose your information for any other purpose than those stated in our Retreat terms and conditions without your consent unless required to by law. 

Will I be photographed?

We may have a photographer or take photos during the retreat for future marketing.  Please let us know if you do not want your images to be included in promotional materials.   

Terms and Conditions

Please find a link to the terms and conditions here. 

Will I be asked for Feedback? What if I have a concern during the retreat?

We welcome all feedback throughout and at the end of the Retreat.  We will ask for official constructive feedback on the last day.  

In addition, we welcome and are grateful for any testimonials you may be willing to provide either anonymously or with fully identifiable details for use in future marketing materials.

If there are concerns or an issue arises while attending, please let Janine or Kate know and we will look to provide a resolution as soon as possible.

Once collected we will create an anonymised summary of the retreat feedback for use in improving our Retreat offer and programme.  

Your honest review and insights will help us ensure we fine tune the programme, facilities and overall service.  This will enable our future retreat offerings to match your and like-minded participants needs and expectations while having maximum positive impact on attendees lives.  Thank you in advance!

How to Book
To reserve your place, simply click the link here and select 'Book Your Place Now'. Then follow the steps to complete your booking and payment. 

Which  methods of payment do you accept?
We accept online bank transfer or credit card payments.

What are the online bank transfer details?
Barclays Bank, Composure PS Ltd, sort code 204545 Account 80331465.  Please use Reference: Retreat and your initials

How do I pay by credit card?
Click the link here and select 'Book Your Place Now'. Then follow the steps to complete your booking and credit card payment.

How much do I pay? You may choose to:

• Pay in full at the time of booking, or
• Pay a 50% deposit upfront to secure your place.

If you choose the deposit option, an invoice for the remaining 50% will be issued closer to the retreat. The balance must be paid in full by the 19th March 2026 (6 weeks before the retreat begins) in order to confirm your attendance.

Cancellations

If you decide to cancel and let us know:

Over two months prior to start of the Retreat ie prior to 28th of February 2026 we will refund any payment/s made in full less an administration fee of £155.  

Two months prior to the start of the Retreat ie on and between 28th of February 2026 and up to and including the 18th March 2026 we will refund 50% of any payment/s made less an administration fee of £155.

Within six weeks of the  start of the Retreat ie on or after the 19th March no refund will be due.

Exception:  If you are able to find someone to take your place, and they make immediate total payment (if within the 6 week to Retreat start date period) or pay the deposit (if outside the 6 week period) we will transfer the booking to their name and refund your payment/s in full less an administration fee of £155.  

In the rare event we must cancel (e.g. due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure):

We will refund all monies paid, less our unrecoverable costs.