We are all on this ‘journey of living’ together, and being on the journey often requires us to inquire into, and examine ourselves, to better understand relational and emotional patterns and our shadow self. Understanding how patterns and behaviours create conflict for us when we are not living in line with our values is important as they can hold us back from creating strong, open and healthy relationships and connections with others. Hence, an openness to self-examination, reflection and the gaining of self-awareness and insight ensures we are living lives that feel meaningful, congruent, purposeful, joyful and authentic.

Wayfarer seeks to challenge the assumption that therapy is a course of action taken only when one reaches complete crisis. I believe therapy is not only for those suffering chronic emotional distress, mental health problems or trauma, but rather, it can be of great value for those who are facing a significant life transition, personal struggle or challenge, though they may not necessarily see their situation as impacting their wellbeing. Grief and bereavement after the loss of a loved one is a good example. We know grief is a natural part of any loss. It does not follow that one is not coping or “mentally unwell”. The process of grieving is immense and often difficult to reconcile. When someone close to us dies, it is not uncommon to feel deeply alone and isolated even when surrounded by the support of family and friends and to feel a sense of meaninglessness and hopelessness. Death and other significant existential experiences and events often call us to go inward and find ways to deeply attend to our emotional experience and find ways to integrate, honour and find meaning in what feels irreconcilable, incomprehensible and life altering.

As human beings, we will all inevitably experience significant life transitions at some time that can throw us off course such as the death of a loved one or relationship breakdown. And, we will all, at different points, find ourselves out of kilter and needing to slow down, and be more present, attuned and connected to ourselves, our needs, our relationships and the natural world. Hence, embarking on therapy, in particular group therapy, can be an incredibly valuable way of seeking greater personal and spiritual growth, awareness, clarity and enrichment in ones life. Sometimes, life just feels out of whack. We may feel lost and lacking a sense of direction, a sudden change in situation may call us to re-evaluate and re-adjust our priorities, values and beliefs or we may be noticing that we are just not feeling and travelling with the vitality and purpose we would hope.

All of these situations and others can be explored in therapy, opening up new perspectives, understanding, meaning and possibility that can shift, change and enhance ones life in new and inspiring ways. And what better way to be present and connected than to take time out to intentionally inquire, search, discover and create through arts and nature based therapies either individually or with likeminded others?

So whether you are facing significant crisis and disruption, feeling lost or stuck in your life, seeking greater self-awareness, wellbeing, personal and spiritual development or a new challenge, Wayfarer could be for you. Embarking on a creative and dynamic path towards transformation, healing and a new way of being opens up both opportunity and possibility for a life that feels more free and richer in meaning, purpose and fulfillment.