Immersive therapy retreat provider Resurface has announced its line-up of non-traditional group surfing and mental health improvement programmes for the rest of this year.

Two retreats will take place in Tamraght, Morocco, in October and November. Guests will stay at the boutique guest house called Riad Dar Haven.

The first retreat will focus on trauma resolution and will be held between 11-18 October. The second will address resilience and burnout prevention between 15-22 November.

Both are limited to groups of eight to 12 participants to allow for meaningful connections to form between guests and mental health practitioners. The small number ensures everyone receives personalised attention.

Guests at both retreats will experience the Resurface Method, a therapeutic framework that is built around creating a state of flow. This heightened mental state is achieved through immersive creativities – in Resurface’s protocol, surfing.

Resurface was founded in 2017 by therapist and trauma clinician Josh Dickson. He explained to Spa Business why surfing is the chosen activity, saying: “Surfing creates immediate flow states, which research shows enhance problem-solving. The physical fatigue naturally lowers psychological defences, creating authentic breakthroughs in therapy. Plus, the ocean itself is therapeutic - it demands presence, teaches resilience and provides a powerful metaphor for riding life's waves.”

In combination with group therapy sessions, guests are taught about how their mind works during psycho education sessions, memory work and movement sessions.

Dickson explained why he created the company: “Traditional therapy has plateaued. After 15 years in practice, I recognised we needed innovation that addresses the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

“These programmes emerged from my own healing journey and extensive research into flow states,” Dickson added. “When we combine surfing's transformative power with evidence-based therapy, we create conditions where months of traditional work can happen in days. This isn't just about healing; it's about helping people truly flourish.

“Every participant has a personalised intake session with me before booking,” he said. “We discuss their current situation, goals and any concerns. This helps us determine which programme best suits their needs, or if they might benefit more from one-to-one intensive work first.”

After the retreats, guests are given access to an alumni community online, follow-up check-ins and ongoing one-to-one support. The company is also launching an app later this year for continued support.

When asked if a week was a long enough period to see change in participants, Dickson said seven days creates the optimal conditions for breakthrough moments and significant progress. "While we don't promise to "solve" trauma completely in a week, we create profound shifts that participants continue building upon with our aftercare support," he said.

Group EMDR Surf Therapy Retreat

Guests of the Group EMDR Surf Therapy Retreat in October will experience EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).

A trained therapist guides people to recall traumatic events while focusing on external stimuli such as moving the eyes in a specific way or engaging in bilateral tapping.

Though EMDR therapy is not traditionally provided in a group session, Dickson told Spa Business that group EMDR is an emerging modality demonstrating excellent results. “Our approach is unique in combining it with flow activities and somatic practices,” he said.

He said demand has exceeded the business’ expectations. “We're seeing particular interest from healthcare professionals experiencing vicarious trauma, first responders and individuals who've plateaued in traditional therapy.”

The EMDR sessions are two hours long, when a typical session with a therapist might last only 50 minutes. Dickson explained, however, that breaks, psychoeducation and processing time are all built into that two-hour block of time.

When asked how the company manages varying levels of trauma in a group setting, Dickson said “We use a careful blend of psychoeducation, resourcing exercises, and bilateral stimulation techniques that allow participants to process at their own level while maintaining group cohesion. The surf sessions beforehand create a natural emotional regulation that supports this process.”

This all-inclusive seven-night retreat costs £1,750 (US$2,362, €2,019).

The Resilience and Burnout Prevention Retreat

This group retreat, in November, will offer guests a chance to recharge, refocus and build sustainable habits to protect their wellbeing.

Participants are taught practical tools to strengthen resilience, prevent burnout and reconnect with themselves.

Again, guests take part in daily surf lessons, psychoeducation workshops, group therapy sessions, guided meditation and movement techniques as well the opportunity to connect with others and rest.

Dickson said, “This programme attracts executives, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and high-performers seeking preventative care. Post-pandemic, we've seen a 300 per cent increase in burnout prevention inquiries.

“More professionals in their late 30s to early 50s are taking what we call ‘reset sabbaticals’ – intentional breaks to recover from burnout. These are not typical holidays, but time set aside to rebuild mental and physical wellbeing.”

The tools taught to guests seeking to prevent burnout upon their return from the retreat include:
• HRV training to regulate their nervous system
• Personalised “flow” triggers are identified, to teach guests how to maintain high levels of creativity
• Boundary-setting frameworks
• Energy management strategies
• Integration practices including morning routines
• Continued support from Resurface

Dickson said, “The key is teaching participants to recognise early warning signs and implement micro-interventions before reaching crisis point.”

This all-inclusive seven-night retreat costs £1,700 (US$2,294, €1,961).

One-to-one therapy

Resurface also offers one-to-one therapy retreats.