Chilled Mind Weekend
A unique opportunity to experience and learn about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy along with cold water immersion and other nature-based wellbeing interventions in the beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). Led by Dr Elizabeth Burnside and Dr Mary-Anne Pasteur.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a clinically researched and innovative psychological therapy, shown to help people to live well, even at times when life is a struggle. Spending time in nature and cold water swimming have also been shown to support psychological health. By combining ACT exercises with cold water immersion and mindful nature experiences, we offer a powerful weekend of learning and self-development that will improve your sense of purpose and wellbeing. You will understand the key principles of ACT and practice applying these to yourself. And it doesn’t end there; our aim is to send you away with new perspectives and strategies to manage the stresses of life and support your learning and longer-term wellbeing. A follow-up online group session will take place approximately one month after the workshop.
Why choose the Chilled Mind Weekend?
- Learn and use the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Experience the mental and physical health benefits of nature connection and cold water immersion
- Spend a weekend focusing on your self-development in a beautiful setting
- Improve your ability to respond to emotions and tricky thinking patterns
- Connect to yourself and find clarity
- Gain insights and strategies to look after your mental wellbeing in the long-term
- Engage mindfully with the world around you with nature-based activities
- Feel supported and encouraged in a group
- Develop mental wellbeing habits and on-going connections
- Enjoy the natural beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia)
About the facilitators
Elizabeth and Mary-Anne are both clinical psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Between them they have almost fifty years’ experience of working with individuals and families from a range of backgrounds. Both are experienced ACT therapists and Elizabeth is a peer reviewed ACT trainer.
What to expect on the Chilled Mind Weekend
Embedded in an introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you will be guided through experiential exercises and group discussion in the inspiring natural beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia).
During the Chilled Mind weekend, you will learn about the ideas and strategies behind ACT, an evidence-based psychological therapy, which shares many of the principles of mindfulness. ACT helps people find meaning and fulfilment in everyday life, whilst managing inner experiences, such as difficult thoughts and emotions, more effectively.
The weekend schedule will include experiential ACT workshops, taking place both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather.
Over the course of the retreat, we will also teach you how to practise cold water immersion safely. We offer three lifeguarded swim sessions in the beautiful Llyn Mymbyr, a five-minute walk from Bryn Engan, with stunning views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). If the weather is good, we will include at least one sunset swim.
Group discussion will be facilitated throughout the weekend. You will be invited to share your own experience of the principles of ACT and how they apply to your life. You will not be expected to share anything that you do not wish to, and you can participate as much or as little as you choose.
Beyond the Chilled Mind weekend
It is easy to experience a workshop and then return home and struggle to put into practice the commitments you made and the skills you learned. Research tells us that stating your intentions with other people increases the likelihood of following through with them. The aim of the weekend is to have a lasting impact on your wellbeing and to provide you with strategies to cope with life’s difficulties.
We would like to support you as a group after the weekend is over. Approximately a month after the weekend, we will arrange an online group follow up session to support your practice and answer any questions.
Will I be able to take part?
These sessions are suitable for people who have no experience of cold water swimming, but we ask that you can swim at least 25 metres (one length of a standard swimming pool). There are certain conditions that can make cold water swimming unsafe, for example, pregnancy, some heart conditions, and recent surgery.
The programme may also be unsuitable for anyone who has experienced a very recent loss or trauma, or is experiencing acute mental health issues.
Please be aware that during any psychological therapy or intervention, it is possible to feel worse at times, and this is a normal part of the process. If you encounter difficult feelings or thoughts, we will gently support you and help you navigate these challenges.
Contact us to discuss any physical or mental health issues that may affect your ability to take part in the programme before booking. Any information shared will be completely confidential.
email: mindandmountainpsychology@gmail.com
Cost and cancellation policy
The retreat cost of £495 includes two nights' accommodation, two evening meals, two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks and all sessions. Early bird rate of £450 if booked before April 23rd 2025
A full refund is available if you contact us within seven days of making your booking.
We will refund £395 for places cancelled before May 23rd 2025.
No refund is offered for places cancelled after May 23rd, 2025.
What does the Chilled Mind Weekend involve?
What to expect on the Chilled Mind WeekendEmbedded in an introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you will be guided through experiential exercises and group discussion in the inspiring natural beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia).During the Chilled Mind weekend, you will learn about the ideas and strategies behind ACT, an evidence-based psychological therapy, which shares many of the principles of mindfulness. ACT helps people find meaning and fulfilment in everyday life, whilst managing inner experiences, such as difficult thoughts and emotions, more effectively.The weekend schedule will include experiential ACT workshops, taking place both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather.Over the course of the retreat, we will also teach you how to practise cold water immersion safely. We offer three lifeguarded swim sessions in the beautiful Llyn Mymbyr, a five-minute walk from Bryn Engan, with stunning views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). If the weather is good, we will include at least one sunset swim.Group discussion will be facilitated throughout the weekend. You will be invited to share your own experience of the principles of ACT and how they apply to your life. You will not be expected to share anything that you do not wish to, and you can participate as much or as little as you choose.Spending time in nature and particularly cold-water swimming has been shown to support psychological health. During the course of the weekend we will also teach you how to approach cold water immersion safely, and will offer three lifeguarded swim sessions.By delivering ACT exercises with cold water dips and mindful nature experiences, we hope to offer a powerful weekend that will improve your sense of purpose and that you will leave with new skills to support your wellbeing.
An online individual follow-up session is offered approximately one month after the retreat.
What is included?
Food & accommodation
The weekend will be take place in Bryn Engan, a farmhouse set in ancient woodland at the foot of Moel Siabod. Accommodation is provided in single rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom.
The weekend includes all meals and healthy snacks from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Dietary requirements will be catered for. You can notify us of dietary requirements by responding to your booking confirmation email or contact us directly.
Bryn Engan is situated next to Plas Y Brenin National Outdoor Centre where there is a bar and restaurant should you wish to visit during your stay.
Will I be able to take part?
Will I be able to take part?
These sessions are suitable for people who have no experience of cold water swimming, but we ask that you can swim at least 25 metres (one length of a standard swimming pool). There are certain conditions that can make cold water swimming unsafe, for example, pregnancy, some heart conditions, and recent surgery.
The programme may also be unsuitable for anyone who has experienced a very recent loss or trauma, or is experiencing acute mental health issues.
Please be aware that during any psychological therapy or intervention, it is possible to feel worse at times, and this is a normal part of the process. If you encounter difficult feelings or thoughts, we will gently support you and help you navigate these challenges.
Contact us to discuss any physical or mental health issues that may affect your ability to take part in the programme before booking. Any information shared will be completely confidential.
email: mindandmountainpsychology@gmail.com