Psychology retreats

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Limpopo is a good place to find yourself.

© South African Tourism

We might laughingly refer to eco-psychology getaways as shrink-on-safari holidays but that doesn't take away from the fact that these enlightening getaways make a major impact on people's lives. Cape Town psychologist, Reffrey Rink, truly believes that one can enhance the healing power of being out in nature to come to grips with life's challenges.

Rink runs therapist-on-safari type packages which he refers to as ‘Eco-psychology' excursions. He explains: "Ecopsychology is really about the clinical psychologist using THE wilderness in a therapeutic way. It's about taking clients into nature to find healing."

He says when he takes his clients into the South Africa bushveld, a strange thing begins to happen – they start to open up, barriers come falling down and he is able to do some real work far away from their iPods, computers and cell-phones. Conditions are rustic and there are no fancy frills. 'I am using a down-to-earth experience to allow people to anchor themselves and re-connect with Mother Earth', says Rink.

Safari therapy doesn't always need to be taken too seriously, and Rink uses the power of laughter in some of his work. He says it's also important to let African culture and traditions play a role – and his group will generally spend time with local communities to get another take on the meaning of life. Part of the workshops also include African rituals such as storytelling, drumming and dancing.

Rink holds many of his workshops in the Venda region in Limpopo province – the area has magnificent plants and wildlife and is known as a very spiritual place. According to local folklore, Venda is home to the Sacred Vondo Forest, and Lake Fundudzi, so it is Rink's first choice for his eco-psychology getaways.

So why not air your psyche in the spectacular wilderness regions of Limpopo and let an eco-therapist help you to go on an enlightening journey.