ZEN, YOGA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL GROUPWORK RETREAT, 17 – 21.10.2026

‘In Silence, In Relationship’

Zen, Yoga & Psychological Groupwork Retreat

Kaisanji Monastery, Serifos

Sat 17th– Wed 21st October 2026

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About the retreat

This five-day retreat, which is rooted in the traditional Zen practice, brings together zazen meditation, yoga and psychological groupwork as complementary elements of an integrated path of inner growth.

The program is carefully structured to help you step away from the pace and distractions of everyday life, settle into the rhythm of the monastery and immerse yourself in practices that cultivate awareness, embodied presence and psychological flexibility. It includes early mornings, periods of silence, sustained meditation, yoga, communal work and guided psychological groupwork.

At the heart of the retreat is a traditional Zen framework centred on zazen, kinhin (walking meditation) and samu (communal work). The upright posture of zazen provides an anchor from which we can meet thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations as they arise, moment by moment.

Yoga supports the body and mind in preparing for meditation. Through movement, breath and attention, it helps us become more receptive to the experience of simply sitting.

Awareness, however, is not always enough on its own. Once something has been noticed, questions may follow: How do we understand what has arisen? How might we respond to it? What could it mean for the way we live, relate and make choices?

Psychological groupwork offers a supported space in which to explore these questions, recognise familiar patterns and consider different ways of coping and responding.

The retreat therefore moves between silence and relationship, noticing and understanding, inner awareness and meaningful action in everyday life.

What the Retreat Is Designed to Support

The five-day format offers time to settle into the rhythm of the monastery, become familiar with the practices and participate in a temporary community.

The schedule is designed to support participants to:

  • cultivate openness and curiosity towards themselves, others and the world;
  • develop a clearer awareness of their inner experience beyond the habitual pace and distractions of daily life;
  • recognize emotional and relational patterns that influence how they respond;
  • explore more flexible and compassionate ways of responding;
  • support nervous-system regulation through movement, breath, stillness and meaningful connection;
  • consider how to act in ways that are more closely aligned with what matters to them.

These are intentions rather than guaranteed outcomes. Each participant’s experience will be different.

More on Psychological Groupwork

Psychological groupwork is facilitated by Dr Anastasia Sgoumpopoulou, an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist with ten years’ experience across the NHS, voluntary sector and private practice in the UK. She holds a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from the University of East London, a Master’s in Mental Health from King’s College London and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from University College London.

Anastasia works integratively, drawing on Schema Therapy, psychodynamic, CBT and mindfulness-based approaches. She tailors her work to individual needs, helping people understand the roots of their difficulties and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. She supports people experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, grief and attachment difficulties, and has particular expertise in addiction.

Groupwork will incorporate evidence-based tools from Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants may explore connections between thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and behaviours, and consider how to act in ways that are more closely aligned with their needs.

Drawing on Schema Therapy, we may identify different “modes”: temporary emotional states and coping patterns that become active in particular situations. These may include a vulnerable part, a demanding or critical voice, or a part that withdraws, complies, controls or protects. Rather than judging or trying to eliminate these responses, we will explore what they may be communicating.

Attention will also be given to strengthening what Schema Therapy calls the Healthy Adult mode: our capacity to respond with compassion and perspective, recognise our needs, set appropriate boundaries and make choices with greater awareness and freedom.

Through guided reflection, dialogue, experiential exercises and moments of playfulness, participants will have opportunities to experiment with different ways of expressing themselves, responding to others and relating to what matters.

No participant will be required to disclose more than they wish, and personal boundaries will be respected. Group confidentiality will be discussed at the beginning of the retreat.

Daily Programme: 

The following schedule is indicative and may vary slightly on arrival and departure days.

  • 06:00–07:45 | Yoga & pranayama
  • 08:20–09:00 | Zazen & Kinhin
  • 09:30–10:00 | Breakfast
  • 10:00–11:00 | Free period
  • 11:00–12:30 | Samu
  • 13:00–13:30 | Light lunch / snacks
  • 13:30–16:00 | Free time 
  • 16:00–18:00 | Psychological Groupwork
  • 18:30 –19:15 | Dinner
  • 20:20–21:00 | Zazen & Kinhin
  • 21:30 | Lights out

Is This Retreat Right for Me?

This retreat may be suitable for you if you are:

  • open to a structured daily schedule and shared rhythm of practice;
  • interested in Zen, yoga and psychological exploration;
  • willing to participate in silence, communal work and shared activities;
  • able to engage respectfully in a group;
  • curious about your emotional and relational patterns;
  • prepared for some physical, interpersonal or emotional discomfort;
  • willing to participate as fully as you reasonably can while respecting your limits.

This retreat may not be the right fit if you are primarily seeking:

  • a flexible island holiday;
  • spa treatments or luxury wellness services;
  • a programme organised around individual preferences;
  • uninterrupted relaxation without structured participation;
  • intensive individual psychotherapy;
  • support during an acute mental health crisis.

Participation fee

The suggested fee is €800.

It includes:

  • shared accommodation;
  • all meals;
  • the full retreat programme;
  • transport from Serifos port to the monastery and back.

Please note that flights and ferry tickets are not included and that the payment can be made in up to four instalments.

Facilitators

The retreat will be facilitated by Dr Anastasia Sgoumpopoulou, Alexandra Sotiropoulou and Konstantinos Sgoumpopoulos. 

Securing Your Place

Before booking, participants are invited to arrange a 30-minute introductory call with Dr Anastasia Sgoumpopoulou. The call offers an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, ask questions and consider whether the retreat is an appropriate fit for you.

To arrange a call, please contact [email protected] or call +44 7541 229347.