Testimonials

What Women Are Saying

Honest reflections from women who’ve experienced deep healing, compassionate care, and lasting change.

Sally M, U.K. June 2025


🌿 “A Life-Changing Experience — More Than I Ever Imagined”

I didn’t quite know what I was looking for when I stumbled upon Tess’s website, but something deep inside me knew I needed help. I kept finding myself drawn back to it, again and again. When I finally reached out to Tess, I felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, she might be the answer I was searching for.

From that very first conversation, I felt completely at ease. Tess has such a calm, grounded presence that instantly made me feel safe. Despite never having done yoga before, and being unsure about spending seven days with five complete strangers, something told me to take the leap — though I’ll admit, I was sceptical. Could a single week really make any meaningful difference? Was this retreat even the right place for me? Could it possibly live up to what I’d seen online?

Wow — how wrong I was to have any doubts.

Those seven days at San Flaviano have truly changed my life.

From the moment you arrive, every part of you — body, mind, and spirit — is nurtured, supported, and gently held. The location is beyond beautiful — peaceful, expansive, soul-soothing. The food, created lovingly by Eszter and Viktoria, is both nourishing and spectacular; every meal a delight. We all found ourselves asking for recipes, hoping to carry just a taste of the experience home with us.

The mornings began with gentle yoga and somatic movement sessions — accessible even for complete beginners like me — held in the garden or within the walls of the ancient monastery. The evenings were spent in the same peaceful rhythm, helping us wind down and connect with ourselves. Every detail felt intentional and healing. These sessions were guided by Eszter & Viktoria.

Tess’s one-to-one and group sessions are, quite honestly, beyond words. She has a gift — a rare ability to help you look deep within yourself with compassion, clarity, and honesty. The work was powerful, at times emotional, but always transformative. Tess isn’t just a counsellor — she’s a healer, a guide, and truly, a miracle worker.

Eszter and Viktoria were angels in every sense.. Alongside  preparing divine meals, they offered healing massages and reflexology, and even took us on a beautiful afternoon outing to a nearby village. Their presence added such warmth and magic to the entire experience.

I’d worried about how I’d feel sharing this journey with a group of strangers, but those women — all so different — quickly became trusted friends. We shared stories, laughter, tears, and moments of deep connection. I now believe that Tess’s thoughtful pre-retreat calls help her create groups that naturally gel — we were all searching for something, and we’d all been drawn to her for a reason.

Whatever the magic formula is, it works.

If you’re hesitating — if part of you is longing for something but you’re unsure or afraid — take the step. Do it. This retreat is one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I’ll be forever grateful I found the courage to say yes to myself.

The location, the people, the healing — everything was incredible. I loved the fresh air, the walks, the moments of stillness. It was everything I didn’t know I needed — and more.

Karolina Petronienė, Lithuania July 2025


🌿”It was my intuition — and it didn’t mislead me.”

In early July 2025, I decided to give myself a gift — an investment in myself. I searched extensively for the right place to go, combing through the entire internet, but the San Flaviano retreat program immediately stood out to me, and I felt it very clearly from within.

It was my intuition — and it didn’t mislead me.

Upon arriving at the San Flaviano monastery, day by day we dove deeper into profound and not always easy life themes — ones that had long been forgotten, but here were brought back to be felt, experienced, and released. Tess, who guided us throughout this journey, is an absolute professional in her field. She not only listens deeply during personal sessions and offers incredible insights, but also shares her knowledge powerfully during group talks.

Tess’s inner freedom and energy reach not only your ears and mind, but your heart. The information she shares integrates so naturally — it truly stays with you, and the inner transformation after San Flaviano becomes simply inevitable.

Tess is a woman who came to this earth to create miracles, and San Flaviano monastery is a sacred space and a true treasure in this world.

The food, massages, and other offerings, as well as the warm presence of Esztreb and Viki, made me feel deeply welcomed, cared for, and safe throughout the entire experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the magic of San Flaviano and the deep transformation it brings.

 

Mary, Ireland, June 2025


🌿 “The one-on-one work Tess did with me was like nothing I had ever experienced. ”

Tess and the Retreat

I found this retreat by accident, and had never imagined that such a thing existed. I set off in early June, after a few emails from Tess, and a Zoom call where I learned a bit about how it worked.

It turned out to be a glorious setting, beautiful mountains, fairly remote gifting us with only the sound of birdsong. The house was comfortable, lovely beds, all mod cons in a gorgeous wild place. The food was delicious and nourishing, with lots of local fresh produce and fruits.

Tess works with Eszterb and Viki. They are very skilled yoga and massage therapists. Both are warm and kind too. There was gentle yoga and breath work morning and evening, helping me to love my imperfect body. Massage outside under oak trees. Reflexology in the shade under the birdsong.

There were chats around the table, exercises in looking into ourselves and describing our difficulties and yes, our trauma. No one was pressed to contribute, and it took me a day or two to relax completely, but I was glad that I did. Tess has a workbook that guided us through it all. It was all very gentle. We did not have to share, there is no ‘group work’. But my fellow retreatants (three other women) were also warm and open. That was a great bonus.

The one-on-one work Tess did with me was like nothing I had ever experienced. I was able to reach into my heart and pull out difficulties that I thought I would never be rid of. Everything happened in a safe space, and I did not feel at all threatened or scared. Tess is very skilled. She has seen everything and nothing phases her. She is a great strong person, I could be completely frank with her. I felt completely free, accepted and not judged. It was a marvellous experience.

I felt like I came into control of my life. I learned how to set real boundaries, how to let go of false situations, how to understand what is for me, and what is not.

The week was a real turning point. I am still coming to terms with it all, and I know it will take a while before my new ways of living are my only ways of living.

I am very grateful. I recommend this retreat 100% to anyone who feels they are not living fully, who wants to ‘deal with’ issues happening now, or things that happened years ago.

Emotional Trust & Connection – Sue T, U.K. May 2025


“As soon as I saw Tess and started speaking with her, I felt she totally understood me and what I was going through.”

Whilst watching a programme on TV one evening, I saw a couple looking to buy a property in Italy to open a mental health retreat and feeling very much in need of help having lost my beloved husband a few months before, I started an online search to see if there actually were any. To my surprise there were a lot and it was quite daunting knowing which to choose. I love Italy and when I set eyes on Tess Hunneybell and her stunning Healing Retreat in Umbria, I wanted to know more. I sent her a message and very quickly had a response from Tess inviting me to an initial WhatsApp ‘meeting’ to see how we felt about each other and whether this was right for me.

As soon as I saw Tess and started speaking with her, I felt she totally understood me and how awful I was feeling  and what I was going through. She is the most kind, caring, gentle and professional person and has many qualifications and experience as a trauma psychotherapist and grief counsellor. My mind was made up and also after reading glowing reviews, I decided I would go to one at the end of May/early June ’25 (I’ve just come back), which proved to be a rewarding, unique and helpful experience.
The retreat, which is owned by Tess, is set in a former monastery with roots dating back to the 8th century and overlooking the Sibillini mountains and a 50,000 acre protected woodland in San Flaviano in Umbria. The tranquility and beauty is breathtaking and I stayed in my own comfortable room with an en-suite bathroom. There were five other really lovely women there and we all bonded very quickly, all in need, for different reasons, of Tess’s unique counselling methods. She has two amazing young women Eszterb and Viktoria, who help run the Retreat and they teach yoga, somatic breathing and also provide reflexology and massage. They are both also the most amazing cooks and we had three delicious, fresh cooked meals a day, all eating together on the terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens and mountains. I have no idea how they came up with so many different and tasty dishes every day.
Tess makes you feel immediately at home in her home and there isn’t anything she won’t do to make your stay as perfect as possible. I loved the fact that she only has 5/6 women staying at any one time which makes it such a personal experience.
We had group therapy, one-to-one therapy and yoga each morning. I’ve never enjoyed yoga before but partaking in this both in the church in the monastery and in the peaceful garden with the only sound is the birds singing, went a long way to changing my mind.
Tess’s very different approach to my grief and trauma was so refreshing and helpful, having tried at least four counsellors here in the UK who really didn’t help me at all and I found sitting in a strange room with a stranger, to whom I had to pour my heart out, didn’t help or let me relax. This is where the calming and serene surroundings really come into play and whilst I obviously got very upset during my sessions, Tess comforted me with hugs and understanding and a special kindness which I now miss. I do have some special ‘homework’ as such, to do now I’m home and I’m hoping all her advice will stay with me and help me through my grief and trauma. We are having follow up online therapy sessions. The support is invaluable.
I cannot praise Tess and the women highly enough and would recommend this unique Retreat to anyone in need of not only professional counselling, help and advice in a stunning and peaceful location but also genuine TLC from the loveliest people.

Christine A, Spain June 2025

“Attending Tess’s trauma retreat in Umbria was one of the most transformative experiences of my life.”

The healing work was deep and profound, held within a safe and supportive space. Tess is a truly gifted and intuitive therapist. Each day unfolded at a gentle, relaxed pace, allowing time to rest, reflect, and integrate. The property was breathtaking—peaceful and surrounded by nature—and the food was absolutely incredible. Esther and Vicki, healers in their own right, were warm, attentive, and made each guest feel like family. I left the retreat feeling energized, confident, and filled with a renewed sense of hope. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

“Profoundly transformative” Daisy Australia

I have struggled with my mental health for no obvious reason my entire life, seeing various psychologists and professionals along the way but by far this retreat has been the most impactful in helping me get clarity and a path forward.
As someone who was reluctant to go on a “trauma” retreat due to no obvious one traumatic incident, I can confidently recommend this experience to anyone that has experienced a shakey sense of self, anxiety or depression. The way Tess explains things sits somewhere between a therapist and a friend, her extensive knowledge and experience means that she can adapt and change her method/tools she provides based on what is most effective for you – the whole experience is highly personalised to ensure you are working in a way that serves you most effectively.
It’s really difficult to sum up everything in one testimonial but I have walked away feeling more at home in my body, less afraid of the world and with a renewed sense of hope that life isn’t going to play out for me as I once thought it would.
The combination of professional psychologist sessions and the morning/evening movement and connection to body – and the freedom to opt in and out as we needed – made this retreat a non “woo-woo” and profoundly transformative experience that honestly she should be charging a lot more for. 
If you’re someone who therapy once a week isn’t working for, someone who has never done a retreat before and is looking for something more on the real side than the spiritual side – I highly recommend booking in to fast track your  mental health improvements. 
Grateful doesn’t even cut it.
Daisy xx

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“An unforgettable experience” Daiva, Lithuania

This was my first retreat, and I did not know what to expect and therefore felt a little bit apprehensive about booking it. From the first moments of meeting Tess and Marina and arriving at the Monastery I felt very welcome and at ease.

Daily schedules were just perfect to feel occupied, and engaged yet free and flexible. Every day was a new experience as I was learning a lot about myself, my feelings, my emotions, and most importantly understanding, acceptance and empathy towards myself.

Tess is very knowledgeable, attentive, empathetic and real. I enjoyed group exercises where everyone was very open and engaged. It was truly amazing to see a positive transformation of each individual as we progressed through the week .

121 sessions were very intense and deep. Tess made me feel like I could completely bear my soul without feeling exposed as she make me feel secure and protected.

The food was absolutely amazing. The quality and everyday variety was impressive. Marina’s cooking skills deserve an award!

I think this retreat is just perfect for anyone who is emotionally distressed and needs that space to just stop and allow yourself to live through these emotions. The stunning monastery surrounded by pure nature, fresh air, and the helping and caring hands of Tess and Marina is the right direction to finding light and hope.

Thank you for an unforgettable experience, Tess and her team.

“Brilliantly inexplicably powerful” Ellie, USA

I am not sure what expectations I had of the retreat before I attended. I just knew that I was overwhelmed, grieving, and broken. It turned out that Tess can genuinely transform you within those 7 days.
Yes, the monastery is utterly beautiful. Fifteenth-century frescos, ancient brickwork, soaring ceilings, and a sense of peace. The accommodation is sweet, humble, honest, and in keeping with the period of the site. There are multiple beautiful vistas to enjoy and the sounds of the birds across the horizon are truly deafening.  You’ll have fabulous yoga lessons and visit some stunning little villages.
But it is Tess that you really go for. The depth of her knowledge, experience, and expertise is priceless. She took three very overwhelmed women in my week and left us lighter, more positive, and in control, than we were when we arrived. Her 121 sessions are hard to describe but brilliantly, inexplicably powerful. You sort of become more empathetic towards yourself.
I have come away cleansed of my habitual stresses and traumas and equipped to at least meet future stresses full-on.
My family are genuinely impressed with my development and I’m incredibly thankful for the week I spent there. It was not always comfortable. The work was hard. But Tess is completely in control of her skills and ability and will astound you if you lean in.

“Very cathartic.” Laurie, U.K.

I came on this retreat on a bit of a whim. I looked at it as a bit of an escape and an opportunity to tackle some old issues once and for all. But having been on many retreats in the past that delivered little, my expectations were pretty low.

However, this retreat was very different from others. Lots of 1:1 time with Tess was very useful, as was being in a small group of very like-minded women who coincidentally had very similar (yet different) life issues. This was part of the magic of the retreat as it was the first time I felt seen, understood, and realized all of my screwy childhood experiences are actually more common than I realized and nothing to be so ashamed of.

That alone was very cathartic – like the whole retreat itself.

Nothing dramatic has changed from my being on the retreat, yet everything has changed because for the first time I realise there’s nothing massively wrong with me that needs to be fixed – I just need to be more compassionate with myself. I left with a better sense of awareness of the real issue in my life (spoiler – it wasn’t what drove me to the retreat in the first place) and an action plan of the changes I need to make to move my life in the direction I want it to move in.

Tess was very kind, accommodating, and generous with her time and space. I highly recommend this retreat.

I'm Here to Help

Have more questions?

Whether you’re considering a Healing Trauma Retreat or exploring one-to-one therapy, I offer a complimentary 30-minute call to help you decide what’s right for you.

One-to-one therapy available from November 2025.
Ongoing sessions: €115 for 60 minutes.

Get in touch any time with your questions — I’ll be happy to help.

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