The Breakthrough Programme
Bardou, France
Magical group psychotherapy and coaching in the French mountains
Based in a remote 17th century village, surrounded by wilderness, The Breakthrough Programme by Mind Environment is an intensive, psychologically driven, deep dive for anyone seeking rapid breakthrough on a work and/or life challenge, and a plan for meaningful change. Work on issues ranging from career transition to managing emotions and developing more satisfying relationships, and combine psychological group sessions, creative techniques and outdoor activities. Stay in off-grid houses, dine by candlelight on French mountain food, make new friends and sleep soundly.
our Reviewer hannah lowe says:
‘The Breakthrough Programme was a shape-shifting experience. The group work was illuminating: we explored how to go forward in our lives after the retreat, what we wanted to bring more of into our lives, what we wanted to let go, and how to achieve both. I came home with a much clearer sense of how to balance the different facets of my life’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Rediscovered in 1967 after being deserted post-World War I, Bardou has been lovingly restored – it’s no surprise Douglas Adams chose to write The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy here. Facilitators Dr Tom Cotton and Andy Iwaniec bring a compassionate, experienced approach to psychological group work. You should arrive with waterproof clothes, gloves, hiking shoes and a torch – the weather changes hourly in the mountains’
Experiences
Retreats pivot around The Breakthrough Programme, which features group discussion, creative techniques, inner work and outdoor activities. You’ll be asked to arrive with a challenge, then supported to experience breakthrough, and leave with a plan for change. Expect rapid clarity, deep insight and actionable solutions. The format is also available for organisations and teams looking for breakthrough on challenges.
The ethos is group work, which is led by psychotherapist Dr Tom Cotton, who has a private practice in London, and Andy Iwaniec, an executive coach and organisation change specialist. Outdoor activities are guided by Annabel Dunstan, a business leader and outdoor enthusiast.
As well as dialogue-based group work, core activities feature group hikes, including one at dawn to see the sun rise over the mountains, and another to a wild swimming spot. You’ll also experience creative techniques, such as drawing, and outdoor activities, like path clearing and tree planting, to access inner knowledge.
On your final night, there will be a celebratory dinner before the programme closes at noon the next day.
After your retreat, you’ll have two follow-up sessions and the support of the Mind Environment team and your group.
Spaces
The village lies an hour’s drive north of Beziers in the south of France and is surrounded by the Southern Haut Laungedoc Parc National. At dawn, deer wander through the main street, while a cobbled footpath winds up the mountain.
With 100,000 acres of wilderness surrounding the village, there are hiking trails straight from your front door and crystal-clear mountain pools to swim in, as well as plenty of quiet spots for meditation and solitude.
Group discussions take place in a beautiful, wooden-floored room, with a beamed ceiling.
There’s a dedicated house for downtime and meals, with a long dining table, an open fire and comfy chairs. There is also space for outdoor eating and open fires beneath the stars.
Accommodation is deliberately pared-back and part of the charm of the experience. You’ll stay in houses shared by two or three people, with single occupancy bedrooms, and a basic kitchen. There are no toilets in the houses – compost loos and indoor bathrooms are close by, although some houses have showers.
Sustenance
You will be served seasonal, locally sourced French mountain food, and allergies and intolerances can be catered for. Vegetarian options are also offered.
Breakfast will include pastries, bread, cereals, yoghurt, fruit, juices and tea and coffee.
For lunch and dinner, expect terrines, flans, quiches, stews and roast meats with salads and vegetables. Desserts are served after both and include flans, pies, cakes and compotes.
Fruit, cakes, pastries and bread, along with tea and coffee and fruit juices, are available throughout the day.
Wine is served on your last night to celebrate the end of the programme.
