Therapeutic photography groups for emotional wellbeing
These small therapy groups and retreats offer calm, steady spaces to step out of everyday life for a while, reconnect with yourself, and reflect alongside others. They’re grounded in person centred therapy and therapeutic photography for emotional wellbeing.
Groups and retreats take place in Cornwall, elsewhere in the UK, and abroad. They’re designed for people who want time to slow down, notice what’s really going on inside, and explore change gently — without pressure to perform.
What these therapy groups and retreats are like
The focus is on emotional wellbeing, not performance. You don’t need to be “good at therapy” or “good at photography”. You just need to be willing to show up as you are. A phone camera can be your best friend!
Small and steady
Groups are intentionally small so there’s time and space for everyone. You won’t be expected to share more than feels manageable.
Gentle structure
Each group or retreat has a clear frame — simple exercises, conversations and pauses — but plenty of room for people to bring what matters to them.
Grounded in real life
The work is rooted in what you’re actually living with: stress, grief, change, stuckness, exhaustion, questions about identity, or a need to reconnect with yourself.
Who these groups and retreats are for
You don’t have to be in crisis to take part. Many people come because something has been quietly weighing on them, or because they’ve realised they need time away from “holding it all together”.
- You’d like space to pause and reflect, away from everyday demands.
- You’re curious about using therapeutic photography or creative noticing to support emotional wellbeing.
- You’d like to feel less alone with what you’re carrying — but don’t want a large, intense group.
- You’re drawn to slower, more reflective spaces rather than high-energy workshops.
- You’re open to gentle conversation, quiet, and time outdoors where possible.
If you’re unsure whether a group or retreat would be a good fit, we can talk it through before you commit.
Formats and locations
Groups and retreats vary in length and setting, but share the same calm, grounded ethos.
Local groups in Cornwall
Shorter, regular groups in Cornwall - Newquay, St Austell, Penzance triangle - sometimes incorporating time outdoors or simple noticing practices. These can sit alongside individual person-centred therapy or be attended on their own.
UK-based retreats
Longer weekend or multi-day retreats in the UK, with space to arrive, settle, explore, and integrate. Often a mix of reflection, conversation, quiet time and creative practices.
Retreats abroad
Carefully chosen locations abroad that offer a sense of distance from everyday life, while keeping the group small and the pace slow. Travel and accessibility details are always made clear in advance.
Where therapeutic photography comes in
Some groups and retreats weave in therapeutic photography for emotional wellbeing — using a camera or phone as a way to notice, regulate and reflect.
This might mean short photo walks, simple prompts, or time to sit quietly and notice what draws your attention. The images you create can become starting points for gentle conversation or private reflection.
You decide what, if anything, you want to share. The emphasis is always on your experience, not on creating “good” photographs.
Exercises
- “Take three images of places your body can breathe a little more easily.”
- “Find something that reflects how today feels, without using people’s faces.”
- “Notice light and shadow — what resonates with your mood just now?”
You can find more structured pathways in the free workbook, Seeing Yourself More Clearly.
A note on safety and support
Therapy groups and retreats can be powerful, but they are not crisis services. They’re best suited to people who can keep themselves broadly safe between sessions or retreat days.
If you’re currently in acute crisis or feel unsafe, more intensive or specialist support may be needed. We can talk about this if you’re unsure. You’re always welcome to start with individual person-centred therapy and explore groups or retreats later.
If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please seek urgent local support or emergency services. Groups, retreats and this website cannot provide emergency care.
Register your interest in groups and retreats
If you’d like to hear about upcoming therapy groups and retreats for emotional wellbeing in Cornwall, across the UK or abroad, the next step is simple.