"The courage to change, the patience to grow"

Our therapeutic/personal development retreats are uniquely designed to fulfil your needs giving you the kind of break you desire. It is our goal that you leave inspired and transformed with practical life enhancing tools that help you move forward with confidence and motivation.

You will be treated with respect & understanding and receive the care and attention you need to make the changes you desire. We recognise that this is a time for you, a time when you can step back from the rush of everyday life. A time when you can relax and trust in a process that puts you in touch with your inner resources. The process is directed by the natural flow of personal discovery and growth. It is clinical in it’s aims but warm in it’s delivery.

I am a qualified and experienced therapist and coach with a proven track record whose goal is to help you empower yourself. You may be dealing with some major issues and making some profound discoveries and transformations but there is laughter and joy on these development retreats. When you can laugh you can heal and when you heal you grow. It is a virtuous circle that proves “laughter is the best medicine”.

This is your retreat. Come here and be yourself.

The core of the retreat is based on hypnotherapy/NLP and other modern psychological approaches such as Authentic Happiness Coaching of which I am a graduate. I have named this programme The Motivation Method. You will learn ways to deal with issues like regaining focus, motivation, dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and other personal challenges. Discover how to use the power of your mind/spirit to gain clarity of purpose, change emotions, attitudes and behaviours. You will gain new and deeper understanding of how the mind works and be able to take charge of your life moving towards the future you desire and experience the changes you are seeking. It is equally important that you leave with practical tools that help you maintain those changes and allow for further personal development, renewal and growth. Having personal hypnosis/coaching and learning the techniques of the Motivation Method is an evolving process that flows naturally and will be of benefit long after the retreat is over.

You will be with a fellow traveller who has experience, knowledge and the motivational skills to help you move forward with freedom and passions in your life.

See photos and learn about the Retreat location and fees on the Location and Fees page. Please e-mail or call 01479 831614 for more information about attending a Retreat.

Retreat Press Reviews:

Maria McErlane: Sunday Times " I was met at the airport by Matthew Ferguson a former City boy who gave up the rate race 15 years ago, trained as a hypnotherapist and how now runs Motivation Retreats and Training from his and his partner Jan's home in the Highlands of Scotland. I liked him immediately and as we talked about my life, hopes and dreams I was already feeling much lighter of spirit. The next morning I had my first hypnotherapy session this was easy to get into and left me with a burst of energy and ready for a bike ride together in the nearby forest. Sunday was a glorious day and I confessed that I did not want to go back to London and that I had fallen in love with them both.

Simone Hayes: Natural Health "Matthew describes the therapy on offer in terms of advances, rather than retreats. A stay with Matthew and Jan can be more or less anything you want it to be. In my case, this included a comfortable en-suite room and fantastic food, but whatever you are looking for-be it solitude, inspiration, guidance or relaxation-you've an excellent chance of finding it at Avingormack on a Motivation Programme. Everything is done in such a relaxed and unobtrusive manner that within a day you really feel as if you have made two new friends. The great thing about Motivation Retreats is there's no pressure to do anything-and for those of us with stressful lifestyles, there's plenty of appeal in that.

Retreats - Client feedback and testimonials:

"The work we have done together and the work I plan to continue has given me back to myself. I've thanked the old Ann I've thanked the new Ann and now I would like to thank you! You and Jan have made me feel very welcome and relaxed in your lovely home. When I reflect on my journey here I really do feel transformed. I feel the work we have done together has given me the strength, insight and wisdom among a multitude of other thoughts and feelings to now go forward in a way I never thought possible! Ann (London)

"I found your course inspiring and informative. Your enthusiasm and patience assisted me to absorb information. I particularly enjoyed the personal therapy, which clarified situations in my life I've hung onto and crucified myself about over the decades. Overall a truly inspiring and uplifting week in a lovely environment, which adds to the ambiance of this course. (Alison) Aberdeen

"I think it's been wonderful. The mix between private sessions and personal time was just right. Jan's food is delicious and her contribution in other ways is very caring. The whole place is a great inspiration. The way Matthew does hypnotic sessions and tapes is great". Brenda (France)

"Being in beautiful surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere made the sessions so much easier. I personally found the whole thing very helpful and go away feeling I've accomplished my aim, which was to be focused and clear minded and relaxed". (Tim) Norwich

"10 out of 10. Much more learned due to the fact that the course is residential and in a safe environment. Matthew your skills are excellent.Beautiful voice for hypnosis. You also naturally know where to go. Your care and love for people shines through and allows people to trust you totally. Last pieces of jigsaw in place. I cannot thank you enough". (Agnes) Glasgow

Member of the British Board of NLP & The Global Organisation of NLP

Member of The Hypnotherapy Association

Graduate of the “Authentic Happiness Coaching” programme

Member of the International Stress Management Association

Member of The British Institute of Hypnotherapy

Member of The Global Organisation of Neuro-Linguistic Programming

Associate Member of UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations, Ltd