Join us at Trigonos for a day of writing for wellbeing, inspired by narrative approaches to personal reflection and growth.
This day-residential offers a quiet, supportive space to explore the stories we tell about and to ourselves. Through our guided activities, you will be invited to explore the stories that shape who you are and where you’re going.
Stories have power, even if we don’t know they’re there. Sometimes, we all find ourselves repeating patterns in our life or choosing a known path. We all hold a story about who we are and what we do. These stories can help us to know ourselves and our boundaries but they can also set limits around us. Sometimes, these stories can even be unhelpful.
Using techniques inspired by Narrative Therapy, this residential event will allow you space to discover the stories you tell about yourself. You will have time to reflect in the tranquility of nature and consider whether these stories are the ones you want to tell. In our guided writing activities, you will be able to redraft these stories to help you explore kinder, more meaningful stories about you that will help you develop understanding of yourself.
You don’t have to be a writer and you won’t be asked to share anything you don’t want to share. This day is about your personal reflection using gentle prompts. There’s no performance, no critique, and no pressure.
What to expect:
Guided writing invitations to support you in identifying your current story.
Space to relax and reflect on personal stories that may have become heavy, stuck, or unhelpful.
All food provided – delicious, vegetarian meals and snacks provided by the talented chefs using biodynamic produce from our gardens or locally sourced organic ingredient.
Narrative techniques for externalizing problems and reconnecting with strengths.
Opportunities to discuss and reflect with people about the experience of writing for wellbeing.
Time to rest, read, walk around the grounds, explore the landscape, and reconnect with yourself.
The day is particularly suited to people who care for others in any context. Educators, social workers, parents, carers, healthcare practitioners, anyone who holds a lot for other people but struggles to find time for themselves. This is an opportunity to connect with your own needs and values in a gentle context, helping you to rewrite a lighter relationship with the stories you carry. Change does not have to be loud to be real.
About the Facilitators
Kevin Deyna-Jones
Kevin is an NHS Primary Health Care Counsellor for Betsi Cadwaladr UHB, North Wales and a Lecturer on the MSc Counselling & BSc(Hons) Psychology with Counselling programme at Bangor University. He supports clients with a broad range of mental health challenges. As PPD Tutor, Kevin is passionate about personal and professional development, guiding students in their reflective practice and growth as future therapists. He has been running residentials at Trigonos for nearly a decade, fostering deep connection, self-awareness, and experiential learning. With a background spanning education, psychology, and mental health, Kevin integrates diverse approaches in his practice, including Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness based approaches.
Nia Young
Dr Nia Young is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Childhood & Youth Studies at Bangor University, a qualified counsellor, and a writer. Her work explores the connections between wellbeing, identity, story, and place, with a particular interest in how relationships, environments, and the stories we tell about ourselves shape our sense of who we are. Nia has extensive experience working across education, counselling, and professional development. She is passionate about creating reflective, compassionate spaces where people can explore and share ideas, build confidence and acceptance, and learn about themselves. Her approach is shaped by her training and research in narrative approaches, child development, the connection between place and wellbeing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Known for her 'indoors' approach to the outdoors, Nia enjoys helping people bridge the gap between theory and practice, leaving with ideas they can genuinely use in their everyday work and lives.
Cost
Residential Rates – Prices start from £242.25 per person, including facilitator fees, accommodation, and all-inclusive catering.
You can choose from the following options:
Single Occupancy:
Double Bed Ensuite: £302.25
Single Bed Ensuite: £292.25
Single Bed Non-Ensuite: £252.25
Shared Twin Occupancy (per person):
Double Bed Ensuite: £252.25
Single Bed Ensuite: £247.25
Single Bed Non-Ensuite: £242.25
Non-Residential Rate – £160.50 per person, including facilitator fees and all-inclusive catering (excluding breakfast).