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Finding Solace in Somerset: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

Conde Nast TravelerMonday, June 22, 2026
Finding Solace in Somerset: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

As I stepped into the serene winter landscape of Somerset, I felt an overwhelming sense of stillness. The empty orchards, the ancient church, and the quiet riverside all seemed to whisper an invitation to slow down and reflect. I had returned to this enchanting corner of England for my third solo wellness retreat with the Arrigo Program, a journey that has become an integral part of my personal growth and healing. The program, founded by psychodynamic expert Fiona Arrigo, offers a unique and holistic approach to wellness, combining clinical and psychotherapeutic practices with somatic and cosmic therapies. My retreat was tailored to address the physical and emotional trauma I had experienced after a hit-and-run accident, which had left me with skull and inner ear fractures. Over the course of several days, I engaged in a range of therapies, including shiatsu, cranial sacral therapy, and biodynamic therapy, all designed to help my body and mind release the stored trauma. The treatments were gentle yet profound, and I felt my nervous system begin to exhale, letting go of the fear and anxiety that had been holding me back. As I worked through the program, I began to notice a shift in my perspective, a sense of freedom and renewal that I had not felt in a long time. The accident, which had once seemed like a defining moment of trauma, began to feel like a distant memory, filed away in the storage cupboard of my past. As I prepared to leave Somerset and return to my daily life, I felt a sense of calm and clarity that I had not experienced in months. The retreat had given me the tools and the courage to face my challenges with a newfound sense of ease and confidence. And as I looked out at the winter landscape, now bathed in a warm and golden light, I knew that I was ready to embark on a new cycle of growth and self-discovery, one that would be guided by a deeper sense of purpose and passion. For those seeking a similar journey of healing and self-discovery, the Arrigo Program offers a range of retreats and therapies, each tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual. Whether you are seeking to overcome trauma, build resilience, or simply cultivate a deeper sense of well-being, the Arrigo Program provides a safe and supportive environment in which to explore and grow.

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