For years, my fear of waves has been a constant companion, triggered by even the slightest hint of ocean activity. As a journalist who's spent years reporting on the darkest corners of human nature, I've developed a healthy respect for danger – but somehow, this one thing has always eluded me. Maybe it was that infamous wave in Biarritz, France, 20 years ago, or maybe it was just a slow creep of doubt over time. Whatever the reason, my job has become a relentless reminder of the fragility of human life.
Now, as I approached a major career change for the first time in 14 years, I realized that I needed to take a step back and confront my fears head-on. So when I stumbled upon Resurface's surf therapy retreat in Morocco, I knew it was the perfect solution. The idea was to combine morning yoga and surf lessons with afternoon group therapy sessions, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tamraght's beaches.
The first few days were a whirlwind of surfing lessons, as our teacher, Youness Arhbi, patiently guided us through the basics – or at least, I tried to keep up. The waves were tiny, almost laughable, but somehow the process of learning to catch them was meditative in itself. As we sat on the beach after each session, sharing stories and triumphs (and frustrations), I began to feel a sense of connection with these strangers that I'd never experienced before.
But it was the EMDR sessions that truly proved transformative. Developed by US psychologist Francine Shapiro, this therapy uses bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and emotions – an idea that initially felt like pseudoscience to me. Yet as we sat in silence, eyes moving back and forth between two points or tapping on our bodies, I began to tap into a deep sense of vulnerability.
It was the first time I'd ever really allowed myself to be exposed, to confront my own heartbreaks and traumas. And it was liberating. As the sessions progressed, I realized that what came up wasn't just the memories or events I'd chosen to focus on – but all the little things that had been holding me back for years.
By the end of the week, I felt like a different person. The surfing lessons? Yeah, I still couldn't catch a wave if you paid me. But it didn't matter. I'd discovered a newfound sense of connection with others, and with myself. As I raised my arms in triumph on that final day, hearing the cheers from the beach and feeling the rush of adrenaline, I knew that this trip had changed me forever.
The Resurface surf therapy retreat is not cheap – £2,500 per person for seven nights – but if you're looking to confront your fears and find a new sense of purpose, it might just be worth every penny.
Now, as I approached a major career change for the first time in 14 years, I realized that I needed to take a step back and confront my fears head-on. So when I stumbled upon Resurface's surf therapy retreat in Morocco, I knew it was the perfect solution. The idea was to combine morning yoga and surf lessons with afternoon group therapy sessions, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tamraght's beaches.
The first few days were a whirlwind of surfing lessons, as our teacher, Youness Arhbi, patiently guided us through the basics – or at least, I tried to keep up. The waves were tiny, almost laughable, but somehow the process of learning to catch them was meditative in itself. As we sat on the beach after each session, sharing stories and triumphs (and frustrations), I began to feel a sense of connection with these strangers that I'd never experienced before.
But it was the EMDR sessions that truly proved transformative. Developed by US psychologist Francine Shapiro, this therapy uses bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and emotions – an idea that initially felt like pseudoscience to me. Yet as we sat in silence, eyes moving back and forth between two points or tapping on our bodies, I began to tap into a deep sense of vulnerability.
It was the first time I'd ever really allowed myself to be exposed, to confront my own heartbreaks and traumas. And it was liberating. As the sessions progressed, I realized that what came up wasn't just the memories or events I'd chosen to focus on – but all the little things that had been holding me back for years.
By the end of the week, I felt like a different person. The surfing lessons? Yeah, I still couldn't catch a wave if you paid me. But it didn't matter. I'd discovered a newfound sense of connection with others, and with myself. As I raised my arms in triumph on that final day, hearing the cheers from the beach and feeling the rush of adrenaline, I knew that this trip had changed me forever.
The Resurface surf therapy retreat is not cheap – £2,500 per person for seven nights – but if you're looking to confront your fears and find a new sense of purpose, it might just be worth every penny.
Just read about this journalist who went to surf therapy in Morocco 
to overcome his fear of waves 
and I'm totally inspired! Who knew that catching some gnarly waves could be so therapeutic? 
The idea of EMDR sessions was a bit weird at first, but it's amazing how vulnerable we can become when we're willing to confront our demons 
. If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your life, maybe it's time to take a cue from this guy and try something completely out of your comfort zone 
. Like, who wouldn't want to trade in their anxiety for a connection with others and the ocean? 
The way they talk about those EMDR sessions is super relatable – it's like they're saying we all just need a little push to confront our demons 
.
. It's like, we're so caught up in our individual struggles that we forget we don't have to face them alone.
.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to trade in their daily worries for the soothing sound of waves? The whole concept is so calming and meditative – morning yoga and surf lessons followed by group therapy sessions? 
It's like they're giving you a healthy dose of chill 
and I'm totally stoked for anyone who's struggling with PTSD or anxiety. It's crazy how the waves can be so intimidating at first, but then you start to catch on (literally 
I totally get why this journalist was hesitant about surfing - fear is real, right? But seriously, it's amazing how something as seemingly intimidating as waves can bring people together & help 'em confront their demons 
The idea of combining surf lessons with group therapy sessions sounds like a total game-changer for mental health. I mean, who wouldn't want to trade in their worries about catching a wave for some meaningful connections with others? 
Plus, it's not cheap, but if it can help someone find a new sense of purpose & inner peace... yeah, it's worth every penny 
I mean idk if its worth it or not but for me it was like a spiritual awakening or something, we talked about trauma and stuff in these group therapy sessions and it was super uncomfortable but also somehow freeing 
. The fact that the EMDR sessions were able to bring up all those deep-seated feelings and traumas, but also provide a sense of liberation, is just mind-blowing 
. And yeah, the cost might be a bit steep for some, but if it can lead to personal growth and healing, then it's definitely worth considering