Goddess Rising: Shadow-Work and Self-Worth Retreat for Women in Bali
🌹 A 6 month journey into the self, starting with a 7 day retreat.... 🌹
This retreat is designed for women who feel depleted, disconnected from their bodies, or caught in patterns of self-doubt, over-responsibility, or burnout, and who are ready for change that is felt, integrated, and lived, not just understood intellectually.
Rooted in Somatic Mythwork™, this experience brings together embodied storytelling, creative ritual, movement, and nervous system–informed practices to support deep personal and spiritual transformation in a way that is grounded, safe, and sustainable.
Through Somatic Mythwork™, we explore how themes of pleasure, power, shame, self-acceptance, and creative life force are held in the body and nervous system, and how they can be gently re-patterned. The work is experiential, reflective, and choice-led, supporting participants to reconnect with sensation, agency, and inner authority.
Practices draw on Balinese ceremonial traditions, embodied ritual, and contemporary somatic therapy, always grounded in trauma-informed care and nervous system safety.
A grounded approach to Tantra
This retreat integrates:
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Somatic therapy and Polyvagal-informed practices
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Archetypal psychology and Jungian-informed mythwork
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Ritual and ceremonial tantric practices rooted in Balinese culture
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Creative processes that support emotional integration
Rather than bypassing difficulty, we work gently with the shadow aspects of the psyche – those parts shaped by survival, suppression, or self-protection – allowing them to be met with awareness and compassion. This creates the conditions for genuine freedom, self-acceptance, and embodied confidence.
A note on Tantra:
While Tantra is often misunderstood in Western culture, this retreat focuses on embodied presence, sensual awareness, emotional healing, and self-care. The practices are informed by classical Tantric philosophy and Balinese Hindu traditions, and are shared with cultural respect and guidance from a Balinese priestess.
There are no sexual or intimate activities involved.
Self-care as a nervous system skill
Here, self-care is not indulgence, it is a learnable, embodied skill.
Through sensory-based and creative practices such as mandala work, Batik painting, mindful movement, and purification and offering rituals, participants engage the body as a site of regulation and insight. These practices support vagal tone, emotional processing, and a sense of grounded presence, helping restore balance after prolonged stress or overwhelm.
What Makes Our Retreats Unique?
This is not just a retreat, it is membership to an ongoing 6-month therapeutic container for deep transformation and integration, providing you with tools to continue growing long after you leave Bali. Many retreats and intensives give you momentary insight and change only to leave you without support to integrate it – Wanderess retreats are different.
A Holistic, Research-Based Approach to Transformation
Wanderess’ approach not only taps into the transformative power of ancient ritual performance, but also incorporates Polyvagal Theory, somatic healing, and archetypal psychology to help you reconnect with your self – body, mind, and spirit.
We’ve carefully blended ancient creative and ritual practices with modern research-backed methodologies like Polyvagal Theory and somatic trauma healing. This is a scientifically grounded approach to healing and empowerment, where body and mind work in tandem to reset your nervous system and release old patterns of stress and trauma. Guided by experts in performance arts, therapy, and education, this retreat will equip you with the tools and insights to create lasting change in your life.
Become the most connected, embodied version of yourself
This retreat supports deep, sustainable change, helping you move beyond self-doubt, burnout, and old patterns into a more grounded, self-trusting way of being.
🌹 Rewire limiting beliefs and embodied patterns through Somatic Mythwork™, a powerful integration of somatics, archetypal psychology, and storytelling that strengthens identity and inner authority.
🌹 Release held tension and emotional blocks using somatic movement, yoga, and embodied meditation, working directly with the nervous system to restore balance and resilience.
🌹 Explore feminine archetypes in living tradition, engaging with the Divine Feminine in Balinese Hindu culture through meaningful, culturally rooted ritual practices.
🌹 Regulate and support your nervous system through Balinese and Western yoga, meditation, chakra-informed work, and deeply restorative practices.
This is not about fixing yourself or forcing a change. It is about learning to listen – to your body, your patterns, and your inner intelligence – and discovering how change becomes possible when safety, creativity, and meaning come together.
If you are ready for a grounded, embodied approach to healing and spiritual growth, you are warmly invited to join us.
Awaken Your Inner Archetypes
Developed by Dr Ellie Chadwick (PhD), the Somatic Mythwork™ method offers a research-informed approach to working with feminine archetypes through embodiment, storytelling, and trauma-aware practice. In this retreat, we work with archetypal patterns that have shaped women’s relationships to femininity, desire, and self-worth. Through movement-based inquiry, voice and storytelling, and nervous system–informed body practices, participants are supported to reclaim agency, presence, and authentic expression.
Together, we explore:
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The Lover: embodiment, emotional connection, and the capacity to feel, want, and receive (including figures such as Aphrodite and Sita).
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The Whore and The Nun: cultural shadow archetypes explored through historical and psychological lenses to release inherited shame and repression (including figures such as Mary Magdalene).
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The Wild Woman: instinct, authenticity, and embodied self-trust rooted in cross-cultural myth and somatic intelligence.
What you'll get from this retreat
Rediscovering Self-Worth & Self-Love
A renewed sense of self-worth and self-love, empowering you to step into your authentic power and sovereignty.
Nervous System Regulation & Polyvagal Tools
Practical tools for nervous system regulation, including Polyvagal-informed techniques to foster resilience and balance.
Healing from Toxic Relationships & Heartbreak
Deep healing from past emotional wounds, toxic relationships, and heartbreak, whether romantic, familial, or platonic: releasing patterns of entanglement.
Tantric Knowledge & Practices
Foundational classical tantric practices to awaken energy, cultivate embodied presence, and explore the sacredness of the day to day.
Archetypal Activations & Expressions
Guided archetypal activations and expressive practices to unlock powerful aspects of your feminine psyche and reclaim your true essence.
Emotional Truth & Boundaries
A safe space to explore truth, desire, and boundaries, and to integrate emotional complexity into your sense of self.
Myth, Movement, and Meaning-Making
Integration of myth, movement, and meaning-making into your everyday life to support lasting transformation.
Ongoing Support
Receive 6 months of virtual therapy, coaching, and genuine community connection to help you continue your growth and integrate the retreat experience into your daily life, because transformation takes time.
Your Hosts
Dr Ellie Chadwick (PhD)
Lead Facilitator
Dr. Ellie Chadwick is an internationally experienced theatre practitioner, creative facilitator, and scholar working at the intersection of performance, storytelling, ritual, and somatic healing. With over 15 years of experience creating theatre shows, immersive experiences, and installations, her work has been commissioned by institutions including Tate Modern, Barbican Guildhall, National Trust, Plymouth Theatre Royal, and Bristol City Council. Ellie has been interviewed for The Stage magazine and for BBC Radio 4 on the subject of creative education and immersive arts.
Ellie holds a PhD and MFA in Theatre and is a published author with expertise in archetypes, collective memory, intercultural performance, and the role of the arts in collective wellbeing. Her academic work includes lecturing in performing arts and postdoctoral research in intercultural artistic practice, with creative collaborations across Europe, China, Indonesia, and the UK.
For nearly a decade, Ellie has led international retreats, workshops, and masterclasses, including recurring gatherings in Bali, blending ritual, art, and body-based practices. She is the creator of Historically-Responsive Theatre Practice—a method that integrates ancient and modern techniques, honouring the sacred roots of art-making across cultures.
Currently training as a trauma-informed integrative somatic therapist, Ellie’s work draws on polyvagal theory, nervous system regulation, and archetypal exploration to guide transformational experiences rooted in story, embodiment, and emotional healing. Whether on stage, in retreat, or within coaching spaces, Ellie is devoted to helping others reclaim their voice, rewrite their story, and remember the body as a source of truth, power, and creative possibility.
Cok Indrayuni Baruna
Local Facilitator
Cok Indrayuni is a world famous Legong dancer of the classical Peliatan Style and runs the Oka Kartini Arts Centre with other members of her family.
Oka Kartini Arts Centre is a centre of excellence for Balinese arts in Ubud, particularly their world-famous Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) show, which has been documented by National Geographic and CNN.
Karma Tucker
Co-Facilitator
With over 25 years of international performance experience, Karma brings a unique blend of creative artistry and holistic expertise to the wellbeing space. Her diverse career includes performing Shakespeare in New York, musical theatre tours across the UK, tribute shows in Oman, and music performances in Belgium. Her work has received great reviews from The Stage magazine.
Karma holds multiple degree-level qualifications in the performing arts and education, including a Distinction in Performance and Events Management and a PGCE in Higher Education. For over 15 years, she has lectured in colleges, academies, and universities, specialising in acting, movement, and vocal performance. Her creative leadership has guided full-scale productions at renowned venues such as London’s West End (His Majesty’s and The Shaftesbury), Disneyland Paris, Berlin, and beyond. She has also vocal-coached youth performers featured with G4. One of her collaborative productions was attended by Prince Edward.
Her background in performance seamlessly integrates with her passion for wellbeing. Karma qualified as a yoga instructor in 2014 and has since trained new teachers herself. She is also a certified Reiki Master and Yoga Life Coach, continually expanding her knowledge in holistic and therapeutic practices. A seasoned workshop facilitator, Karma excels at creating safe, empowering spaces for growth and transformation—drawing on both her artistic and healing modalities. Her sessions are infused with creativity, energy, and compassion.
A passionate traveler and lifelong learner, Karma has explored over 35 countries, delving into ancient civilisations and traditional dance practices throughout Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Europe, Japan, Egypt, and California. This global perspective informs her approach to wellness, embodiment, and spiritual connection.
Our Retreat Venue
Our serene retreat venue offers rustic yet luxurious accommodation in traditional wooden structures inspired by Balinese rice barns. Made with local traditional materials, the air-conditioned garden villas come with a fan, mosquito nets, and ensuite bathrooms. Private balconies are located on the first floor, and offer views of the beautiful surroundings.
Featuring a stunning outdoor pool with a spacious deck, a large open dining area, and a raised workshop space with inspiring views of the grounds, the venue is perfect for relaxation, rejuvination, and creativity.
Additional facilities include a library, a 24-hour front desk, and 3 kitchens throughout the property, all providing room service.
Words of a Wanderess!
“I had a truly inspiring time in Bali, which has left me with memories I will carry with me forever. If you want a break from the day-to-day and time to nourish your creative side, join one of Ellie’s retreats.”
Morven Macewan, 2016 Retreat Participant
Pricing
Scholarships of up to £2,000 available for women who feel called but need financial support.
We believe in accessible healing; reach out to apply.
Standard Price: £4,800 up front (including retreat + 6 month container)
Payment plans available to spread costs over up to 18 months (enquire for details).
What this includes:
Luxury Stay:
Experience authentic Balinese charm in a traditional lumbung twin room with en-suite, shared with a fellow Wanderess.
Empowering Workshops:
Transformative sessions designed to help you embody your inner Tantress.
Wellness Treatments:
Relax and rejuvenate with curated treatments to nurture your body and spirit.
Delicious Meals:
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, featuring authentic local cuisine.
Convenient Transfers:
Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off to ensure a smooth arrival and departure.
Immersive Trips & Activities:
Explore Bali’s rich culture and stunning landscapes with guided outings.
🌟 Plus! Our Special Retreats Bonus! 🌟
A 6-month complimentary membership to our online Wanderess Circle, a coaching container offering group somatic therapy, extending your journey of growth and connection long after the retreat ends.
You can also find us on Bookretreats.com
Embrace your inner Wanderess
At the core of every Wanderess retreat is our signature Archetypes Method—a powerful blend of academic research, performance practice, and somatic storytelling designed to help you transform inherited roles into authentic expressions of who you truly are.
Archetypes aren’t clichés—they’re living, symbolic energies rooted in history, psychology, and culture. We help you uncover those shaping you unconsciously, challenge limiting narratives, and consciously choose the ones that empower you.
Created by Dr. Ellie Chadwick (PhD), a scholar, therapist, and international theatre practitioner, the Wanderess approach invites you to explore your personal mythology through the performance of self. Through movement, voice, and creative ritual, you’ll access embodied wisdom and new ways of being.
Every retreat is an invitation to step beyond imposed stories and into embodied truth. We work with a rich spectrum of feminine archetypes—the Sorceress, Mysticess, Creatress, Empress, Rebel, Wild Woman, and more. Each reveals aspects of your voice, sensuality, authority, and creativity that may have been silenced or forgotten. These archetypes offer doorways into your full multidimensional self.
This is more than personal growth. It’s re-authoring your story, healing deep wounds—and reclaiming your place in a larger, collective narrative.
Join our waitlist today to begin your journey into archetypal embodiment and radical self-discovery.