Lead Facilitator
Hi I’m Ben, one of Rite to Freedom’s Lead Retreat Facilitators, and an integrative Psychotherapist based in North Wales.
My story with Rite to Freedom began in January 2014, on a blustery High Heathercombe. For me it was a time of great discovery, experiencing the healing and transformative benefits of melding wild nature and inner exploration. After each weekend up there on the moors, I always left hungry for more. By the end of 2016, I became the charity’s administrator. At that time, we made the decision to solely focus our efforts with adults in addiction recovery. Growth for us all ensued. We delivered many residentials, integrated new leadership methodologies, and nurtured the buds of the thriving recovery community that we have today. As the years and number of retreats stacked up, my responsibility within the organisation grew and moulded to fit my skills. Amazing new staff joined us, and I was a core part of the weekly office work until the summer of 2021.
A dull roar began to rumble in me. I noticed my skills refine, and my desire to work one on one grow. Maybe I didn’t have to wait until I was old, to be a therapist?! I was blessed to work with a flexible team, who allowed me the cognitive and physical space and time to study a Master Degree in Counselling, whilst I still worked for the charity. Now my primary work is working in private practice. I mainly see adults with complicated upbringings, and those with experiences of adversity who desire someone to walk alongside them for a while, as they explore difficult content in a safe and professional space.
In 2018, for my bio I wrote:
“Rite to Freedom has the ability to encourage and nurture people’s passions and talents, which then ripples out into the community. At it’s core, I see that the community is about nurturing healthy, grounded relationships. Not only with others, but with ourselves.”
My story, which is still unfolding and growing, really is a case in point for what I wrote back then. I attribute much of where I am today to the nurturing and challenging environment that is Rite to Freedom. It still brings me great joy to head up on to the moors and run retreats with the tribe. It is a regular touch stone experience that I hope will be there throughout my life.
See you there!
Ben
info@ben-ford.co.uk