The Breakthrough
Programme

Arrive with a challenge. Experience breakthrough. Leave with a plan for meaningful change.

Taking place in a 17th-century French mountain village surrounded by wilderness, this intensive, psychologically-driven 4-day programme is designed for people who are looking for rapid breakthrough on current life and work challenges.

“The programme was profound, invigorating and unforgettable. It was a defining moment in my life.”

Silvia
Breakthrough Process alumni

The Scene

Where you’ll be

Nestled in Bardou, a historic, privately-owned 17th-century mountain village in southern France. Surrounded by national park wilderness, Bardou is the perfect setting to escape the ordinary and dive into discovery.

The approach

How we work

Designed and led by experts in psychotherapy, leadership and coaching, this intensive 4-day programme fuses group discussion, creative techniques, and nature-centric outdoor activities into a powerful structure that supports you to arrive with a challenge, experience breakthrough, and leave with a meaningful plan.

The participants

Who it’s for

Everyone seeking a breakthrough on a life and/or work challenge. Whether transitioning careers, or needing to improve relationships, learn how to navigate group dynamics or better manage emotions, the programme facilitates rapid clarity, deep insight and actionable solutions.

The Journey:
What’s involved

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Arrive at Bardou and immerse yourself in stunning surroundings. Get to know the Mind Environment team and the like-minded individuals in your group through a series of introductory activities. The day concludes with a briefing session for days 2-5, followed by a welcome dinner.

Days 2-4: Intensive Exploration

Embrace an open mind for three intensive days of group exploration. Facilitated by an experienced psychotherapist, leadership coach, and outdoor activity lead, your group will become a powerful source of perspective and support as you work your way through a series of structured questions and activities. Each day is carefully designed to help you uncover the emotional and unconscious forces that shape your challenge, and unfold your understanding into a clear path forward.

Day 5: Leave with a Plan

Conclude your journey by crystallising your insights into a meaningful action plan, ready to tackle your challenge on your return.

What You’ll Experience

Magical wilderness setting

With its simple 17th century stone houses surrounded by mountain wilderness, staying in Bardou feels like stepping back in time. At dawn, deer wander down the main ‘street’, a cobbled footpath that winds up the mountain. The experience is pared back, simple, magical – one reason why Douglas Adams chose to write The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy here. At the end of each day, you’ll eat delicious French mountain food and drift off to sleep in a single occupancy room.

Breakthrough Techniques and Activities

From sunrise hikes to silent walks and tree planting, outdoor activities build on creative techniques and group discussion to drive a dynamic pace, deepen your exploration, and provide multiple layers of fresh perspective on your challenge. This fusion acts as a force multiplier, keeping your journey surprising and intensifying your insight. At the end of each day, you can unwind and process the days’ events in front of a roaring fire, or while gazing at the stars.

A meaningful plan and team of supporters

In the process of arriving at your plan you’ll experience deep-level interactions with your group. This will help you develop greater insight into what drives your relationships, and build your confidence and resilience. After your return home, the Mind Environment team meet you for two follow-up sessions, and your group becomes an ongoing source of support, long after the programme’s close.

What’s Included

Coaching

Creative Processing

Psychological Education

Psychologically-Driven Group Work

Hiking

Wild Swimming

Meditative Techniques

Working with Nature

Carefully Curated Group

17th Century Stone Accommodation

All Meals

Individual and Group Follow-up Sessions

“The programme was an incredibly positive experience, surpassing any expectations. I don’t think I had anticipated the depth of the psychological process and the remorseless pace which kept stripping away the layers. It required courage, but the support of the group and the team was reassuring and containing.”

David
Breakthrough Process alumni