6-week Surf Therapy Program
About the Mindswell Surf Therapy Program
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Our 6-week surf therapy programs are designed to support a diverse range of individuals who are looking to reconnect, reset, and grow. Whether you're an adolescent or an adult Mindswell Therapy offers a supportive space to feel seen, safe, and empowered. Each group is intentionally curated to foster belonging, community, and personal growth through nature-based connection and evidence-informed psychotherapy.
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Mindswell Surf Therapy is based on the Gold Coast, with selected programs also running in Melbourne. Our local sessions are held at beautiful beaches, where movement, mindfulness and the ocean come together to support emotional healing and mental wellbeing.
We collaborate with experienced local surf schools who provide coaching and gear, so no prior surfing experience is necessary, just a willingness to show up and give it a go.
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Over the course of six weeks, you’ll take part in weekly 2-hour sessions combining:
Guided surf lessons and ocean-based activities
Psychoeducation and experiential therapy
Group sharing circles and reflection
Nervous system regulation techniques and mindfulness
Evidence-based tools grounded in ACT, narrative therapy, and somatic practices
Each week, we explore a different theme, including:
Stress and Nervous System Regulation
Self-Leadership & Values-Driven Living
Strengthening Identity and Self-Esteem
Empowered Communication and Relationships
Mind-Body Connection and Embodiment
Navigating Change with Courage and Confidence
By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with a sense of clarity, confidence, and a personalised toolkit to support your mental health and emotional resilience, both in and out of the water.
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Programs are offered in seasonal blocks throughout the year. Our current schedule works in line with school terms and includes dates between:
T1: January – March
T2: April – June
T3: July – September
T4: October – December
All sessions are held weekly and run for 2 hours, with small group sizes to ensure depth, connection, and safety.
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Programs are open to the public and available by application. We prioritise creating the right fit within each group to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
To express your interest in an upcoming program, click here. If the current round is full, you’ll be the first to know when the next one opens up.
What Happens During a Mindswell Surf Therapy Session?
What Happens During a Mindswell Surf Therapy Session?
Each session is thoughtfully designed to help you feel safe, supported, and grounded, no matter your mental health journey or surfing experience.
We blend gentle movement, mindfulness, and beginner-friendly surf skills with practical therapeutic tools, creating an inclusive space where you can explore your emotional wellbeing at your own pace.
Check-In
We’ll meet you at our beachside meeting point and help you get set up with your surfboard and wetsuit. From there, we’ll introduce you to the group and go over what to expect for the session. We welcome you as you are, with the option to participate in a way that feels right for you.
Group Circle
Each session begins with a grounding practice and group check-in led by your qualified psychotherapist or facilitator. We explore a different mental health theme each week, offering tools, reflection prompts, and space for connection. Sharing is always optional, and you're invited to listen, reflect, or contribute as feels comfortable.
Surf & Somatics
After circle time, we head into the water for our surf therapy component. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’ve surfed before, this part is all about moving your body, connecting to the ocean, and being present. Certified surf instructors will guide you through the basics (or support your progression), while your therapy facilitator gently weaves in nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and experiential learning.
Close
We wrap up with a short group reflection and wind-down practice to help you integrate the experience, reconnect to yourself, and prepare for the week ahead. You’ll leave feeling clearer, calmer, and connected, both to yourself and to the group.
Register for a 6-Week Surf Therapy Program
Keen to join a program? You’re in the right place.
Browse our upcoming programs below and click on the ’Register Here’ button. Then select the ‘Register Your Interest’ from the dropdown and fill in your details.
You’ll find all current available program options below. If no sessions appear, it simply means the next round is not yet open or has reached capacity.
If you’d still like to be considered for future programs, click on the ‘Register Here’ button. Then select ‘Please add me to the waitlist’ from the dropdown. This ensures you’ll be among the first to know when new spots become available.
If you see a suitable program, click on the event and follow the prompts. One of our facilitators will be in touch to confirm your place and next steps.
Please note:
Our surf therapy programs are small-group, paid offerings facilitated by qualified therapists and experienced surf coaches. Places are limited to maintain safety, depth, and connection. Your registration of interest does not guarantee a place, but we do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible each program.
Thanks for your interest. We can’t wait to welcome you into the water soon!
There are no upcoming events at this time.