Testimonials

Nadine Reis – Germany*

“I have been struggling with toxic relationships for most of my adult life. I was caught in a cycle of unhealthy patterns, which caused me tremendous suffering.

Working with Philipp helped me to understand why I kept attracting the same toxic traits and patterns in my partners. He made me to realise that my past relationships and childhood had a huge impact on my unconscious choice of partners and that I needed to address these issues in order to build healthier relationships in the future.

His empathy and patience provided me with a safe space to work through my emotions and helped me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and my needs. One of the most valuable things that Philipp taught me, is the ability to identify and avoid toxic patterns in others. I’ve learnt to recognise potential red flags and reprogrammed myself mentally and emotionally so that I’m no longer attracted to them.

As a result, I am now able to make more informed decisions when choosing a partner. I no longer doubt that it is possible to build harmonious and stable relationships. I also firmly believe that I am worthy of being treated with respect and love in my relationships. I am very grateful for the advice and support Philipp has given me.”

*Note: translated from German to English

nadine.yogahouse@gmail.com

Rafael – Spain

“Philipp’s psychedelic retreat in Portugal felt like stepping into a different layer of reality—where time slowed down and truth became impossible to escape.

I arrived carrying years of silent weight: childhood trauma, addictive behaviours, shame and guilt I couldn’t even name. I didn’t expect healing. I just wanted to face myself honestly.

The ceremony was both beautiful and brutal. The medicine opened me wide. Buried memories, long-held grief, self-sabotaging patterns—all of it came flooding back. I honestly didn’t know if I could hold it.

But Philipp was always nearby. Quiet, grounded, unshaken. He didn’t interfere—he simply held space in a way that made everything feel less frightening. Just knowing someone had walked that terrain before gave me strength to stay with the process.

The days after were just as meaningful. We journaled, talked, sat in silence. Philipp offered structure, but never pressure. Just tools to help translate the experience into life.

Four months later, I still have difficult days. But they land softer. I have more breath in me. More kindness to myself. And when old emotions come back, I can actually feel where they are coming from – and meet them with clarity instead of fear.”

Ella & Marc – Switzerland

“We never really thought of ourselves as a ‘therapy couple’. Our communication was okay, we didn’t fight much, but the sex had become… routine. Mechanical. Like something to tick off a list. Emotionally, there was a kind of quiet distance between us – nothing dramatic, just a fading warmth that we didn’t know how to rekindle.

A friend recommended Philips couples’ retreat in France. We signed up out of curiosity rather than crisis. Neither of us expected what unfolded over those four days.

The retreat was intimate, intense, and gently confronting. Through guided group work, partner rituals, and deep body-based exercises, we were invited to slow down and meet each other in new ways. We explored touch without agenda, communication without defensiveness, and intimacy without pressure.

There was laughter. There were tears. And beneath it all, there was a quiet rediscovery – not just of each other, but of ourselves as lovers, not just partners. Philipp held the space with a rare clarity and warmth.

We came home with practices that now shape our relationships – weekly connection rituals, conscious touch, honest check-ins. But more than the tools, we came home with ourselves. Reignited. Present.”

Yair Reiven – Israel

“For years I was terrified of approaching women. My self-doubt was crippling and online dating felt like a constant rejection machine. My brother, who had previously worked with Philipp in Singapore, recommended that I approach him for a coaching.

What impressed me most was Philipp’s personalised approach. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of training. He took the time to understand my specific insecurities and tailored the coaching sessions to address them. He gave clear, step-by-step instructions on how to build self-love, which was the foundation for everything else.

He also provided me with many practical tips and strategies on how to approach women both on dating apps and in real life, and how to maintain natural and authentic communication during a date.

Philipp’s guidance was a game changer. He helped me build the confidence I needed to finally put myself out there and be successful in getting to know potential partners.”

5KBooster03@gmail.com

David  Sinott – Ireland

“As someone who carried the weight of past trauma, navigating relationships and intimacy felt almost impossible. Traditional therapy just wasn’t getting me the breakthroughs I needed. Then I discovered Philipp’s unique approach, which included psychedelic therapy.

Philipp guided me through two transformative retreats in Portugal. The location was incredible. A charming clinker building with a huge garden and a small lake in the Algarvian mountains. The retreats fostered a sense of community with other participants who were all on their own healing journeys. But what really set this experience apart was the professional support system.

Philipp, along with the on-site psychologist, Sarah, provided a safe and supportive environment for me to explore my unconscious trauma. The psychedelic experiences, coupled with Philipp’s expert guidance, allowed me to access and process these deep-seated issues in a way I never thought possible.

The post-retreat integration sessions with Sarah were invaluable. She helped me translate the insights from the journeys into practical steps to move forward in a healthy way.

It’s no exaggeration to say that working with Philipp has been life-changing. The progress I’ve made in exploring and healing my past trauma has had a profound impact on every aspect of my life.  If you’re someone who feels stuck and traditional therapy hasn’t provided the breakthroughs you’re looking for, I highly recommend you contact Philipp.”

Daniel & Susanne – Germany*

“I have never felt comfortable talking about sex. Not even with my wife. It was something which we felt needs to be part of a relationship, but it was always in a state of rush, tense and without truly embracing the needs of the other. After 14 years together, it just became something we avoided to do more than once or twice a year.

Philipp helped us to approach intimacy not as a performance, but as a love language. A way of listening and receiving. He gave us skills, like massage and exercises, but more than that he showed us a new way of thinking. One where pleasure doesn’t have to be goal-oriented, and where emotional safety is as sexy as touch.

We’ve started weekly intimacy evenings – no pressure, just being present and organically sharing what feels good for us. It’s completely transformed our marriage.

*Note: translated from German to English

Markus Gutsche – Germany*

“I have always been a rather introverted and shy person. It made it difficult for me to start a conversation or to speak up in a group. This shyness somehow also prevented me from connecting with others and it was also difficult to find love. After 3 months of working with Phil, I finally feel that I have freed myself from these limitations.

In our sessions, Phil encouraged me to face my fears and insecurities instead of running away from them. I understood that a big part of my shyness came from a fear of rejection and being judged by others. Through our work together, I learned to accept and appreciate myself despite my flaws and imperfections.

Phil made me realise the importance of self-love and gave me practical tips on how to incorporate self-care routines into my life to reconnect with who I am and want to be. This has boosted my confidence and made it much easier for me to open up and connect with others.

I have recently been in a relationship that brings me a lot of joy and happiness. I never thought I could find someone who really loves me and accepts me for who I am.”

*Note: translated from German to English

markusgutsche0588@gmail.com

Julia Lefebre – Switzerland*

“I suffered from an emotional pattern of distrust and a strong fear of being hurt, stemming from betrayals in my past partnerships. As a result, I was constantly jealous and created irrational scenarios in my mind. This affected not only my partnership but also my overall wellbeing.

Philipp helped me to understand the source of my trust issues and showed me how to access and heal my past traumas. It’s been a process of just over a year now, and I see myself steadily overcoming my old patterns. Philipp taught me techniques to become more self-aware and to identify patterns in my behaviour and communication that could compromise the trust in my partnership.

One of the most important things I learned from Philipp was how to communicate effectively and how to express my needs, concerns and feelings in a way that doesn’t hurt my partner. This helped me to build a deeper connection with him and to feel more confident and secure as a couple.

Philipp also introduced us to tantric rituals, which we have been practising. These have really deepened our connection and spiced up our love life. I feel we’re at a level of trust and intimacy that we’ve never been at in our time together.

We are very grateful for Philipp’s guidance and support. I happily recommend him to anyone who is at a similar stage in their life. He is a great listener and always has very good advice.”

*Note: translated from French to English

julia.lefebree@gmail.com

Darleen K – Canada

“I’d struggled with orgasm problems for years. It was incredibly frustrating and isolating and had a negative impact on my relationships. On the recommendation of a friend, I attended one of Philipp’s workshops while travelling in Chiang Mai and it was a complete game changer for me.

Phil’s approach was so different to anything I had tried before. He created a safe and trusting space and his kindness and understanding immediately made me feel at ease and able to let go.

The workshop itself was informative and educational, but what struck me most was the personalised Karsai massage. It helped me release so much accumulated tension, pain and trauma in my body that I didn’t even know was there.

It was an emotional and physical release that I will never forget. To be honest, I never thought I would ever be able to have a normal and fulfilling love life again. But thanks to Philipp’s guidance and introduction to Karsai massage, I am experiencing sexual pleasure in a way that fulfils me and makes me feel connected to my body again.”

Sarah Oblend – Netherlands

“The emotional and physical scars from my abusive marriage left me a prisoner in my own body.  Finding intimacy and trusting anyone felt like a distant dream. Traditional therapy offered some comfort, but I longed for deeper healing. I met Philipp by coincidence and was intrigued by his holistic approach. I decided to join him on one of his psychedelic retreats in Portugal.

The retreat itself was challenging. Philipp had warned me it wouldn’t be easy, and he was right. Exploring my unconscious trauma through psychedelic therapy brought on a wave of tears and resistance.  But beneath the pain, there were profound moments of insight and healing. The professional support system provided was essential. Philipp and the on-site psychologist provided a safe space for me to confront these buried demons.

The post-retreat integration sessions were crucial. The psychologist helped me translate the raw emotions and experiences into a roadmap for moving forward. The daily meditation and yoga workshops were another gift.  They provided tools to quiet my mind and allow my body to process the trauma on a deeper level.

Philipp’s program isn’t for the faint of heart. It was a demanding journey, filled with tears and emotional turmoil.  But the rewards have been immeasurable. The progress I’ve made in healing my trauma has opened doors to a life I never thought possible.”

sarahoblend@gmail.com

Noura – Morocco / France*

“I came to Phil’s psychedelic workshop in the Netherlands after a long period of depression where nothing seemed to change. I had tried many different approaches to improve my situation – classical therapy, coaching, meditation, yoga – but my body was still carrying a grief and sadness I couldn’t name.

The retreat was… beyond words. Gentle, sacred, powerful. I had never felt so safe and so vulnerable at the same time. Philipp doesn’t try to be your guru. He walks with you. He holds space when it’s difficult. He offers silence when you need it.

For the first time in years I felt joy again – not the manic kind, but the quiet, grounded kind that lives in the belly and the heart.

That experience alone made it all worthwhile. I feel that I can now experience this joy more regularly in my daily life, which is a big thing for me.”

*Note: translated from French to English

Tobias Kohler – Germany*

“In my current relationship, I have always felt that I was not good enough to live up to my partner’s expectations. I struggled with self-doubt and insecurity, and as a result, I struggled to really share what was going on inside me with my partner. It was as if there was an emotional wall between us and I was too afraid to climb over it. I was looking for a way to feel more confident and secure when I was recommended to work with Phil.

Phil helped me to understand the importance of self-love and how it affects our relationships. He taught me how to strengthen my self-esteem by establishing self-care routines in my life. Already after 6 weeks, I felt a significant improvement in my energy level and overall happiness. Even though I still wouldn’t say I love myself completely, it yet feels amazingly empowering to be on my way to becoming a better version of myself. This newfound sense of confidence has allowed me to finally stand up for myself and communicate my needs and desires.

Thanks to working with Phil, I now have a much more transparent and therefore healthier relationship with my partner. I am very grateful for all the support and guidance Phil has given me.”

*Note: translated from German to English

kohler.consultings@gmail.com

Miya Boyer – USA

“For years I had been unknowingly trapped in a cycle of attracting abusive partners. I had no rational explanation for it other than being a shit magnet or born under an unlucky star. I discovered Philip by chance on social media. I immediately felt a strong resonance with him and after a couple of video calls I decided to join him at one of his retreats near Basel, Switzerland.

This wasn’t a typical retreat. Philipp utilised a combination of silent meditation and legal entheogens to unlock the hidden corners of my psyche. The experience itself was incredibly powerful – Philipp aptly compared it to “opening a vacuum cleaner while it’s running”.  A flood of repressed memories, emotions and experiences came to the surface. It was overwhelming at times, but with Philipp’s expert guidance I was able to navigate through it all.

Through this process I uncovered the root cause of my attraction to abusive partners – my past trauma, buried deep within, was like a broken compass guiding me towards unhealthy relationships. This insight was a turning point. With Philipp’s help, I began to heal these old wounds and rewrite my internal narrative.

Looking back, the retreat was absolutely life-changing, a kind of reset experience. But it wasn’t for the faint-hearted. There were moments of immense emotional upheaval and facing the darkness was anything but easy.  But the rewards were immeasurable. Philipp helped me to break free from the cycle of abuse and to reclaim my power.  I now understand myself on a deeper level and am finally able to build healthy relationships.”

Marie Herbert – Germany*

“I met Philipp for the first time in 2019 at a yoga retreat in Strasbourg. I know him as a very empathetic, clear, wise, and loving person. Over the years, we have shared a lot of knowledge and personal evolution with each other.

Through him, I came into contact with Kundalini Yoga and Tantric teachings. On this path, I learned a lot about my body, my emotions, and my sexuality.

For example, it used to be difficult for me to let go and enjoy the present moment during sex. I was always in my head, analyzing every movement, sound, and touch. Today, I know that staying in the mind prevents intimacy to reach depth. The mind needs to rest so that sexual energy can freely flow through the body.

For anyone who wants to explore the complexities of love and sexuality in a safe and supportive environment, I would highly recommend working with Philipp.”

*Note: translated from German to English

herbert.marie94@gmail.com

John & Michelle – USA*

“My husband John and I had been married for 11 years when we felt that the intimacy of our relationship was fading. We love each other deeply, but the spark was missing. Feeling lost and not knowing where to turn, we sought help from Philipp.

Philipp provided a safe and supportive space for us to explore our struggles. He challenged our traditional views of intimacy and encouraged us to consider opening up our relationship to explore new possibilities. After some initial hesitation, we decided to trust Philipp’s guidance and invited another couple, close friends of ours, to join us for a shared intimate experience.

This first experience was a revelation for both of us. Sharing sex with others did not damage our connection, but rather expanded our capacity for intimacy. We learned that love is not a finite resource, and that sharing intimacy with others didn’t diminish our love for each other – it actually strengthened it.

With Philipp’s guidance, we navigated the challenges of an open relationship and set clear boundaries for everyone involved. The most surprising result? Our own intimacy as a couple blossomed! The experience reignited the passion in our marriage and we feel more connected than ever.

We wouldn’t have dared to go on this journey without Philipp’s support. His open-mindedness and expertise helped us face our fears and embrace a new chapter in our relationship. “

*Note: client’s names changed for privacy reasons

Anouk – France*

“For years I struggled with low libido and a deep sense of numbness in my pelvic region. I’d seen doctors, tried hormone treatments, followed all the conventional advice – nothing really changed. I felt disconnected from my body and even more so from my sexuality.

Attending Philipp’s women’s workshop shifted something fundamental in me. For the first time I was in a space where sexuality wasn’t about performance or pleasing someone else – it was about coming home to myself. No pressure. No expectations. Just curiosity, softness, and support.

The Karsai Nei Tsang-inspired pelvic floor exercises and self-touch rituals were unlike anything I’d ever done before. They invited me to slow down and actually feel. Not just physically, but emotionally, energetically. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation overnight, but something began to thaw. A veil lifted.

Now, when I self-pleasure, I don’t feel numb – I feel present. I feel myself. The sensations return and so does my desire. Not the kind of libido that’s tied to external validation, but a deeper, more grounded aliveness from within.

This experience was such a gift. I wish more women had access to this kind of healing – it has changed my life in ways I’m still discovering.”

*Note: translated from French to English

David & Mark – Germany*

“My partner David and I struggled with trust issues due to repeated infidelities on my part. We felt emotionally isolated from each other because of these difficulties. We were on the verge of giving up our relationship when we heard about Philipp’s workshops in Offenburg..

Philipp’s approach was a lifeline. He created a safe space for us to face our issues head-on. He taught us valuable tantric techniques, such as understanding our arousal curves and practising ‘unintentional lovemaking’ – focusing on pleasure and connection rather than just achieving orgasm. These techniques helped us to rediscover intimacy on a whole new level.

Philipp’s guidance went beyond the bedroom. He challenged our traditional understanding of love and relationships. He encouraged us to consider an open relationship, emphasising that love blossoms in freedom and can be shared with as many people as we like. The key to not hurting each other, he said, was open and honest communication.

The idea of an open relationship seemed a little strange to us at first. But with Philipp’s support, we explored the concept further and finally decided to give it a try. The result was surprising. Our trust has grown and we feel closer to each other than ever before, also because we communicate much more honestly and without masks.

Most importantly, our love life has blossomed. We experience our sex life with a depth and complexity we never thought possible. The freedom to explore intimacy outside of our relationship has strengthened our bond as a couple. We are no longer plagued by jealousy or possessiveness. Instead, we enjoy each other’s happiness and growth and are now happy to share new impulses in a three or four-person constellation.”

*Note: clients names changed for privacy reasons | Text translated from German to English

Dominik Klein – Germany*

“In the first year after our son was born, we found it difficult to be open and honest with each other about our sex life. This had a negative impact on our sex life and the general mood between us. Looking back, I can say that our relationship was on the brink of ending. We were both distressed and unsure of what steps to take to stabilise things between us. A friend of mine suggested that I contact Philipp.

Philipp has an exceptional ability to listen and understand our emotional states. He consistently provided thought-provoking insights and practical solutions. Through our sessions, we learned to express our needs clearly and without emotional tension. We also established dedicated times each week to communicate our needs and feelings and share quality time together. What might seem like a simple adjustment turned out to be a pivotal moment in reconnecting with each other.

Working with Philipp was one of the best decisions we ever made for our relationship. Not only did he help us overcome communication barriers that were causing friction, but he also helped us rekindle the love and passion that had begun to fade. We are very grateful to Philipp for his guidance and support throughout our journey.”

dominik.klein.priv@gmail.com

Lucas & Nadya – Germany*

“My partner Nadya and I have become regulars at Philipp’s workshops in Offenburg. Philipp’s approach is truly unique. He combines a wealth of knowledge with a kind and humorous demeanour that puts everyone at ease. It’s a joy to explore the many facets of tantric techniques and concepts with others in such a safe and supportive space.

The workshops themselves are a revelation. We’ve learned so much about ourselves and each other, and Philipp’s explanations are always clear and engaging. For example, the concept of a testicular orgasm was completely new to us and Philipp’s guidance left us both intrigued and excited to experiment further. The tantric massage flows have also been a source of immense pleasure and connection for us as a couple. We try to practice them at least once a month in a conscious pleasure ritual.

Beyond the specific techniques, what really impresses us is the depth and complexity of Philip’s teachings. He deconstructs our beliefs and assumptions about sexuality and our relationships and encourages us to explore new ways of experiencing intimacy and love. We always leave his workshops feeling inspired and empowered, full of positive energy. “

*Note: translated from German to English

luca.dave1998@gmail.com

Sarah Frei – Switzerland*

“Due to a new job, my partner travels abroad for about 150 days a year. These long periods of absence made it very difficult for me to feel emotionally connected to my partner and I also felt that our intimacy was suffering.

Phil is incredibly patient, understanding and compassionate. He took the time to understand my particular situation and gave me practical advice. He taught me the importance of open communication, creativity and lived intimacy to maintain passion and trust in a long-distance relationship. He also showed us how to use technology in fun, playful ways to share intimacy across distance.

I am now able to communicate my needs and concerns more openly and honestly with my partner, and we actually take great pleasure in exploring new forms of intimacy with each other, even though we are thousands of kilometres apart.

I can’t thank Phil enough for his help and advice. He has given us the right tools to maintain our passion, no matter how great the distance between us.”

*Note: translated from German to English

freiimgeist@gmail.com

Camilla – Australia*

“My friend, who had previously done amazing work with Philipp, couldn’t recommend his psychedelic retreat in Chiang Mai enough. Intrigued by the idea of inner exploration in such a beautiful setting, I decided to take the plunge.

From the moment I arrived at the stunning villa with its breathtakingly beautiful garden and pool area, I knew I was in good hands. The retreat offered a well-rounded program, a psychologist provided invaluable support during the integration process, and two local massage therapists helped to release any lingering tension. Philipp and his girlfriend even led daily yoga classes, creating a space for both physical and emotional rejuvenation

The psychedelic experience itself was profound. Surrounded by other beautiful souls on their own journeys of self-discovery, I embarked on a deep and peaceful exploration of my inner landscape. Philipp’s guidance was gentle and insightful, allowing me to navigate these powerful emotions with confidence.

By the end of the retreat, I felt a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. I left with a newfound appreciation for myself and the world around me. The retreat was a truly transformative experience and I’m looking forward to Philipp’s return to Thailand to join him again. “

*Note: client name changed for privacy reasons

Isabelle & Marie – Belgium

“As a queer couple, we were unsure what to expect from a tantric workshop. So many felt heteronormative – focused on male/female roles that didn’t reflect us. We were curious, but also a little guarded.

From the start, Philipp made us feel completely welcome. No expectations, no rigid roles – just an open space to be ourselves. The atmosphere was gentle, grounded, deeply inclusive.

One of the most powerful moments was a heart-to-heart breathing exercise. We sat chest to chest, eye to eye, just breathing together. At first it felt uncomfortable, but slowly something shifted. Time slowed down. We fell into a tenderness we hadn’t reached for years.

We cried – quietly, not from pain, but from remembering our love. That we’re more than partners navigating life – we’re still lovers, still soul mates.

Since the workshop we’ve kept this ritual alive. Every Sunday evening we sit together in silence and breathe. No phones, no talking – just presence.

Thank you Phil!”

Jonas Thierse – Germany*

“I worked with Phil in one-to-one sessions over a period of six months. What struck me most was how holistic and organic his approach was. Some days we’d delve into old memories, attachment patterns or relationship wounds. Other days were about breathing, grounding, sexual exercises, healthy routines or simply learning to feel safe in my body again.

There was no set plan, no forced progression. Just a responsive, intuitive flow that always met me exactly where I was.

One moment that really stayed with me was when Phil said, ‘Sometimes the mind understands something, but our emotions and the energy field associated with them have not yet caught up’. That hit me like a truth I didn’t know I’d been waiting to hear. It explained so much – why certain reactions still lived in me, even after years of ‘understanding’.

Our work together hasn’t made my fears go away, but something essential has changed. I feel lighter now – not because life is suddenly perfect, but because I feel more grounded.

Through my time with Philipp I have learned to look inside myself, see and embrace my pain and to learn from it, instead of always running away from it or suppressing it.”

*Note: translated from German to English

Anaïs Renaudin – France*

“I first met Philipp as a student in his yoga class and was always impressed by his calm and insightful approach. When I heard about his Holotropic Breathwork workshop in Zurich, I jumped at the chance to learn more.

The concept itself was intriguing. The idea of using breathwork to access the subconscious and unlock deeper emotional states. Philipp’s explanation was clear and concise and he created a safe and supportive environment for everyone to explore this powerful technique.

The workshop itself was an incredible experience. Through guided breathing techniques and muscular tension, I embarked on a unique inner journey. It was amazing how easily I was able to access subconscious thoughts and emotions.  This allowed me to confront and release some long-held fears in a safe and controlled way.

By the end of the workshop I felt a deep sense of peace and balance. My thoughts were clearer and my emotions felt more regulated.  It was a truly transformative experience and I’m very grateful to Philipp for introducing me to Holotropic Breathwork. It’s a tool I now use in my daily life to centre myself and work on my shadow subjects.”

*Note: translated from French to English

Benjamin Keller – Germany*

“As someone who suffered from sexual performance anxiety for a long time, I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough in my intimate relationships. I could never really relax and enjoy the moment because I was always worried about whether or not I would be able to satisfy my partner. I was very dissatisfied with my sex life and didn’t know how to deal with these negative feelings.

Philipp listened to my worries and helped me realise that intimacy is about much more than just giving someone an orgasm. He made me realise that it is above all about consciously sharing love, energy and pleasure with each other. This realisation changed my thinking a lot and helped me to understand sex in a much bigger context.

Through Philipp’s guidance I learned how to pay attention to my body, how to understand it better and how important it is to calm my thoughts. I learned how to be attentive to my partner’s needs and desires without putting pressure on myself. He taught me a variety of techniques and exercises to help me become a more confident and capable lover. Philipp recommended some inspiring books on the subject which helped me to further deepen my knowledge.

I have reached a point in my life where I can enjoy a more complex and fulfilling sex life. I feel much more confident and as a result I’m able to relax and enjoy the moments I share with my partners. I can’t thank Philipp enough for his advice and support and I look forward to continuing our work together in 2023.”

*Note: translated from German to English

beny_k@web.de 

Nathan Dowey – England

“I used to think Tantra was just about sex positions and weird breathing. A kind of spiritualised Kama Sutra for people who shop in organic supermarkets. I never imagined it could help me feel more at home in my own body – or more connected to other men.

Philip’s men’s retreat changed that completely. It gave me something I never had growing up – a real sense of brotherhood. Not the kind built on banter and beers, but one rooted in vulnerability. Real conversations. No macho bullshit. Just men showing up with their fears, their pain, their desire to grow. It was raw, honest and deeply human.

One moment that stayed with me was during a partner exercise, where we just made eye contact and breathed together. With another man. I’d never done that before. At first it felt strange – even confrontational. But then something softened. The walls came down. I realised how hungry I was for this kind of connection – non-competitive, open, soul-level.

Over the weekend I laughed more than I had in months and for the first time in my life I cried in front of other men. Not because I was sad or unhappy, but because I finally felt safe enough to let go.

Since then, there’s been a shift in how I show up in the world. I’ve started dating with a lot more honesty and vulnerability. I don’t pretend to be the cool, aloof guy anymore. I’m letting people see me. That in itself is massive.”