Esjai​ - Founder and Creator

 

With over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, Esjai has dedicated her career to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of life and relationships. Initially qualifying with the prestigious Relate Institute, she specialised in relationship therapy, equipping her with the skills to support couples facing challenges in communication, trust, and intimacy. Later, her passion for trauma recovery led her to train in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a powerful therapeutic approach for healing deep emotional wounds.

 

In 2018, Esjai’s vision took shape with the creation of The Counselling Academy, an online school designed to provide high-quality psychotherapy courses for counsellors and therapists. This platform continues to serve as a hub for professional development, empowering therapists with new tools and perspectives to enhance their practice.

 

Building on her expertise and love for teaching, Esjai began incorporating her courses into specialised training events in Morocco, blending professional development with the restorative environment of a retreat. These immersive experiences allow therapists to gain new skills while prioritising their own well-being. In addition, she now offers EMDR training weeks, providing therapists with the opportunity to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of this transformative modality in a supportive and rejuvenating setting.

 

Recognising the high burnout rate among mental health professionals, Esjai also drew on her background in catering and event organising to pioneer Self-Care Retreats for counsellors. These retreats, set in the tranquil beauty of Morocco, provide a much-needed escape and an opportunity for therapists to recharge. Having long cherished Morocco as a favourite holiday destination, it was a natural choice for her retreats.

 

In May 2024, she launched her first retreat, and the response was phenomenal. Since then, she has hosted six more, expanding the scope to include Trauma Healing Retreats in collaboration with skilled somatic healers. These events offer profound healing experiences for individuals who have struggled to find relief through conventional methods. With every retreat and training, Esjai continues to combine her expertise, creativity, and compassion to create spaces where true transformation can unfold.

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Tania - Operations and  Social Media Specialist

 

Tania joined The Counselling Academy in 2022, quickly becoming an integral part of the team. Her exceptional organisational skills and creative flair ensure the smooth running of both the Academy and the retreat business. From coordinating the day-to-day admin to overseeing complex logistics, Tania is the backbone of operations.

 

A gifted content creator, she designs eye-catching advertisements and manages all social media channels, bringing our work to life for a global audience. Tania’s talents extend beyond marketing; she collaborates with Esjai to develop impactful courses and manages the busy diary of counselling supervision appointments. Her dedication and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of the business runs seamlessly, allowing Esjai to focus on her vision and clients.

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Abdel - Cultural Expert & Retreat Manager

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Abdel became part of the team in April 2024, bringing a wealth of local expertise and technical knowledge. Initially recruited to handle the IT side of The Counselling Academy, Abdel’s role quickly evolved to include key responsibilities in the Retreat business.

 

With his deep understanding of Moroccan culture, Abdel is instrumental in sourcing the perfect venues and managing the intricate logistics of running retreats in Morocco. From organising activities to ensuring that every detail is flawless, his contribution is invaluable. Abdel’s passion for sharing Moroccan traditions shines through in his cooking. He prepares mouthwatering traditional dishes that have become a highlight of our retreats, earning rave reviews from guests. To make the experience even more immersive, Abdel leads Moroccan cooking classes, teaching guests how to recreate these authentic flavours at home.

 

Beyond the kitchen, Abdel serves as a guide to Morocco’s vibrant culture. He accompanies guests to the bustling Souks, offering tips on bartering and sharing his extensive knowledge of the rich array of Moroccan spices. His warm and engaging personality ensures that every guest feels welcome, supported, and deeply connected to the Moroccan way of life.