The hearth in the woods

sauna - cold water - fire - connection

A quarterly invite for therapists @ Iglu Sauna, Slaithwaite, HD7 5HA

We begin on Sunday October 25th 2026

(7.30pm - 9pm)

Once a quarter we’ll gather at Iglu Sauna in Slaithwaite for a few hours of warmth, cold, nature and good company.

Just for therapists.

A chance for you to step outside of your usual role for a little while. Only yourself to attend to, the elements, and a small gathering of other helpers. The perfect way to wind down and prepare for a restful sleep to set you up for the coming week.

The woods are calling…will you join us?

What happens at the hearth in the woods?

We’ll spend a leisurely hour moving between the cocooning warmth of the outdoor sauna and cold plunge - at your own pace and with no pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel right for you.

Then we’ll gather around the fire, under trees, with steaming hot drinks and a little something to eat. There’ll be space for whatever conversation flows and informal sharing. Maybe there will be silence, maybe laughter, maybe no talking about therapy at all, or a little sharing about what sustains you in the work of supporting others.

There’ll be some gentle prompts linked to our session theme and calendar but no formal agenda. It’s just time for you, on your own terms, with others who understand a little of what it’s like to do the work you do.

Who is it for? Anyone who self defines as a therapist, counsellor, or healer and feels called to join.

  • come for the sauna, cold plunge and fire

  • come to spend time as part of a supportive community

  • come because you’re tired and nature is gently whispering your name

  • whatever brings you, all of you is welcome

Come as you are and rest awhile with us

Try your first session for just £23

Session includes

  • one hour of sauna and cold plunge

  • fireside guided intention setting focused on your wellbeing

  • a hot drink and small snack

As the seasons change, our autumn session Tend will be a chance to pause, notice your energy and needs, and begin to attend to yourself.

If you decide you’d like to make our wellbeing gatherings part of your year, you can book the remaining three sessions before December 1st as a block for £57.

This brings the total cost for all four sessions to £80 - just £20 per gathering.

The pay as you go price will be £27 per session.

Following our initial autumn session, there will be three follow up sessions.

Dates for these will be announced shortly after Tend, but will fall on a Sunday evening, usually the last one of the month.

The hearth in the woods calendar

Kindle

winter - January 2027

A gathering to spark warmth and wonder through the darker months.

Ignite

spring - April 2027

Connecting to energy and possibilities for growth as spring arrives.

Radiate

summer - July 2027

Getting together to savour and recalibrate, holding tight to the warmth and light of summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

try

    • iglu sauna, Slaithwaite Mills, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5HA

    • There is a car park directly outside the sauna. This allows payment by Apple Pay or online

    • The sauna site is around a five minute walk from Slaithwaite train station. Trains to Leeds and Manchester run hourly on Sundays.

    • Slaithwaite is also on the 184 bus route between Huddersfield and Oldham.

    • There is a range of places to eat close to the sauna site.

  • Full details will be sent to participants who book. However you should aim to bring

    • swimwear and flip flops for walking around the site

    • a towel to sit on and a towel to dry yourself

    • warm clothes for the fire side setting

    • a water bottle if you want to - drinking cups and fresh drinking water are provided

  • Here is some information about access at Iglu.

    The sauna is up a short flight of wooden steps with a handrail

    The Autumn and Winter sessions will take place in reduced light. There are lights in the changing cubicles and on site, but you may wish to bring a head torch or speak to me before booking if you have any concerns.

    ‍Safety information will be sent to all participants and you will be asked to confirm you agree to Iglu’s terms and conditions.

    Use of the sauna and cold plunge is done so at your own risk. You are encouraged to contact your GP if at all in doubt about safely using the sauna or cold plunge before booking onto the session. 

    ​

    If any of the below apply to you (please note, this is not a comprehensive list) Iglu advise you to seek your GP’s advice:

    ​

    • If you're pregnant

    • If you've had a heart attack or stroke

    • If you're taking any medications

    • If you have cardiovascular conditions and/or problems

    • You have epilepsy

    • You have asthma or breathing conditions

    • High or low blood pressure

    • If you have arterial disease

    • If you have joint or muscle injury

    If you have an access rider you’d like to check in about or particular questions about the session or site, please feel free to contact me.

Get in touch to book:

A little bit about your host

Hi, I’m Vicky - an Integrative counsellor and arts based trainer based in Huddersfield. I know that you spend lots of time in your head and holding space. Whether that’s delivering effective and ethical practice, or doing everything else that’s involved with the business of therapy, you might notice that you’re always or often “on”.

As a DBT informed therapist I spent years telling clients about the benefits of hot and cold. It wasn’t until I made sauna a regular practice that I really got it and started to love it! I’m still not a huge fan of cold water but I enjoy the challenge of getting in. Thank you Iglu for having a cold AND warmer plunge pool. Like many sauna users, I believe it brings many benefits for my mind and body including pain management and supporting emotional regulation. It’s also a lot of fun!

It’s increasingly clear to me that therapists need space to play and imagine and rest, to support our flexibility and capacity in complex times. I really believe that supportive spaces can open up possibilities. So these sessions aren’t supervision or CPD, but a place for creativity and connection. If that sounds like it may fuel you, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Lets meet for some magic at the edge of the woods!