It will be the most life changing experience of your life

Success Stories to Inspire you

Everyday people transform themselves to overcome their biggest challenge

Completely changed my outlook on life

“Mark, Linda and team have mastered the art of bringing peace to those lost in this frantic lifestyle we seem to get stuck in. I can now clearly see the way for my healthy future. I wake up feeling like I can face the day with more energy and nothing weighing on my mind. Thank you for the chance to experience deep meditation and real hypnotherapy.” Adele January, 2023

BEST decision I have ever made

“I am 77 years old and have attended Swami Sarasvati, Sahaja for Yoga, The Buddhist Retreat in Wollongong, Hopewood, Vajrayana Institute and many more, BUT you transformed my mind and set me free. The retreat was just what I needed to get over the tragic loss of my terrific husband of 57 years. Your love and devotion to each of your clients was exceptional. I intend repeating this every year.” Patricia January 2023

TZIPORAH MALKAH (previously Kate Fischer) loses 50kg

As seen on A Current Affair, Today and Today Extra 2019
Tziporah Malkah lost 50kg of weight with the assistance of Mark Stephens, hypnotherapist and using the MindFree App by Mark.


As seen on A Current Affair May 2019 (6 minute video)

View Part 2 of Tziporah’s  story aired on ACA in May 2019

 

 

TZIPORAH MALKAH’S AMAZING TRANSFORMATION

The Today Show Jan 28 2019 featured Tziporah’s Weight Loss Journey. 

CHRONIC PAIN SUCCESS STORY

As seen on A Current Affair August 17
Chloe Davenport of Sydney has been diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). For more than nine months the 14-year-old suffered such excruciating pain that a feather touching her arm felt like a red hot knife stabbing her. Doctors describe the pain of CRPS has worse than childbirth. After a hypnosis session with Mark, Chloe’s pain completely disappeared.


As seen on A Current Affair August 17 2018 (5 minute video)

View Part 2 of Chloe’s story aired on ACA in August 2018

View Part 1 of Chloe’s story aired on ACA in August 2018

 

“When I was over 300 kilos the doctor told me I would have to have a Lap Band as this would be the only way I could lose weight. I tried every diet known to man but none of the weight loss programs addressed the mental and emotional aspects; and the fact is that was what was really weighing me own. For many years I had felt hopeless. This way of thinking was just part of who I had become. Every problem you can have with weight issues, I have had. I knew I had to make my health the number one priority in my life or I wouldn’t be here much longer. When I finally went to Little Forest to do a retreat with Mark it was like I had found Shangri-La. Mark definitely saved my life. I can’t say what would have happened for sure, maybe I would have been bedridden or maybe worse.


If you need help make sure you get hold of Mark. Don’t wait as long as I did. Sometimes we just need somebody to believe in us and give us the push in the right direction. If you are able to get along to one of Mark’s retreats you won’t look back. Life is too short to hold onto the past. I had spent so long looking out the rear view mirror of life, but not anymore.” Jordan Tirekidis (used the take-home programme and attended retreats)

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined competing in the World Masters Games

   

“I turned up at the beautiful Little Forest Health Retreat with an open mind. Mark‘s hypnosis and therapy changed everything.  I was able to unload 60 years of baggage. From my heaviest of 117 kg I am now down to 59KG. I’m so proud of myself. I have gone from struggling to get to my letter box to competing at the World Masters Games in Triathlon. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined competing in the World Masters Games in New Zealand. My advice, make a decision.”  Joanne Gibson (Attended a 5 Day Innermakeover Retreat and used the Think Slim programme)

 

Sophia has been suffering with excruciating chronic pain from fibromyalgia for the past four years. Sophia details her experience while at the retreat and listening to the MindFree app.

Diane had suffered with a variety of chronic pain conditions including, osteoarthritis plus back and neck injuries for almost 30 years. For the past three years Diane had been unable to straighten her left leg. Be inspired as Diane explains what happened after her hypnosis session.

For 18 years Dawn suffered with chronic pain in her leg after a car accident. Listen as Dawn tells her story and how she feels now.

I feel 20 years younger


“Thank you for turning my life around In 8 short months. I have lost 42kgs and still gradually losing weight. I feel twenty years younger with so much energy to burn.” Allan Eccles (Attended a 2 Day Innermakeover Weekend in Melbourne and listened daily to the MindFree app)

A giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders

“Little Forest is spectacular, serene, stunning, beautiful, relaxing, comfortable and a magical place. Since attending the retreat I really am a new person, I sparkle and people are commenting on it. A giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I didn’t know there was someone who could do what you do to people. I have a calm but focused feeling that I could only have dreamed of gaining in a week. You’ve rewired my brain so well that it’s on cruise control. This is a feeling that I hoped for but wasn’t sure was ever going to be attainable. If you ever get a chance to attend it will be the most life changing week of your life”. Louie

I believe your techniques are the most exciting, comprehensive and life-changing ones that I have encountered

“A lifetime of discomfort, loss of energy, and lost opportunities, because of fear of public speaking has come to an end. Your Time-Line Therapy changed in five minutes what years of other approaches, including public speaking courses, failed to do. I have now lost fear and stress, and gained energy, positivity and serenity. Mark, I believe your techniques are the most exciting, comprehensive and life-changing ones that I have encountered. I would recommend to anyone who wants to change their behaviour, health, or feelings, to attend your seminars and retreats. Thank you so much for your time, energy and amazing techniques.” Anne Chalker – Psychologist – Sydney

The ‘darkness’ is gone

“I just wanted to thank you for saving my daughter’s life. You have given me the one thing in this world I wanted but couldn’t get, my daughter back. My 15 yo daughter was a ‘cutter’ and that she was severely depressed. I was desperate. We’d been to psychologists and psychiatrists and hospitals and nothing helped, it just made her feel worse about herself. She cried constantly, was so sad and often said she just wanted to die, her anger had reached dangerous heights. We were all a little afraid of her. I noticed a difference in her after the first session, by the third visit, she was a different child. The best way I can describe the change in her is that I now have my little girl back. The ‘darkness’ is gone, she’s stopped dyeing her hair black and wearing black clothes, she giggles again, gets shy and coy instead of being the ‘tough’ girl. She cuddles up to me again instead of pushing me away and she tells me she loves me again. She hasn’t even thought about cutting. The best words I’ve ever heard were last night when we had gone for our nightly walk. My daughter said, “Mum, I’m happy again, all the time…it feels so nice’ I cried. There are not enough words to thank Mark for giving me my daughter back.” Vicki K – Sydney

I really achieved the breakthrough I was searching for

“I’ve just would love to say Mark that the work I did with you has been really transforming. Letting go of the limiting beliefs has been quite dramatic, it is so easy for me now to say “NO” and every time I do, I feel a lot more empowered. It is not one thing that works, I know it’s the combination of therapies and modalities that you have used in our sessions that have allowed me to feel liberated and really having the freedom to be me, with choices that empower me in a constant way. I really achieved the breakthrough I was searching for and did not know how to get. I firmly believe you are the “Tony Robbins” of Weight Loss. I now know that I can and I am getting to where I want to go, I am clear and it’s easy!!! THANK YOU MARK!” Sonia O

I feel like someone emptied my heart of all pain and filled it with love!

“I am 40 years old, married, with a four year old child. My husband and I had been on many diets before, and as usual we lost weight only to put it back on again months later. The very next day after the therapy it felt like someone had opened up my heart and emptied it of all pain and hurt, and refilled it with love. I feel myself letting go of petty resentments I has holding against people who I felt had hurt my feelings. Little worries and woes don’t seem too big any more. I feel light, happy and calm. I am happy beyond measure and more content than I thought could be possible. I am now three sizes smaller but mentally I am 1000 kg lighter. This morning I walked for 35 minutes, and I am about to head off on another 35 minute walk now. If you had asked me two weeks ago if I could walk that far, I would have laughed. THANK YOU!” Maria Evans

Horrific panic and stress

“For years I’d had an overwhelming phobia of bridges. I couldn’t even look at a bridge without feeling horrific panic and stress. Plain and simple, I could not cross a bridge. I would have to get others to drive me which restricted my life and was embarrassing. In just under four hours the problem was gone. I am now in total control of my emotional state and this has helped in other areas of my life especially at work and with my family. Thanks for making the breakthrough sessions so much fun. I absolutely love the BAM effect, it works every time! Thank you Mark for all your help.” Jim Peterson, Washington DC

I almost died in a car accident

“I almost died in a car accident at twenty three and ended up in a coma for several weeks. I had broken many bones in my body. For more than twenty years I had suffered severe claustrophobia and a crippling fear of speaking in groups bigger than a few people. This affected me, every day of my life. The problem was so serious my breathing would stop, I would break out in a sweat and I would tremble uncontrollably. After a session with Mark my phobias were totally gone. Six months later it feels like I never had a phobia. It was incredible.” Kerry Walsh Sydney

I feel as if a miracle has happened

“Thank you so much. I cannot believe that after smoking for 43 years I am now smoke-free. I have had no withdrawal symptoms at all. In the past I have tried to quit smoking numerous times, with patches, nicobrevin tablets, nicobate lozenges and cold turkey. All have been disasters, nothing worked. The withdrawals and depression were horrendous. I felt alone, cried a lot and I was terribly bad tempered and agitated. Now I feel absolutely wonderful, my breathing is better, no more chest pains or coughing, I feel so good, so alive, happy and confident. Today as I type this email I feel as if a miracle has happened. Thank you Mark!.” Di McDonald – Smoke Free Sunshine Coast

It’s a fun experience with amazing results

“Hello Mark, My progress in burning up the fat has stayed pretty much on track and I am thrilled to have reached my first 8 kilos in 9 weeks. I am so motivated by this, but more excited by the fact that I have only had one jaffa chocolate lolly in that time and that just got popped into my mouth unconsciously because it was the only one left, that the “other people” had not eaten. I have had no cravings for chocolate or icecream which were my favourite foods. I found the therapy amazing and most enlightening. It’s a fun experience with amazing results. Thank you”. Shirley Teakle

Beyond the sky is my limit

“I am in awe of your skills – Your knowledge & method of teaching is incredible – I hope that one day I’m able to find the words to thank you. I am a far cry from the person who walked into your world two Sundays ago. You helped me find ME In every way…… Beyond the sky is my limit. My learning difficulties are a thing of the past. ( I’ve read more books in the last 4 days than I have read in my past 50 years ) You have given me my life back. I now remember everything. I look forward to learning more from you in the future.” Narelle Robbins

I can’t put into words how great everything was

“The meals, the juices, the accommodation, the rainforest, the company… I can’t put into words how great everything was. From the moment I drove up the winding country road I could feel the fresh air, see the green grass – so inviting, the cows calmly going about their day in the paddocks, butterflies floating by. This is the best kept secret of the South Coast, so close to everything but so far away from the day to day hustle and bustle of life. Just to be able to grab a book and lie on the grass under a tree or stretched out on a lounge next to the fire place, now that’s relaxing. My daughter questioned on my return as to why I was speaking so softly and calmly – she said it wasn’t normal and it was freaking her out. My response was ‘get use to it’….. thanks so much.” Karen Every

I am truly a new person

“I felt a special kind of magic that I am still having trouble explaining – but it is effective and amazing. The retreat has quite simply turned me into a new person. Benefits are almost too difficult to put into words. My whole attitude to alcohol has changed (and I still haven’t had a drink!) it’s just not the driver that it was. The place is heaven on earth and I am truly a new person. I am now 15 kilos lighter and feel fantastic” Jo Tragear

People tell me that I am positively glowing

“Attending the retreat has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am feeling so good, and I have had several people tell me that I am positively glowing! I have found that a lot of my fears have totally gone, which I am so grateful for. Even my phobia of snakes doesn’t seem quite so bad. Thanks for everything.” Sandra Chapman

I healed a limp due to hip damage

“Thank you for the weekend retreat (my second). The first changed my life, so I was looking forward to capitalising on and intergrating what I had already achieved. This time I let go of more emotional baggage, healed the pain of arthritis, healed a limp due to hip damage and found a fabulous walking meditation. Thank you for your time, energy and techniques. The food was fabulous, even the tofu, and the peace & serenity were perfect. Although the changes are within me, the effects will impact on people in my life. Thank you again. I can’t wait to return in the future.” Anne Chalker

This week turned my life upside down

“Participating in the Think Slim 7 Day retreat was the best decision I have made in a very long time. I was a 74 kg yo-yo dieter, emotional eater, I had no energy and felt low. This week turned my life upside down. With the help of Mark’s therapy I got rid of all my limiting beliefs and it changed my whole mind-set about myself. I am no longer the last in the important list, but I am the most important on it now. I do a lot for myself now. The realization what I was doing with my own body, the unhealthy things hit home and that was the turning point for me. Three weeks have passed since I came home and I am 68kg and I feel fantastic. I learned during the retreat that it is never late for a life change. We just have to reprogram our brain. Thanks for everything. Aniko Bana

Not a stone is left unturned in this retreat

“I have been on two Little Forest retreats in the past eight months. They have been one of the very best things I have done for myself in years. In many ways those retreats gave me my life back. I had lost my zest for life. Now I feel alive, eager, enthusiastic and mentally and physically so much stronger… I have now gone from a lethargic size 20 in November last year to a dynamic, sexy size 12. It feels great to be 20 kilos lighter. Not a stone is left unturned in this retreat. Mark… you change thousands of lives every day and yet you make each individual person feel like they have your undivided attention and personalized care. I have enormous respect for the work you do. I do not know if I have ever met anyone quite like you. You are a master clinician. A big heart-felt thank you.” Jennifer

Little Forest really is like heaven on earth

“Thank you for the wonderful retreat. It was amazing. My energy levels are up and I am doing more getting out being active.. The hypnosis was brilliantly done. I thought it was a soothing and a great part of the program. The retreat has given me more confidence, clarity, strength and energy. I thought the retreat was definitely great value for money. Rob Gourlay Attending the retreat for the second time in 7 months was fantastic. The food at the retreat was amazing and the classes were terrific. The accommodation is awesome, the location and views are breathtaking. The rainforest is so beautiful, quiet and so green, very pretty to take a stroll. You have a fantastic gym, very good cardio and weights. The first time I attended the retreat it took me 40 minutes to walk the hill once. This time around I walked the hill a total of 84 times. I have now gone from 132 kilos down to 85 kilos and have never felt better. Thanks so much for believing in me enough so that I could believe in myself. Little Forest really is like heaven on earth”. Rob Gourlay


Rob 47 kilos lighter in 8 months

WOW. WOW. WOW.

“That’s what I have been saying to myself since attending the Melbourne retreat recently. I am feeling wonderful, alive and happy. I am walking to work, 1/2 hr each way, listening to your voice patiently talking to me on the MP4 player and love doing the exercise video. What a change to the sluggish,”woe is me” woman that went on Sat morning. And, WOW, I have released 4 kilos….. Thank you so much Mark for giving me back my life. Thelma. Thanks for letting me realise I can be healthier and enjoy life more My first goal was to slim down 10kg by June, this morning I’m nearly there so I will set another goal this week. With the tools provided at the workshop I now know I can do it “Jan H

I have a new lease on life again

“Before coming to your weekend, I was lazy. I suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and up until the weekend, my mental status was I have PCOS, I can’t lose weight. I have now realised that this is just a state of mind and that I can do it! And to prove to myself that I can, I have released 3 kilos since the weekend and will never see them again. I was a sugar addict and haven’t missed any sweet food at all. I have returned home to my family a happy, revitalised mother, who is determined to show her children how good it is to eat healthy and exercise. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. The food was excellent (although I couldn’t manage to eat anything after my “lap band”. I have only been under general anaesthetic once, but I came out of my “lap band” feeling like I had been under. I was exhausted and nauseous. Dinner consisted of only about 4 spoonfuls of soup, and even the next day I could barely eat half my meal. And I am proud to say that my meal sizes are still at least half of what they were. I am now the new and improved, happy, self-confident (I now walk with my head held high and shoulders straight) person!” Belinda H.

I have released 4kgs since the beginning of the retreat!

“I am so glad I attended the weekend retreat. After getting over the guilt and shock of actually leaving my family, I really enjoyed myself and tried to make the most of my ‘free time’. I have released 4kgs since the beginning of the retreat! Woo hoo! After the lapband hypnosis I actually felt really crook and was physically sick. Spending most of my life in hospital for operations I’ve never recovered well. For me it was a good sign the hypnosis had worked! I seem to have lots of energy! The TV is off more at home and I have replaced the household sugar with stevia. I used to think I never had enough time, now I seem to have loads…probably still not as much as I need but I am definitely getting more done and powering through the day. I am pleased and proud to say that i haven’t snacked at all, where previously i ate like the hungry caterpillar! My water bottle is my best friend and without a drink every 15min or so my lips start cracking! This was definitely the positive start I needed to get into gear and get my life back on the right track. Thank you so much!” Ashlee Pawley

50 Kilos lighter in 12 months

“It’s now just over a year since I was at the retreat. I’m pleased to tell you that I am 50 kilos lighter than I was this time last year. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Vicki Burns

Released 30 kilos

“I came to your retreat the long weekend in January this year and since then have released 30kilos. I listen to your hypnosis twice a day and the change was INSTANT. I thank you for helping me to live a better healthier life. I now walk twice a day and before that weekend I hadn’t walked for 6 years and was missing out on life. At 43 years old I weighed 109.6 kilos at your seminar and today I am 80 kg and heading towards my goal of 70kg. So thank you Mark.” D.M.

I find myself with a new lease on life, with energy to burn

“I embarked on this journey with mixed emotions, not knowing what to expect and not knowing anyone. I thoroughly enjoyed the 7 days on site. I met some lovely people of which I am sure I will keep in contact with. Little Forest is a little treat. I have been spreading the word on my short stay with you, so hopefully you get some business out of it. I find myself with a new lease on life, with energy to burn. When I left the retreat, I had lost 2.8kgs. When I arrived home I weighed myself on Thursday and was pleasantly surprises I have now lost 6.4kgs. WATCH OUT NEW LIFESTYLE, HERE I COME.”Tina Ely

Today I signed up for a 5km fun run/walk

“I struggled with my weight and dieting all my life with no long term success. I have had the Gastric Lap Banding, a Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction surgery and then I opted to have my Band removed as I become ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. I am a 46 year old woman walking around like a 70 year old. My joints would seize up and my entire body ached constantly. Depression was a daily occurrence as was popping a pill for anything and everything. I thought I ate healthy but I was sadly mistaken, However cola, biscuits and chocolate were heavily indulged. Drinking water was near nonexistent. I saw Mark on ACA and thought that there could be something in this Think Slim Program. I felt I needed the 7 day Think Slim Retreat to gain the lifestyle changes that was going to turn the clock back for me. Little Forest Retreat is without a doubt one of the most idyllic places I have ever experienced, with panoramic views that take your breath away. The accommodation, group seminar room and gymnasium are comfortable and well equipped. I found energy I never knew I had and laughed, Oh my god I laughed. When it was time to do the Hypnotic lap band I was nervous and scared due to the experience and trauma of previous genuine surgeries. Mark assured me that this time it would work out ok, and it did. I presented myself to Mark as a 95.8kg 4ft.11inch woman and he gave me the power to release a whopping 6.8kg. I am with Mark’s help a healthy, positive woman with flexibility in my limbs and a drive in my heart and mind to stay on track. When I returned home I was excited to find a couple of emails waiting from Mark with support, encouragement and suggestions to keep motivated and live this program. My husband and friends look at me as if I was a cat that just ate the canary, constantly wondering what this change is all about and how do I get it. I just keep smiling, laughing and living life as if it is my last. The Think Slim Program I know now to be the answer to all my problems. Thank you Mark and team for the hospitality, compassion and enthusiasm you showed me during the 7 day retreat. You truly do have a gift and thank you for sharing it. Today I signed up for a 5km fun run/walk, my first of many to come and I say to life “Bring it on”. I am an amazingly, dynamic woman. I deserve to be free of emotional and physical baggage and to live a healthy, fit and happy life. Yes I am!” Melissa Cohen

The “I CAN DO IT ” in me is huge

“Words will never express how my attitude towards burning the fat ,exercise and healthy food has changed. The “I CAN DO IT ” in me is huge, more than the empty words I used to say. My new “I CAN DO IT” applies to everything. I allow myself to take baby steps – anything to take me to my goal. I am still at Little Forest in my mind, what a serene,calm,beautiful and healing place you and nature have created. The meals the chef dished up were out of this world. All the hypnosis sessions were spot on and of course the hypnotic Lap band session was extra special. I used to struggle with all sweets,particularly Tim Tams – there is no struggle now. My time at Little Forest has taught me many other things beside the keys to reach my goal weight, it has opened my eyes to nature, my inner self and the universe.” Claire Glauser

The retreat has been a watershed for us

“We are very happy to report that as of last Friday, 4th May, Alex and I had both lost 9 kgs each. We are very happy and feel very healthy and still very motivated. And drink, drink, drink …. WATER of course !! We listen to the hypnosis recordings every second day and for us, it works very well, have not been tempted to have a piece of cake or chocolate or bread for that matter since the retreat. The retreat has been a watershed for us, and feel that it was finally something that is helping us shed the weight that we have both been carrying for so many years. I went to the doctor last week, and my blood pressure, and blood sugar, was perfect. The Doctor said, it is amazing what a weight loss can do to your body ! Keep up the good work, and we are ! So THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for helping us find our inner self (our slim self!)” Helen and Alex

I’m now living my life with focus

“Firstly, I’d just like to say a BIG thank you for a action-packed week filled with fantastic seminars, delicious healthy food, great company and great activities located at such a beautiful and inspirational location. I got so much out of the week. I weighed myself this morning and I have released 2.7kg in the past week and feeling fantastic for it! So, thanks to you, I’m now living my life with focus and enthusiasm and looking forward to becoming slimmer every day.” Kylie Day

I am now 25 kilos lighter and feel fantastic

“I’ve recently had the best week of rejuvenation, health & slimming. Little Forest Health Retreat is like a little piece of Heaven with the most wonderful views and its own private rainforest. I am now 25 kilos lighter and feel fantastic.If you have an opportunity to attend Little Forest Retreat, I’ve just one thing to say, JUST DO IT.” Kathy

I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders

“I have released 6KG for the month of May. YEEEHAHHH!! I feel great and can notice the difference in my clothes. I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I feel more confident and in control. What a great feeling! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. The retreat week was the best time I have EVER had for ME!” Lee Marshall

Attending the retreat has changed my life

“I used to be a diet coke addict and after attending the retreat I have not touched one. It’s amazing as I haven’t had a diet coke now for over 2 months. I can’t bring myself to having one and don’t miss it at all! I watch people at work drinking diet coke and it makes me feel sick. Cadbury’s chocolate, I can’t believe that I can’t even put it anywhere near my mouth anymore. I used to eat bars and bars of it a day and now not one bit! Once again Mark thank you. Attending the retreat has changed my life and it’s made me the happy Glenda that I was a very long time ago!” Glenda Khoury

The retreat was a huge success

“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been the most amazing journey that I will treasure always and put to good use. I weighed in on my scales when I got home so it had been a week….I have lost 3kg!! I even found walking up the steps at Woolies so much easier already. Please pass my thanks on to everyone that helped make it what it was. Everyone was amazing. The retreat’ was a huge success. Thank you again.” Kerryl Noble

I loved the “cocooned” feeling I felt at the retreat

I can’t thank you enough for the magnificent week at Little Forest. I am astonished at the change that has come over me since then. I find my life to be very exciting now, and I have so much more confidence. The Hypnotherapy sessions were amazing. I used to crave and graze on chocolate all the time. I am pleased to say that I have not had any chocolate since the Saturday before we came down to Little Forest. I loved the “cocooned” feeling I felt at the retreat, where everything was so calm, the scenery so breathtaking, the air so clean and clear, and the rooms so comfortable. A highlight was seeing the “breakthroughs” that others had that week in overcoming their doubts and fears. I have not laughed so much in years, It still brings a smile to my face, and probably will for years. I want to thank you so very much for a truly life-changing week. My husband is so happy for the changes…no chocolate, more energy, more exercise, more positive. I am so happy for the changes too, and I feel so confident, so empowered now. A huge, huge THANK YOU. Love from Glenys Mitchell

I drank at least 70-80 cans of full strength Coca Cola a week

I have been wondering over the years how to beat a lot of DEMONS that I have had eating my body away in every little way you can think of. Besides smoking 25 cigarettes a day I drank at least 70-80 cans of full strength Coca Cola a week and ate a lot of rubbish food and chocolate. I can’t explain exactly what happened up on the mountain at Little Forest but I found something within myself that allowed me to change. Everything at the retreat from the views to the food was perfect. You arrive with a problem and go home a different person. You get the help and guidance of trained professionals . I feel 100% more alive with more energy. The only thing you have to lose by going to the retreat are your problems but you have so much more to gain. If I can do it anybody can. This experience has been the dream of a life time. Mel G

The retreat was more than I could ever of imagined it would be

“The retreat was more than I could ever of imagined it would be, I was a bit skeptic and scared at first, not knowing what to expect. I was eating all the wrong things (especially junk food) and I drank between 8 – 12 stubbies of beer every night of the week and even more on the weekends. My spider phobia is gone. I no longer smoke the two packs of cigarettes a day and drinking is a thing of the past. I could go on and on forever, it was the most fantastic week of my life, I can’t thank Mark enough for how he has help sort myself out (they can’t believe it at work and my partner thinks he’s living with a new woman)” Pat

I can’t put into words how great everything was

The meals, the juices, the accommodation, the rainforest, the company… I can’t put into words how great everything was. From the moment I drove up the winding country road I could feel the fresh air, see the green grass – so inviting, the cows calmly going about their day in the paddocks, butterflies floating by. This is the best kept secret of the South Coast, so close to everything but so far away from the day to day hustle and bustle of life. Just to be able to grab a book and lie on the grass under a tree or stretched out on a lounge next to the fire place, now that’s relaxing. My daughter questioned on my return as to why I was speaking so softly and calmly – she said it wasn’t normal and it was freaking her out. My response was ‘get use to it’….. thanks so much.” Karen Every

I got my life back

“I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed my stay at Little Forest and the positive effect it’s had on my life and the way I think. Attending the retreat was more than I ever hoped for – it was life changing! I went to lose weight but achieved far more than that – I got my life back; my enthusiasm; and my self esteem. I really appreciate what you are achieving through helping people to find their way home to their true self; the self that they deserve to be. Since leaving the retreat I have released 12kg and I’m well on my way to my goal weight 60kg 🙂 But it’s more than the weight lose, it’s how I feel about everything in life now – I’m not as stressed; I feel healthy; I look healthy and everyone is asking me how I got to be so calm. The week at the Think Slim 7 Day retreat was like dying and going to heaven. And when it ended, I wanted to beg God to leave me at Little Forest. Karen Stead

“My eyes are sparkling, I’m slimmer, and I’m definitely healthier”

“If you’re considering doing the Retreat, my advice to you is DO IT. I got so much out of the Retreat emotionally and physically. It’s surprising to find how easy it is to make positive changes. This is the best thing you can do for you. Forget quick fixes. This is transforming you from the inside out. After 7 days you look & feel lighter while having fun and being inspired. A week will seem like a month and you’ll be sad when it ends, but you’ll leave feeling fantastic and empowered. I was already a positive person now I’m overflowing with positivity. I feel great, I’m looking better, my eyes are sparkling, I’m slimmer, and I’m definitely healthier.” Jeanie Irving

My feet and knees thank you

“Fancy your own rainforest – how amazing. Everything about the property was special. The location, those views and the sunrises all take your breath away. I FINALLY learnt to still my mind and stay focused on the meditation – never been able to do that before. I came for a kick start back into a healthier way of living and got so much more than that. For me the whole week was a privilege – after 35 years of thinking about other people and putting them first – this was the first time I had a week “all about me”. This morning I reached my goal weight – 2 weeks early and lighter than goal weight. It feels great to be 15 kilos lighter. My feet and knees thank you. I have not been this light since I gave birth to my youngest son 20 years ago. I am now comfortably in size 10 clothes – clothes I have not worn for a long time are back on the body (glad I kept them) I am fitter than I have been in years – yesterday participated in a 5 klm cross country fun run – nearly died but got there. I am more positive about who I am and what I can do and work through each barrier with the mantra “there are no problems only solutions”. The other aspect that has just been lovely is that I have inspired others – who look at me and say – “what has happened to you and I want some”. This morning I have set new goals re other aspects of my life so the journey continues. Pat Jewell

“Thank you for making such a difference to my thinking, and thus quality of life.”

Lynette Powell

Thank you so much Mark for helping me get my life back

I have suffered from excruciating headaches all my life, at the age of 43 I had surgery to help try to relieve the pressure in my head caused by the build-up of the cerebral fluid. I had still suffered from headaches every day on a scale of 1 to 10 on a good day it’s a 3-4 on a bad day it’s a 10 & on a really bad day I can blow that 10 out of the water to double. On my first day at Little Retreat I had a bad headache of 10, after one session of pain relief hypnosis with Mark helping me within a matter of about 10 minutes my pain level was gone down to a zero!!!!! I can NOT remember ever being without a headache before. My first good night’s sleep, so sound. From that first session & listening to the hypnosis and doing the Tortoise Pose my daily headaches are down significantly. I have even stopped taking the morning medication for my headaches. Thank you so much Mark for helping me get my life back, I am so much happier with in myself as I’m not in constant pain every day. Leonie

I’m newly inspired

I loved Mark and Linda and Little Forest Retreat and am very grateful for the programme’s easy integration into my lifestyle. I learned some great skills for stopping bad habits dead in their tracks and some even greater skills for creating best health habits and the happiness that brings. My new key beliefs I programmed at the retreat are: I only eat food for optimal nutrition and energy, running feels like flying! I enjoy it at least once a day, portion management is the key that unlocks my life-long size 12 wardrobe, donuts taste like dirt. I’m newly inspired and enthusiastic about my life, loves and goals. And I’m looking forward to buying any old size 12 off the rack or internet in 4 months time and knowing I’ll look great in it! Dan

The retreat has changed my life

“I was hoping I’d get something out of it before I went but the change in me has been amazing. The retreat has changed my life. I have given up butter, cut down to two pieces of Burgen grain bread from Wonder White six to eight slices per day. The retreat was wonderful, it is so tranquil and serene. I am not a people person but the people on the retreat weekend were wonderful and supportive. I am playing the hypnosis sessions for about an hour a day and it’s a great reinforcement of what we learnt on the weekend.” Jenny Click here to see a typical day on the retreat! Hypnosis has gained credibility in the past five years because of research using the latest brain-imaging technology…. Studies show hypnosis can help treat a multitude of disorders…” – Business Week, 2/04 Hypnosis has been shown to be a real phenomenon with a variety of therapeutic uses…” -Scientific American 7/01 Everything at the retreat from the views to the food was perfect. Learn self-hypnosis to transform your life