MISSION After several upheavals in my life, plus consecutive weekend breaks composed largely of guzzling booze and fatty food, both my body and mind were in need of cleansing. Spa for the Spirit, at the Tree of Life Centre, based at a Grade II-listed farmhouse in the Cotswolds, fits the bill perfectly.

USP Along with yoga and massage, the founder Patricia Sterry, a psychiatrist trained at Guy’s Hospital, offers sessions in psychotherapy, reflexology, naturopathy and craniology, yoga and massage. At the core of the centre is block clearance therapy (BCT), a psychotherapy technique pioneered by Sterry. The goal is to help break negative cycles or patterns, such as eating disorders and alcoholism, by communing with the subconscious. Sterry claims that, if addressed correctly, the subconscious will reveal the place and time that a block formed. Other treatments include two consultations with a naturopath, a massage (I had a neck and shoulder massage) and/or yoga, and reflexology. There is also plenty of time to read, chat or, if you like, cook.

AMBIENCE Very intimate and cosy, but potentially stifling. The setting is stunning, bucolic in the extreme, with sheep, ducks, dogs and chickens.

EXPERIENCE I left feeling fed, watered, pampered, cossetted and understood in a way that doesn't happen much to people living, as I do, 3,000 miles from their family. While the BTT made me smirk no matter how hard I tried to commune with my two year old self, much of my time with Trish was worthwhile. If nothing else I spouted every last aspect of myself and my life that worried me and she ordered it all into concise problem areas, all in a spirit of "you're alright and it's alright." And for a partial hypochondriac, divulging all bodily concerns to a patient naturopath was lovely and therapeutic. She came back to me with a list of all the things I needed to eat and drink to counteract sluggish areas in my system, plus a bottle of potent, iodine-rich herb brew to drink twice a day. It tastes so bad it must be good.

FOOD The food was possibly the best part of the whole weekend. Everything served is organic. On my arrival, lunch was spelt-based pizza with veggies from the garden and a wonderful tendrilly salad. Dinner was salmon and stir-fry, organic white wine and a mind-blowing gluten-free chocolate cake made with hemp oil.

IN-CROWD Stressed bankers, wealthy, troubled Cotswold ladies, and those who can land their private planes at nearby Staverton airport.

WALLET WATCH A one-night, two-day stay, with four treatments, costs £650 per person. It includes four meals, cycling if you want, and spacious room with ensuite bathroom. Individual treatments: £90 per session of BTC; £65 for reflexology; £60 for massage; £45 for yoga; £50 for acupuncture.

NEED TO KNOW Tree of Life Centre, Lower Court, Staverton, Gloucestershire (01242 680450; www.blockclearance.com). Pickups can be arranged if guests travel by train to Cheltenham Spa or fly to Staverton or a London airport.

For more spa reviews log on to timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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