Client Reviews & Recovery Stories

During an intensive retreat in Thailand, my days started at 5:30 in the morning with a quiet walk, followed by the sauna and ice bath, and then morning meditation. After breakfast, we had counseling and trauma therapy, light therapy, Muay Thai training, and Thai massages to bring our bodies back into balance.

I can honestly say this was the most beautiful and necessary experience of my life.

Not only because of the journey itself, but because of the people I met along the way. Ross and Chris from Australia and England, Sunny who guided us through all activities, Kae who cooked the most delicious food every day and cared for us with so much love, and Dirk, who guided us through deep treatments that allowed us to reconnect with our past and transform the way we carry our pain.

We were also given the chance to say goodbye to someone we miss, or to someone we were never able to say goodbye to in the past, simply because we couldn’t let go or didnt know how to.

And in between all that healing, there was so much laughter.

It was a truly magical time.

If you ever feel the need to pause, realign, or take time for yourself, I can only say this is an experience I deeply recommend.

Speaking as someone who didn’t take enough care of herself and was constantly overworking and trying to hold everything together:
take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to let go and stand alone.

When you surrender unconditionally, the most beautiful things can happen.

Love, Remke

What an amazing experience - new paradigm is an incredible place and Dirk’s experience, expertise and programme is second to none. Feel truly grateful for the experience - Kae’s cooking is off the charts - so nutritious and tasty too. And Sonny’s calm guidance in the yoga shala is they perfect complement. Couldn’t recommend this any more highly - and great value too!

New Paradigm’s program successfully blends mindfulness practices with modern trauma modalities to create space for new growth and a new sense of hope. Some of the philosophies (waking early, observing silence for the majority of the day, restricted electronics access) may seem intense at first. After completing the program, I would not want it any other way and know it would not be as effective without them.

Dirk has a kind of mindful maverick quality to him that makes him a very effective therapist. While grounded in researched backed methods like meditation and EMDR, he diverges from the conventional strategies of talk therapy and seeks to dive into the root of the issue without wasting time with extraneous tangents. He will challenge you, sometimes directly, but never without compassion and your best interest at heart. I found this to be a refreshing approach compared to past experiences with traditional psychologists. After all, most of us have come to New Paradigm’s gate because the conventional methods haven’t yielded much success. It is clear that all the pieces of the program have been well thought out to work together and were fine tuned over many years and many patients. Try to remain open minded, listen more than speak and slowly put the ideas into practice over the two weeks.

When the work is challenging, sustenance is all the more important and that’s where Kae comes in to the program with her amazingly delicious, healthy meals and afternoon snacks. Gratitude comes easier in the morning when you know you have three of her meals to enjoy during the day. There is also a fun cooking class towards the end of the retreat and recipes to take home!

Sonny is the yoga and fitness instructor who can generally be seen working hard and uplifting people with his positive spirit. He really is the definition of diligence and his morning walks, albeit feeling painfully early at first, became something I looked forward to.

If you’re feeling stuck or can’t move on from the past, I would recommend New Paradigm as a potential catalyst for a healthier perspective. None of us can change the past, but we can remodel our view of it to better suit a positive path moving forward. Thanks for all the wisdom, care, food, memories and good laughs.

All the best to you Dirk, Kae and Sonny,

Sean

It was a last-minute decision for me to join the retreat at New Paradigm in Chiang Mai. I had been comparing many mental health well-being retreats in Koh Samui, Phuket, Indonesia, the Philippines and Bangkok, but New Paradigm in Chiang Mai felt much more personal and intimate. They only accept four people in the program and during my stay there were just three clients including me, which made the experience very focused and genuine.

On the first day everything felt a little unfamiliar, but I chose to trust the process and go with the flow. Dirk listened deeply and gave me a sense of psychological safety that I had not felt in a long time. I finally felt understood in my struggles, my weaknesses and the reasons behind some of my reactions and behaviour patterns. He taught me powerful techniques that helped me transform negative energy into something that supports me rather than hurts me. And more important for me personally is the power of letting go and forgiveness. You must be willing to open your mind, heart and soul for the healing to work. Dirk provides the foundation, but you must participate and take action. The true change happens when you embrace the learning and commit to the journey.

Sunny, the son of Dirk, kept us on track with all the physical activities. He supported us with so much passion and genuine encouragement. Every time he said you can do it, he truly meant it. He is also an all-around support for the retreat and even takes care of cleaning our rooms. The quality of his work shows how much love and care he puts into everything he does.

Kae, the wife of Dirk, cooked the most delicious Thai food. You can feel the love she pours into each meal. Her warm smile each day added so much comfort to the experience.

Dirk has created a very unique focus program for people who are ready to help themselves and take responsibility for their healing. With the balanced support of Sunny and Kae, the experience becomes a true renewal of life.

Thank you Dirk for your wisdom and care. Thank you Sunny for your motivation and uplifting energy. Thank you Kae for your loving meals and kindness. I am truly grateful to each of you for helping me reconnect with myself, renewed, stronger and ready to face the present & future.

All the best,
Vivian of Switzerland

My experience at New Paradigm has been groundbreaking and profound. From the moment I arrived, I felt held, supported, and guided in a way that went far beyond my expectations. It truly feels as if you’re stepping into a healing capsule, a space shaped by Dirk’s unique formula of life. The environment itself is incredibly clean, beautifully cared for, and thoughtfully organized. It has everything you need, and every detail feels intentional.

Dirk is an extraordinary practitioner, teacher, mentor, you name it. Deeply intuitive and compassionate, with vast experience in trauma healing, he knows exactly how to open Pandora’s box with precision and care. He has a remarkable ability to see what needs to surface and to guide you through it with clarity, safety, and unwavering presence. His deep understanding of human trauma, combined with an intelligent approach and the incredible set of tools he carries, make him an unbeatable force in anyone’s recovery. His work goes straight to the root, and the transformation that happens in his presence feels both powerful and effortless.

Kae brought warmth and care into every single day. Her cooking was nourishing, healthy, and full of love. Her laughter was a huge part of the healing experience. It felt like being welcomed into a family.

Sunny added so much with his physical training and sound bowls. His sessions helped my body release, integrate, and strengthen everything I was processing emotionally and energetically. His kindness and discipline are a true embodiment of the New Paradigm teachings.

Together, they create a space that is holistic, supportive, and incredibly transformative.

I left feeling lighter, energised, clearer, more confident, and more connected to myself than I have in years.

I couldn’t recommend New Paradigm more highly.

If you feel called, go. It will change you.

✨🙏

The days spent at New Paradigm will forever live in my heart. The place was absolutely beautiful, surrounded by nature and a calming atmosphere.
The daily schedule was well-balanced, with meditation sessions starting at dawn, walks in nature, yoga, exercise, pool, sauna, ice baths and massage sessions. The meals were prepared with so much love and care, Kae’s recipes did way more than fuel our bodies! They filled our hearts with joy every time we sat down to eat.

Sonny was amazing and very knowledgeable teaching yoga, his calm energy is contagious. Dirk’s guidance, support, knowledge and dedication to pass on the tools and practices I needed to continue creating a path to a more sustainable, productive and happy life, will forever be with me.

Day by day, I felt more centered and present, I felt renewed and deeply connected to myself.
I would highly recommend New Paradigm to anyone looking for a genuine, transformative life experience. It’s an experience that brought me peace and clarity in a way I’ll never forget.

Dear New Paradigm.
I waited a couple of days to write this because I needed time to truly process the experience. Before arriving, I felt like I was searching. I’m still very much a work in progress, but the tools I’ve gained and, more importantly, the understanding of how to apply them simply weren’t possible before New Paradigm.

Dirk is an honest and heartfelt guide: insightful, knowledgeable, grounded, and genuinely caring. Kae is beyond words “amazing” doesn’t even begin to capture her strength and presence; she is the heart that holds so much together. Sonny cared for us in ways that only a truly kind soul can.

I now feel a calming presence within myself and have genuinely charted a new path. Thank you, Dirk, Kae, Sonny, Paul, Scott, and Jamille.

I could go on and on about the food, the meditation, the counseling, the physical activities, and how incredible Thailand is but if you’re reading this, I can assure you the experience will give you far more than you could ever imagine.

This journey has given me, for the first time in my life, a profound sense of awareness and gratitude for which I will ever be thankful.

- Stephan

Dear Dirk,
I have had so many counselling sessions with so many counsellors over the years without ever reaching the depths or coming to the realisations I did in EMDR. I have carried so much pain and hurt for as long as I can remember, that a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders!! Thank you!!

Thank you so much for your honesty in sharing your own story. It helped me a lot!! Your style of counselling and providing support is second to none. It is so obvious why it is you do what you do!!

I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and work with you!! Thank you also Dirk for signing my book! I will treasure it!!

I want to wish you all the best of luck for the future! Please take care and enjoy any free time you get.

I will certainly keep in touch, will follow my program and do the best to pass on my learning. I am not sure what home life will be like for me but I now have the tools to deal with any situation I am met with. I also have the strongest connection to my Higher Power that I ever had!

Thank you Dirk for all the support around work! Lots for me to focus on! If ever you decide to travel to Ireland you are welcome to call on me. It would be a pleasure. Keep up the good work Dirk. Keep being you, the miracle worker that you are.

 Liz.

Back in July 2025, I attended a retreat at New Paradigm while searching for a holistic approach to long-term depression. After decades of struggling, I knew I needed real change - and this was exactly the place.

New Paradigm offers a powerful combination of physical, mental, spiritual, and educational wellness. Dirk, Kae, and Sunni create an incredibly warm and welcoming environment, and Dirk’s knowledge and passion truly stand out.

Not having a phone turned out to be one of the most valuable parts - it brought a level of peace and clarity that’s hard to find in everyday life.

Nine months later, the support hasn’t stopped. Dirk still checks in, and I feel I could reach out anytime.

A genuinely life-changing experience !

Dearest Dirk, Kae, & Arthit, Wow. I cannot begin to adequately express my infinite gratitude for all three of you. I know HP... I am not my trauma and incredible things await as long as I have the courage to pursue my destiny. I am eternally grateful.

I am a workaholic - have known this about myself for many years. And, my long term career in the US entertainment industry has been a perfect outlet for my addiction.

What I've also known about myself for many years is there were some deeply traumatic events in childhood and early adulthood that weren't properly addressed resulting in a C-PTSD diagnosis at the end of last year.

And, it all came crashing down at once. After many, many years of running myself into the ground, I had a major life event at the start of 2025 that I couldn't put my head down and work through - the end of a long term relationship. The lack of foundation having never done "the work" ultimately led to a mutually agreed separation of employment at the same time.

And I'm grateful it did -- because without those two things happening concurrently, I'm not sure I ever would've taken the time to stop, center myself, and face the trauma I had been trying to outrun for many years.

In researching places to go, I heard about New Paradigm through a mutual friend who had a friend that went through the program and called it "life changing." I made an inquiry immediately as I was desperate to get on the first flight out of the US so I could "fix it" and get back to the grind.

It didn't quite work out that way. There were a lot of things I needed to "fix" within myself on home soil first. I spoke to Dirk for the first time in February and we decided together that I needed to be a bit more emotionally stabilized before making the 26 hour trip to attend the program. So, I started regular counseling sessions with him and began to dive in to EMDR.

I dedicated every minute of the next 3 months prepping for my trip which was scheduled for May. I felt like a different person and that all the "healing" I'd done would make the program a breeze.

It wasn't. It was hard. Really hard (especially the first week). And my deep seated need to try to control my environment was the first major hurdle. I had developed hyper vigilance over the years as a form of protection to keep myself safe, not realizing it was doing exactly the opposite. I quickly realized that this wasn't my show and I wasn't in control - but that wasn't an easy surrender.

The second major hurdle was the surrender of all forms of technology. When that happened, my brain kicked into ruminations lasting what felt like every hour of the day from sun up to sun down. Dirk worked with me using methods to try to break the ruminations, but they were incessant. And my brain? It was focused solely on my relationship dissolving. The grief and shame that I had for not showing up differently as a partner due to my burnout / depression from my job. Guilt for not going to therapy sooner when I was being pushed to do it. The resentment for how it ended. We did a lot of EMDR around it, but still there was little relief.

After about the 9th day Dirk had a talk with me and said "we're going to cut the fuel line to what's going on. There are all these fires around you that we're putting out, but we need to cut the gas." So, we went deeper and back to childhood where we found the root cause of the issue.

Adandonment. Feelings of unworthiness. Unresolved issues with my mom that mirrored some issues in my romantic relationship. And once we did EMDR around those things, the clouds started to lift. Now, nearly a month of from the program having had some time for the EMDR to really set in and lots of reflection, I feel good. Really good. In fact, I'd say my time time at New Paradigm was life changing.

I learned more about myself in 14 days than I had in the previous 38 years. I can clearly see when my work addiction developed, why, and how my lack of relationship to self led me to a REALLY dark place. My focus now is on implementing the tools to aid in my recovery and I know for absolute certainty that I will NEVER be in the position I was in at the start of the year -- because now I have a foundation. I know who I am and I love myself. I highly recommend New Paradigm - it was the best thing to ever happen to me.

New Paradigm is very special place, where I could finally start my healing.

Back at home I went from waiting list to waiting list and counsellors telling me my problems were too complex, but Dirk listened and helped me with a personal approach. It helped me on my way to find my inner strength and peace, and gave me the tools to continue this process back at home.

I'm very grateful for my time with Dirk and Kae.

Hi Dirk I hope that you and Kae are in good health and doing well! Whilst all of your messages are incredibly inspiring to me today’s has been particularly pertinent. I am due to go back out to Gaza on the 7th of April and when I originally agreed to go back there, there was a ceasefire in place which obviously collapsed last week! Whilst it is challenging out there you would be amazed at how much comfort I take out of meditation and prayer 🙏! As importantly you would be amazed at the comfort it gives to others even though I can’t explain to them what I am doing! I regularly have small children joining me and I am constantly amazed that when I open my eyes they have all emersed them selves in to it! I remember that on day three with you, you asked me to listen to see when the birds stopped singing and the dogs stopped barking and amazingly I think it has the same powerful effect on children! Anyway I just wanted to thank you both for the amazing difference that you have made to my life! Pass my love and thanks on to Kae as well as you both make each other complete. Big love to you both Xxxx

I just wanted to email to send you my appreciation for the time we spent together. I learnt a lot from yourself and the program and since leaving New Paradigm, it’s been a great feeling of new direction and implementing all the new things I learnt. I’m a true fan of reminding my monkey to stay within his 20% voting rights and offering him appreciation at the same time – this thought process has allowed me to open my mind and be much more willing to try new things (outside of work). I’m doing morning walks/runs most mornings and decided to continue staying off the coffee for now. Overall I feel better and more relaxed and have a renewed sense of optimism towards the future! It’s inspiring in how such a short time, old habits can be broken and new ones formed so wanted to show my appreciation for what an effective program you have developed.


Please send my love to Kae and Arthit and hopefully we can all catch up in the near future.


Many thanks and true appreciation for helping me to get my monkey back in it’s place. It’s created a world of possibilities for me and my sleep is actually more consistent and better these days too.


Kind Regards,


Adam

Let me keep it very simple - make the time and find the money to invest in yourself via The Program at New Paradigm - it will change your life in ways that you simply cannot imagine.

By way of background I have been an Emotional Coach & Addiction Specialist for the last 20 years and according to my clients and Trustpilot, I am very good at what I do. That said, I have struggled with my own childhood trauma and bouts of addiction, depression and anxiety.

Over 2 weeks with Dirk and his team I have learnt more about myself and life than I have in my first 56 years!

His knowledge, his insight, his wisdom, his love, his care and his empathy and support have been beautiful to behold and that is what made the difference.

Because of my chosen career I spend a lot of time with a lot of people who have been to all sorts of residential rehabs and wellbeing retreats so I know what I am talking about when I say that Dirk's Program is as unique as it is transformational.

Don't hesitate. Take the leap. Go and spend some time at New Paradigm. You wont regret it.

I have looked for this type of approach to trauma healing for a long time - wholistic and direct. Dirk’s approach was specific to my needs, he listened, was approachable, and respected my perspective and insights. I found the light and sound meditations after the EMDR sessions perfect for deepening the healing and integrating the sessions into my body and mind. I am surprised to see how quickly changes have taken effect in my whole way of being, particularly after years of trying to heal through other forms of counseling and self help. I would highly recommend his approach for anyone who has had enough of carrying around past traumas and their effects, and is ready for life giving positive effective change to take place in their lives. Many thanks 🙏

I don't think there are words that describe my experience at New Paradigm. After many psychologist visits trying to overcome my trauma and depression, I was yet again facing a decision as to whether or not to go back onto anti-depressants. Looking at alternatives I stumbled across New Paradigm and it was the best decision I made. I was very apprehensive on arrival but Dirk, Kae and the team opened me with open arms and made me feel at home. The entire experience from first contact to departure was efficient and professional. The treatment plan was transparent and informative. Once the program commenced I was able to focus on my recovery holistically with very close guidance by Dirk, which was adapted based on my needs and objectives. I entered burnt out, stressed, angry and depressed. I left feeling optimistic, relieved and with a new perspective on myself and my life. The program is designed for both mind and body recovery and that's exactly what I got. If you are considering New Paradigm, I can not recommended it enough. Spend sometime renewing your energy for life with great people, great food and a great landscape.

My stay at New Paradigm was a very special and inspiring experience, with the guidance of special and inspiring people for whom I have much respect and admiration. I could feel the enormous love and dedication with which Dirk and Kae, but also the rest of the team, guided me, which I greatly appreciate. I knew it was going to be a huge challenge to free myself from my own prison. I also know that I am not there yet. But by following The Program I have achieved more than I dared to hope for. Dirk believed in me from the first moment, and continued to believe in me, even though it was difficult to find the right opening into my web of complex problems. I am very grateful for that. I left feeling lighter and more open, and with more mental strength and tools to tackle the further road to recovery. Thank you all so much

Exactly a year ago today, I decided enough was enough. I was fed up of so called therapists in the U.K wasting my time and money. Not having solutions or directions for my mental health. After a span of over 10 years seeing therapists on and off, I was desperate to get my past trauma that was leaking into my family life, affecting my marriage and impacting my children negatively healed once and for all. I knew I had to outsource and go abroad. After quite a bit of research and looking, I stumbled across Dr Dirk NEW PARADIGM. Trying to keep this short. The level of knowledge and expertise Dirk has gained with his open mindedness to implement a large variety of therapy techniques was unprecedented to anything I had ever heard of or seen in my 10 years of trying to tackle my mental health. The attention to detail the hospitality made me feel at home instantly. I was treated better than family and made welcomed like I've never felt welcomed anywhere till this day. Dirk and his family made me feel like their own son. They would always go out off their way, take me in and around Thailand, restaurant, days out, to elephant sanctuary, just to name a few. Every angle of mental health and technique was used. Mentally, physically and spiritually, and emotionally. The Programs were created uniquely for me and the concerns regarding my personal issues I wanted to fix and heal. The daily activities i miss the most from yoga to early morning walks, meditation, exercise classes and the daily massages i really miss the most. The diversity is truly impressive. I've waited a full year to do this review as I really wanted to test Dr. Dirks' theories and techniques he taught me and implemented while I stayed at his retreat. I've never been at such peace with myself. Dirk showed me how to love myself again, which I think a lot of us forget how to and where most of our underlining issues begin. Every time I had a blip or relapsed, I would go back to everything I had learnt from my time with Dirk. I would go over the lessons the notes the conversations we had. The work we did one to one. It would always reset me and get me back on track. Me and my wife have never been stronger. I've been able to accept a lot of things and move on. I've let anger and hatred leave me. I've never been so happy and calm. My relationship with my children is amazing, just how I envisioned it. I can think clearly make great judgement and decisions. My confidence is through the roof, and the list truly goes on. Dirk, I want to thank you on behalf of my family and myself for the everlasting change you have brought to our lives. Thank you. Thank you is not enough for what you have done for me and the people around me. But for now, it's the least I can say. Thank you for the amazing experience ill never forget the time you and your family took to make me feel so welcomed and at home.

Coming to New Paradigm was one of the best self-investments I've made in my life.

I came here feeling tired, exhausted and burned out and now I’m leaving with feelings of grace , self-love and a sense of wholeness. It's amazing to feel how much love, respect and care this place can offer. I felt like I was "hugged" all the time without the actual physical act of being “hugged”.

It's definitely a life changing experience that can transform one's life if you're willing to put in the effort and the hard work, but most importantly to carry it over and make it a lifestyle.

Be gentle and kind to yourself, consistency always wins over intensity. Everyone deserves to experience such an eye-opening journey supported by a solid and loving team. As Dirk always says “use and abuse” your time here at New Paradigm and it will pay off.

Love Hiba

I am extremely grateful to Dirk, Kae, Arthit and the New Paradigm team.
I was very apprehensive about going to an overseas retreat to begin with. However as soon as Kae picked me up from the airport, I felt safe and comfortable, and they made sure I settled into my hotel beforehand and continued to check in that I was okay prior to the retreat starting.
There is a lot to cover in the programme! It is very well thought out and every little detail in the daily routine - from healthy, delicious meals, the personal counselling sessions and workshops, exercise, massages, laundry and cleaning... it was all taken care of so all I had to do was focus on my own recovery.
Dirk helped me clear years of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and phobias.
I arrived feeling absolutely hopeless, stressed and burnout and left feeling so much lighter and happier - like I am able to start living again. It's amazing how much can be achieved in such a relatively short time.
Thank you for the support, I cannot recommend New Paradigm highly enough!!!

So grateful for the Paradigm experience, my life has changed, the programme for me was life changing 100% I felt lost and desperate when I booked my place on the programme.
I knew there was more to my life but I had become stuck and needed help and healing. I arrived expectant and I wasn’t disappointed. I was ready for transformation and I embraced the programme and Dirks holistic methods. I ate well, exercised well, I enjoyed the mediation & I just loved Chiang Mai people, culture, temples, mountains & food. Thank you K for your kindness, care and amazing food.
Dirk you are an extraordinary man, with great wisdom, very knowledgable with a heart of gold and quirky humour. Your programme works , my cup is full, I feel calm, contentment at peace with myself.
Life is great !

I have been to over 15 counselors in my life regarding my PTSD and trauma, with no success with treatment. I decided I needed a more holistic and spiritual kind of treatment, so I found New Paradigm. The first week was extremely difficult. I hit rock bottom and I begged my husband to let me come home.
All of a sudden, something switched in me and I began to truly relax and let go. I have never felt so content and at peace with myself as I do now.
Dirk and the staff are amazing, and Dirk couldn't be more knowledgeable. I am thinking of making this an annual retreat for myself as this was the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I recently attended the New Paradigm retreat and was greeted by the amazing Kae who made me feel at home from the first moment I arrived. I found my time with Dirk and his family aswell as the amazing masseuse an experience that was truly transformative. The compassionate and skill felt whilst being there, created a safe space for healing, guiding us through various therapeutic modalities. The retreat's holistic approach, combining meditation, counseling, alternative medicine and group activities was intense at times, but rewarding. The serene environment and supportive community fostered a sense of belonging and understanding. I left the retreat feeling empowered, equipped with valuable tools to navigate my future healing journey. My connection with Dirk and his method of working has given me confidence that I do have a future :) Thank you with all my heart x

My recovery stay at New Paradigm was trully phenomeal and I will be forever grateful for this amazing experience. At first, I didn't know if my stay will be enough to resolve and overcome all my struggles and unweight my emotional load bucket which I carried with me from Malta to Thailand. I can now say that it successfully did thanks to this one of a kind program created by Dirk which is pinpointed to everyone needs and surrounded by a positive atmosphere that enables everyone to grow from whatever the reason of their stay. The accommodation, activities, food and services are top notch (especially Kae's kitchen which is at the same level or if not above a 5 stars restaurant). This trully enable everyone to be in a comfortable, secure, relaxing and caring environment to focus on their recovery and have all the necessary support available at hand. This program also gives you all the tools necessary to keep on progressing on yourself and growing as an individual after the program. It was GRRRRRRREAT!

Difficult to put into words how amazing the experience was, not only mentally but also physically. The immense knowledge and care is extraordinary. The attention to detail and wisdom that Dirk brings to individual clients is unmatched, his experience and teachings will transform you. The culinary queen Kae provides the most delicious meals and snacks to ensure you’re fuelled for busy days. The company and care provided by Arthit on daily walks and daily tasks provides a welcoming experience. You will not only walk away with a clearer mind, but also a healthier body and mindset towards the world. Couldn’t recommend them more if I could.

For 12 long months I went from GP to OT to Pain Specialist to Psychologist to Neurologist to Psychiatrist all with differing views and differing prescriptions. But no real treatment strategies. Then I discovered New Paradigm, a small family business in Chiang Mai. A small business the packs a big punch! Dirk guided me through a range of logical evidence based alternative treatment approaches all under the premise of recovery. Kei took care of all of my domestic needs and is a sensational Thai chef! Arthit ensured all of the physical elements of the program ran smoothly.

The small client number enabled a very personal tailored approach that achieved more in 2 weeks than the 12 months prior. Help is here, you just need to make an enquiry, be open, be honest and trust the process. For me, it has been a life changing experience.

From the moment I arrived I felt at home and thanks to Dirk and the team for their time and support.
I enjoyed my time and enjoyed all of the activities especially the yoga.
I left the retreat feeling motivated and ready for a new chapter !

I cannot even begin to explain how transformational the program at New Paradigm was.
This is the real deal. If you’ve tried all the typical ways to break your bad habits, work through trauma, or recover from burnout, and they haven’t really helped, then Dirk’s individualized and holistic program will not disappoint.
Give yourself the 2 or 3 weeks you deserve to dig deep inside and you’ll come out with real tools and support you need for a happy and fulfilling life.

Arrived here in August 2023, in terrible shape and almost didn’t make it due to my own complex PTSD issues from childhood issues as well as work related trauma. Dirk was available from the beginning and even was “threatening” to come and take me from my home! 😂 I would say from a price point of someone who works in an NGO, it is very well priced. I had checked other places and didn’t like their treatment modalities. Too much focus on group therapy and rehashing old traumas, without a clear path moving forward.

This is possibly the biggest advantages of working with Dirk. It’s not about rehashing old traumas over and over again, and potentially retraumatising oneself but rather building healthy habits and tools to build a healthier life.

Absolutely loved the food by his wonderful wife Kae. Hated the morning walks but grew to love them with his son Arthit. We all grew together there, and his low volume of clients at the same time, shows a passion in treating people and not making money just getting 15-20 people at one go, retraumatising each other by talking about their issues.

Dirk has also got his own special past, which was very helpful for me as I could relate to it. Believe me, you have a very perceptive counsellor as he’s been doing this for over two decades. And he will see through your bullshit. Which is harder for some to accept. My recommendation is to come, without any expectation. Follow the rules, you’ll see why they are there eventually. The first week is definitely a time where you will question many things, and wonder why you are even there - but eventually you will see the light.

I cannot thank Dirk, Kae and Arthit enough for their work and just existence. You’ll never meet a bunch of people so dedicated to their work as this family.

Love you guys!

MS GUNA