The Journey from Trauma to Pleasure
October 2nd to 5th
Live at Syros island, Greece
Live Streaming
Ride the Healing Waves
The Wisdom of Pleasure
Syros Healing Waves Festival: Redefining Mental Health & Well-Being.
The Syros Healing Waves Festival is a premier international event dedicated to mental health and therapeutic innovation, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Syros, Greece, from October 2–5, 2025.
As the first festival of its kind, this pioneering gathering establishes Syros as a global hub for cutting-edge advancements in therapy, bringing together leading experts, practitioners, and seekers of holistic well-being. At its core, the festival explores pleasure as a transformative therapeutic tool, bridging ancient wisdom with the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience.
Participants are invited to embark on a deeply immersive journey of self-discovery, emotional renewal, and personal growth, all within a vibrant and supportive community.
The Masters of Healing
Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk
The internationally renowned trauma researcher and author of the book “The Body Keeps the Score“, along with a team of globally recognized experts, invites you on a transformative healing journey in the enchanting Cycladic island of Syros.Key lectures from inspired speakers will take place at the iconic “Apollon” theater.
Bessel van Der Kolk, MD: A Pioneer in Trauma Research and Treatment
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a leading expert in the study of how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences, developing evidence-based therapies grounded in neuroscience and attachment research.
In 1984, he established one of the first centers in the United States dedicated to the study and treatment of traumatic stress. His research has been instrumental in demonstrating the developmental impact of trauma, emphasizing how disruptions in caregiving can have profound and lasting consequences at each stage of life.
Dr. van der Kolk played a key role in founding the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), which now supports approximately 150 centers across the country. His work focuses on therapies that regulate physiology and improve attentional control, including EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback.
He is also the founder of the Trauma Research Foundation, a leading institution that integrates cutting-edge therapeutic approaches while training professionals worldwide in trauma-informed modalities.
Licia Sky
Somatic educator, bodyworker, artist and musician
Benjamin Fry
Psychotherapist, couples therapist, speaker, author and entrepreneur
Join us and be renewed
Tickets
Live Streaming
€750
€480
Attend the event online via your PC or tablet, from October 3rd to 5th – live from Syros.
Replay the entire experience with 60-day access to the full recording — anytime, from anywhere.
Island Pass
€1200
€750
Full access to all main sessions and parallel activities during the festival.
Optional access to the Opening Ceremony on October 2nd.
Connect and interact with fellow participants, speakers, and professionals through informal networking opportunities.
Accommodation and travel expenses are not included. For your convenience, the contact details of our partner travel agency are available on our website, should you wish assistance with your travel or accommodation arrangements.
Aegean Pass
€1800
€1100
Includes everything in the Yellow Pass, plus:
Up to 5 nights in a double room at the 4-star NISAKI Hotel in Ermoupoli, just a short walk from the venue.
Optional upgrade to a single room upon request.
Extend your stay before or after the festival at an additional cost.
Golden Pass
€2400
€1500
Includes everything in the Aegean Pass, plus:
Front-row seating at all main sessions.
5 nights in a single room at the 4-star NISAKI Hotel in Ermoupoli, just a short walk from the venue.
Option to extend your stay before or after the event at an additional cost.
Exclusive VIP Dinner featuring high-end local gastronomy, served in a dedicated space with stunning views
Super Early Bird Prices valid until May 31st, or while discounted spots last.
Let your healing journey begin with ease.
Heraklio travel Group is here to ensure your arrival and accommodation in Syros Island is smooth and supported, with the utmost comfort and care.
Redefining Mental Health Through Pleasure and Creative Connection
Rooted in the principles of enjoyment and meaningful connection, Syros Healing Waves seeks to transform the way we engage with mental health. This groundbreaking experience equips participants with practical, evidence-based tools for daily self-care and the compassionate support of others.
Join us for this unparalleled therapeutic journey – a space for renewal, inspiration, and profound personal growth.
The Organizing Committee
Our vision and goal are to provide accurate and internationally informed training for mental health professionals, as well as to raise awareness through responsible information for individual citizens regarding the devastating consequences, understanding, and treatment of complex trauma (C-PTSD) on both a collective and individual level. Behind our name are trauma therapists Sophia Vasilakou and Despina Plousiou, along with lawyer/entrepreneur Konstantinos Plousios.
TEAM
Our Rockstars!
Yannis Zygomalas
Lilian Biké
Paris Xyntarianos Tsiropinas
Alkinoos Peratinos
Ioanna Ziaka
Nireas Mavrikos
Nena Floraki
Anna Koktsidi
Eleonora Varthalitou
Ioannis Koutelekos
Anthoula Chairopoulou
Andreas Aboulos & Teresntina Rigouzo
Lina Fournistaki
Agni Roussou
Romanos Varthalitis
Nikos Skevofilax
Maria Kotsinari
With Deep Gratitude
Syros Healing Waves Festival is a living experience of connection, healing, and community – and we are honored to see it unfold with the support of individuals and institutions who believe in our vision and stand alongside us with consistency, care, and trust at every step of the way.
We extend our heartfelt thanks:
– To the Municipality of Ermoupolis, for its trust and invaluable support in hosting our festival on this remarkable island.
– To the Cyclades Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Museum of Ermoupolis, for their meaningful collaboration and the generous offering of venues steeped in history, culture, and aesthetic value.
– To Thomaïs Mendrinou, Deputy Mayor of Culture, for her warm presence, unwavering commitment, and steadfast assistance throughout the organization process.
Syros is more than a beautiful destination. It is a place with soul – one that moves, inspires, and connects. Its light, grace, and cultural richness, combined with the authenticity of its people, create something rare: not just beauty, but space. Space to pause, to connect, and to heal.
The Syros Healing Waves Festival is an invitation – an invitation to togetherness. And this togetherness that we experience here on the island lives within us, inspiring our work and deepening our purpose.
In this meeting at the inspiring Cycladic island of Syros – and with all of you who are present and engaged – we find the true essence of Syros Healing Waves: the healing power of community.
With appreciation and joy,
The Syros Healing Waves Team
Savor the experience!
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