About this Retreat
Dr Christoph Zwolan is a Psychedelic Integration Therapist and Consultant Counselling Psychologist who is deeply committed to supporting individuals as they navigate the complexities of the human mind and consciousness. Currently, Christoph holds the position of Clinical Director at Numinous Ways, he facilitates psychedelic retreats and works as a psychedelic integration therapist. He is interested in transpersonal aspects of psychedelic experiences, recognizing their significant role in the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Danielle is a relational body psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and academic writer. She has experience of facilitating psychedelic retreats in the Netherlands, and as a psychedelic integration therapist. She has a special interest in trauma-informed psychotherapy, nature connection and ecopsychology. She has worked as a trainer in body work, body psychotherapy, Buddhist meditation and relational hypnotherapy. Outside of the clinical setting she is a wife, mother and dog-lover- passionate about community, dance, psychedelics, and transpersonal inquiry and its shadow.
Coen shares a private practice together with his partner, Patrycja Radecka in Holland. Together they offer therapeutic support for people who are interested in legal psilocybin experiences. Though formally educated as a physics engineer and a designer, he was trained and worked at an Ayahuasca retreat centre in the Netherlands for a number of years before teaming up with Patrycja and starting their work together. Based on Patrycja’s MAPS training, the support they offer in their practice is heavily influenced by both Hakomi mindfulness based somatic therapy and IFS or Internal Family Systems therapy.
Over the past seven years, Coen has guided hundreds of people in their diverse psychedelic experiences, both in groups with Ayahuasca and individually with psilocybin truffles and.. there is nothing he would like to do more for the rest of his life.
I love to work with our natures. Inner and outer. I am a mentor and a guide. My early career and training was as an HPC registered movement and drama therapist, working with diverse mental health needs. At some point in my late twenties, I was struck by Jiddu Krishnamurti’s saying that “it is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society”. Since then, I have been exploring how to support healthy living (and dying) systems in family, community and business contexts. I like to see people not as individuals, but as interconnected relationships woven into a living field of possibilities. Through nature connection, coaching, therapeutic models and movement based approaches I support people to awaken to new patterns of living, working and being. I would love to hear from you if you would like support preparing for or integrating psychedelic experience in a way that brings healthy shifts to the systems you inhabit.
Dr Nick Wakefield is a white, gay, British clinical psychologist with a rich background as a mental health practitioner. He specializes in working with clients facing complex PTSD, personality disorder diagnoses, and challenges in both intra- and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Nick also has extensive experience supporting the LGBTQI+ community, addressing a wide range of issues including mental health, relationships, gender, sexuality, relationship diversity (GSRD), sexual health, addiction, and trauma.
Roger Duncan, a Systemic Psychotherapist and Systemic Supervisor working in the NHS and in private practice. His approach has been shaped by his background in Biology, training, and experience as a Waldorf teacher, and as a Vison Fast guide with The School of Lost Borders, in California. Roger has been leading nature-based retreats and researching Eco Systemic approaches to nature and mental health for 30 years. His book ‘Nature in Mind, systemic thinking and imagination in ecopsychology and mental health’ was published by Routledge in 2018 and writes and lectures internationally.
Rogers first experienced psychedelics in 1979 which initiated 40-years of deep exploration into the healing power of nature connection at the root of ecopsychotherapy. He revisited work with Psychedelics in ceremony, in 2019 which led into a deeper systems approach to healing where the experience can offer a rite of passage into encounters with the spiritual in both Nature and the human Soul. Roger has trained with and is a member of the Psychedelic Health Professionals (PHP).
Sam is a Creative Arts Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and founding director of Natural Genius Ltd, providing psychotherapists to schools and care homes since 2017, and supervision since 2019. He is an experienced group and 1:1 therapeutic supervisor and reflective practice facilitator. For many years he was an holistic body worker, healer and continues to be a core member of Bristol Contact Improvisation dance collective and author. He is also an experienced teacher and qualified in adult education. He promotes mind-body health and mental wellbeing through relationship, creativity and nature connection. Sam loves to explore depth of therapeutic connection, self awareness and creativity and has been doing so for over 30 years. In his spare time he loves being with his 5 children and wild swimming whatever the weather.
Details of this retreat
At the heart of our practice lies a profound belief: psychedelics are not just tools for transient experiences but gateways that offer insights into the very fabric of our reality, our minds, and the intricacies of any challenges one might face.
The transpersonal or mystical facets of these journeys are not only fascinating experiences but are also directly tied to successful therapeutic outcomes.
Embarking on a psychedelic journey is akin to setting sail on vast, uncharted waters.
But it’s in the aftermath, when we anchor those experiences to the shores of our everyday life, that we unlock their transformative potential.
That’s where our expertise in psychedelic integration therapy shines.
Preparation Therapy: Laying the Groundwork
Mindset: Before embarking on the psychedelic journey, it’s crucial to establish a clear and open mindset. Delve into understanding the root of existing mental health challenges, be it depression, anxiety, or existential concerns.
Setting Intentions: A pivotal part of the preparatory phase involves discerning the purpose behind seeking a psychedelic experience.
Choosing the Right Guide: As you prepare, it’s imperative to select a psychedelic experience provider judiciously. Opt for professionals who, ideally, have therapeutic backgrounds and are adept not just in guiding psychedelic sessions, but also in psychological interventions.
Post-Journey Reflection: Extracting & Implementing Insights
Revisiting Initial Intentions: Upon your return, the work continues as you re-engage with the intentions set during the preparation phase. Reflecting on them post-experience can offer profound clarity.
Unpacking the Experience: The ineffable nature of psychedelic experiences can be overwhelming. This phase allows you to make sense of the insights, working closely with your therapist.
Incorporation into Daily Life: This is where the true transformation unfolds. It’s not just about understanding the experiences, but effectively applying the knowledge and insights gained to address psychological challenges and enhance overall well-being.