About this Retreat
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.
Christoph 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.
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.
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).
Details of this retreat
This psychedelic retreat combines nature-based, soul-centric initiation with the transformative potential of psychedelics, supported by time spent in nature. Ecopsychotherapy will be integrated into the experience, helping participants navigate the psychedelic journey and aiding in the process of integration. By blending Ecopsychotherapy with psychedelics, this retreat offers a unique way to reconnect with the ancient journey of the human soul.
Held near the beautiful city of Faro, Portugal, this six-day retreat includes two carefully guided psychedelic ceremonies, offering you the opportunity for deep introspection and transformation. Guided by experienced facilitators and surrounded by like-minded individuals, the retreat is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for your inner exploration and growth.
Meet Your Retreat Leader: Roger Duncan
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 he writes and lectures internationally.
Roger’s 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 completed a Professional Certificate in Psychedelic Practice, a comprehensive theoretical and practical program focused on psychedelic work.
Numinous Ways retreat focuses on fostering a deep connection with the transpersonal, the NUMINOUS. Our approach is not centred on psychedelics; instead, we use them as tools to facilitate and sustain this sacred connection, bridging the transcendent with the ordinary.
Your Numinous Way
We will help you to discover and develop your own numinous way, your unique way to mysteries of existence, awe and wonder. Our approach is anchored in four fundamental pillars designed to lead you to a more fulfilling and meaningful life:
AWE is a reminder of the nature of existence itself, and a gateway to a deeper, more interconnected, and more meaningful experience of life.
HEALTH is a fundamental aspect of human well-being, encompassing not only our physical state, but also our mental, emotional, and spiritual states.
MEANINGFUL LIFE - fulfilment, meaning, and purpose. It’s about discovering our passions, pursuing our interests, and finding our unique path in the world.
EMBRACING MORTALITY – death is a profound transition, marking the end of life as we know it and ushering us into the unknown. A profound mystery, the ultimate frontier of human understanding.
Who we are?
We are a diverse team of mental health professionals deeply invested in exploring the potential advantages of psilocybin for psychological healing and discovering a deeper sense of meaning.
Our facilitator team includes psychologists, psychotherapists, doctors, counsellors and various other complementary healthcare professionals. Although during your psychedelic experience, we will not be acting as your therapist (only as your facilitator) we bring a wealth of professional and personal education and knowledge to help you feel supported during your experience.
Other tools we use
In addition to the powerful psychedelic ceremonies, our retreat in the Portugal offers a variety of meditation and bodywork workshops to help relax and prepare you for ceremony days. We also offer a facilitated breathwork session which offers a powerful experience for emotional release by utilising conscious cyclical breathing techniques to access deeper levels of awareness and promote healing on physical, emotional, and energetic levels. These transformative modalities work in seamless combination to facilitate deep healing, expanded awareness, and profound insights.
What to expect on the retreat?
Throughout the retreat, you will be immersed in a supportive and nurturing environment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and a community of fellow seekers. Our experienced facilitators will guide you through each step of the journey, ensuring your safety, and comfort.
You will be grouped into small pods of four, each led by a dedicated facilitator who will be your guide and support throughout your retreat. Between the psychedelic ceremonies, breathwork, and other meditation and bodywork sessions, you will have regular pod meetings with your facilitator. During these meetings, you will have the opportunity to check-in, share your thoughts, intentions, and any concerns that may arise.
Before embarking on your journey, you will also have a one-to-one discussion with your facilitator to explore your intentions and what you hope to gain from the experience. They will hold your intentions in mind throughout the retreat, reminding you of your purpose and offering gentle guidance if and when needed. With their unwavering support at hand, you will be encouraged to face and embrace whatever emerges during your psychedelic experience, fostering a sense of deep surrender. Your facilitator will serve as a compassionate ally, empowering you to trust the process, let go of control, and fully immerse yourself in the transformative potential of your journey. They will be there every step of the way, providing guidance, reassurance, and holding space for you.
As the retreat unfolds, you will have ample opportunities for integration and reflection, allowing the insights gained during the ceremonies to permeate your being and shape your path of personal transformation. Through group discussions, guided meditations, and integration circles, you will have the space to process your experiences, receive support, and harness the potential for lasting change.
Our venue
Our psychedelic retreat in Portugal provides a unique opportunity to engage in self-reflection and communion with the mystical and the Numinous in a serene and supportive setting. Only a few minutes away from the beach and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Portuguese landscape, we hope you will find solace and inspiration here. Our venue is a charming retreat centre with hot tub, heated swimming pool and more. We have a private chef as part of the Numinous Ways team who will arrange your breakfast, lunch and dinner for all six days.