4 Night Gay Men's KAP Retreat - Access your Inner Healer
4 Night Gay Men's KAP Retreat - Access your Inner Healer
391 Herrington Hill Road, Greenwich, NY, USA
Up to 15 in group
October 23 - 27, 2024
Retreat Highlights
- Preparation Groups
- Beautiful Setting
- Medicine Sessions
- Integration & Support
- Healing
About this Retreat
As for my professional credentials, I am a board-certified Psychiatrist with an additional certification in Functional Medicine and a degree in Chinese Medicine. I currently hold the role of Chief Medical Officer for Eliot Human Services, a psychiatric non-profit organization serving over 25,000 clients in various settings. In addition, I run a private practice exclusively focused on providing a truly individualized functional & integrative healing approach.
As for my experience with Psychedelics, I have learned how to conduct legal ceremonies & hold space outside the US. Within the US, I provide individual and group ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Years before Spravato, I successfully pioneered Ketamine treatment programs for clients struggling with severe mental illness and in group home settings.
As for my personal development in this space, I focus on supporting the sacred & embodied lenses of knowing and healing. Working with these sacred medicines cannot be taught with results from research settings alone. It requires a dedication to one’s personal journey and the ability to embody the process of moving toward and through challenges. Additionally, this path requires a continuing commitment to work on increasing one's awareness and capacity to hold a space and hold the struggles that manifest in our clients as they move through to rejoin their true path. I enjoy caring for clients with a broad variety of conditions. As a gay man, I feel that I have much to offer in sharing my work with my LGBTQ+ peers. My own challenges with growing up gay added to my anguish & suicidality as an overly sensitive adolescent and young adult. In contrast to what I was told at that time, it was never a major depressive disorder, but a lack of acceptance, patience, proper guidance and understanding of the surrounding community. I see that many of my gay peers never had the chance or took the time to revisit and reshape the consequences of these deferred challenges. Despite many celebrated new freedoms, our gay culture is not much healthier than one or two decades ago. To repair and progress, we need other gay men to mentor and help to reshape our emotional understanding and reactivity patterns within our gay culture. Our retreat offerings are designed to create space for healing in this area and will hopefully also become part of healing our broader community.
I am a physician board-certified in Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, and with fellowship training in medical education and Primary Care Psychiatry. I am currently working as a Chief Clinician Well-Being Officer (CWO), focusing on clinician wellness and organizational burnout mitigation, and in integrative Whole Health approaches for chronic pain. With my background in Integrative Medicine, I have become interested particularly in holistic approaches to healing that focus on the complex interaction between the mind, body, and spirit together, working toward harmony.
Throughout my life and professional journey, I have been following the path that has led me now to psychedelic medicine and to our retreat offerings. As a gay man, I have experienced deep personal struggles related to self-acceptance and belonging, while also exploring the often harsh nature of societal expectations related to gender and sexuality. From my own life as well as in my clinical practice, I have witnessed other gay and LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with their own sense of shame, lack of self-esteem, rejection, isolation, and at times destructive behaviors, often in search of a validation that has never been fully realized. Unfortunately, often these struggles—along with other factors—become severe and can disrupt one's life and self-construct. I have also witnessed the amazing capacity of LGBTQ+ individuals to form meaningful communities and establish chosen families, build resilience, and most importantly, to thrive. I am a strong believer in group work and the retreat model, which can often serve as an antidote to the cold, forlorn, individual medical encounter. In my own group and retreat work, I have experienced the immense healing that can occur by coming together and simply being. By offering our retreats for gay and queer men led by other gay men, I am hopeful that we can promote a welcoming and healing space for change. I am full of enthusiasm and gratitude to be able to bring the retreat model, ketamine-assisted therapy, and other holistic approaches together to facilitate thriving.
I am a therapist practicing in New Jersey, and have specialized in working with LGBTQ+ clients for over ten years. Throughout the years, I have witnessed in gay men's experiences the themes of internalized homophobia, shame, and rejection from family and religious communities. I often see how many gay men seek to cope with these wounds by developing addictive behaviors (addictions to substances, sex, food, and even fitness), and many have reported feeling isolated or not belonging to a gay community. I also see how profound levels of resilience and compassion have also been heightened among this population. I work with my clients on learning how to use their resilience to establish the intimate and fulfilling relationships with partners and other gay men that they are wanting, which typically means learning how to heal shame so that emotionally safe and healthy connections can be formed.
As a gay man, I understand and have lived/am living the ongoing journey that leads to self-love and acceptance, and the challenges and joys that are part of this experience. I feel that retreats can allow gay men to come together to practice being their authentic selves in a space that is safe where all feelings will be witnessed and honored. A space where no one needs to impress—or compete—with anyone else. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) can help each person drop their defenses and can allow for more deeply intimate conversations and connections to be made, as each participant supports one another to integrate whatever meaningful changes might need to be made to advance feelings of self-love, and the ability to create healthy and fulfilling relationships and community.
l am a dual board-certified physician in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, as well as a trained psychedelic medicine provider. My career as an anesthesiologist has uniquely prepared me for the world of journey work, ketamine, and psychedelic medicine. Years of managing patients' consciousness during surgery, from induction to emergence, honed my ability to create a safe and supportive environment. I have come to understand the importance of presence, titration of medication (including ketamine, a classic anesthetic), and monitoring physiological changes – skills directly transferable to psychedelic experiences. Most importantly, I have learned to hold space for individuals as they embark on their surgeries or as they share their suffering related to chronic pain and life situations. Through my unique perspective, I strive to show up at the point where spirit meets medicine guided by a strong desire to connect deeply with clients as their journeys unfold.
Early formative experiences fostered within me a curiosity towards the depths of healing and I have continued to follow a path illuminated by both physical and spiritual healing. With an intention to find authenticity and meaning in medicine, I recognize the importance of individual experiences and the multifaceted nature of healing. I am committed to fostering a more holistic approach led by the belief that healing is a personal journey. There is no one path for everyone, but through curiosity, openness, and self-exploration we can all move forward on our journey to well-being.
Through my own journey navigating life as a gay man, I have developed a strong trust in the power of community. Being in a loving and fully accepting space can unleash our inner healer allowing for deeper, more meaningful connection and movement towards wholeness. With our retreats, it is my desire to create a truly inclusive, safe, and healing space where spirit can be free and everyone has the opportunity to begin a powerfully transformative process.
Details of this retreat
This autumn, embark on a journey of self-discovery and community building at our exclusive ketamine-assisted therapy retreat for those who identify as gay or queer men, nestled amidst the breathtaking foliage of Upstate New York. As nature surrenders to vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold, embark on an inward exploration during this transformative weekend.
Imagine a crackling fire warming a circle of armchairs, where a tapestry of vibrant experiences awaits. Each member, a unique thread woven into the fabric of the group, carries within him a wellspring of resilience and yearning for deeper healing. As we commune amidst the whispering forest and the crisp embrace of autumn air, our experienced facilitators, each with a unique perspective, will guide you through this transformative journey.
Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy retreats offer a unique opportunity for deep healing and personal growth. Here is a look at what you can expect:
Preparation:
Before the retreat, you will meet with experienced providers to discuss your goals and intentions. This allows for a personalized experience while ensuring that our retreat is a great fit. This will include a private medical evaluation, as your physical and mental wellbeing is our priority during your time with us. Once our retreat cohort has been established, you can expect to participate in group preparation sessions during which we will discuss details of the retreat, further educate the group about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and establish community within the group. The preparation phase of the retreat is paramount to create our safe container and provide for an amazing experience. Your preparation may also include additional one-on-one sessions with a member of our team.
Setting:
Our retreats provide a safe, inspiring & tranquil environment specifically designed to enhance your experience. This includes a nature setting, comfortable accommodations, healthy meals, and our dedicated facilitator team. Along with carefully planned activities and medicine sessions, our team will offer various group & somatic practices, music, encourage movement, creativity, and exploration to enhance personal growth & harness the additional treasures of a well attuned group experience.
Medication Sessions:
Under the guidance of providers and facilitators, you’ll take part in 3 medicine sessions. (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Sessions are conducted in a group environment but focus on an individual inward-directed approach. During the sessions, facilitators will be encouraging a healing environment and remain available for individual and group needs that may arise. The sessions foster a state which can lead to personal insights, emotional processing, and a heightened sense of self-awareness.
Integration and Support:
In between medicine sessions, our team will encourage and guide the group through activities that will foster understanding, awareness & processing. Additional individual support will be offered as needed. Following the retreat, you can expect to participate in group integration sessions during which you will have the opportunity to further highlight insights and explore meaningful experiences to incorporate them into your daily life with a goal of creating lasting expansion of self awareness & change. While this is a general overview, each retreat is unique, tailored to & created by our participants. Each retreat will form a unique community creating their now group process, and have specific details which will be shared prior to the retreat.
Imagine a crackling fire warming a circle of armchairs, where a tapestry of vibrant experiences awaits. Each member, a unique thread woven into the fabric of the group, carries within him a wellspring of resilience and yearning for deeper healing. As we commune amidst the whispering forest and the crisp embrace of autumn air, our experienced facilitators, each with a unique perspective, will guide you through this transformative journey.
Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy retreats offer a unique opportunity for deep healing and personal growth. Here is a look at what you can expect:
Preparation:
Before the retreat, you will meet with experienced providers to discuss your goals and intentions. This allows for a personalized experience while ensuring that our retreat is a great fit. This will include a private medical evaluation, as your physical and mental wellbeing is our priority during your time with us. Once our retreat cohort has been established, you can expect to participate in group preparation sessions during which we will discuss details of the retreat, further educate the group about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and establish community within the group. The preparation phase of the retreat is paramount to create our safe container and provide for an amazing experience. Your preparation may also include additional one-on-one sessions with a member of our team.
Setting:
Our retreats provide a safe, inspiring & tranquil environment specifically designed to enhance your experience. This includes a nature setting, comfortable accommodations, healthy meals, and our dedicated facilitator team. Along with carefully planned activities and medicine sessions, our team will offer various group & somatic practices, music, encourage movement, creativity, and exploration to enhance personal growth & harness the additional treasures of a well attuned group experience.
Medication Sessions:
Under the guidance of providers and facilitators, you’ll take part in 3 medicine sessions. (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Sessions are conducted in a group environment but focus on an individual inward-directed approach. During the sessions, facilitators will be encouraging a healing environment and remain available for individual and group needs that may arise. The sessions foster a state which can lead to personal insights, emotional processing, and a heightened sense of self-awareness.
Integration and Support:
In between medicine sessions, our team will encourage and guide the group through activities that will foster understanding, awareness & processing. Additional individual support will be offered as needed. Following the retreat, you can expect to participate in group integration sessions during which you will have the opportunity to further highlight insights and explore meaningful experiences to incorporate them into your daily life with a goal of creating lasting expansion of self awareness & change. While this is a general overview, each retreat is unique, tailored to & created by our participants. Each retreat will form a unique community creating their now group process, and have specific details which will be shared prior to the retreat.
Schedule
WEDNESDAY 10/23/2024
• Approximate 5pm arrival - Set up and settle in from 5pm-6pm
• Evening 6pm until bedtime - Group activities and dinner!
THURSDAY 10/24/2024
• Morning - Morning activity, breakfast, group processes, and preparation
• Afternoon - Medicine journey #1
• Evening - Group Activities, Integration, and Dinner!
FRIDAY 10/25/2024
• Morning– Morning activity, breakfast, group processes and preparation
• Afternoon - Medicine journey #2
• Evening - Group Activities, Integration, and Dinner!
SATURDAY 10/26/2024
• Morning - Morning activity, breakfast, group processes and preparation
• Afternoon - Medicine journey #3
• Evening - Group Activities, Integration, and Dinner!
SUNDAY 10/27/2024
• Morning– Morning activity, breakfast, group integration
• Afternoon– Lunch, group integration, group closing (end by 12pm EST)
• Approximate 5pm arrival - Set up and settle in from 5pm-6pm
• Evening 6pm until bedtime - Group activities and dinner!
THURSDAY 10/24/2024
• Morning - Morning activity, breakfast, group processes, and preparation
• Afternoon - Medicine journey #1
• Evening - Group Activities, Integration, and Dinner!
FRIDAY 10/25/2024
• Morning– Morning activity, breakfast, group processes and preparation
• Afternoon - Medicine journey #2
• Evening - Group Activities, Integration, and Dinner!
SATURDAY 10/26/2024
• Morning - Morning activity, breakfast, group processes and preparation
• Afternoon - Medicine journey #3
• Evening - Group Activities, Integration, and Dinner!
SUNDAY 10/27/2024
• Morning– Morning activity, breakfast, group integration
• Afternoon– Lunch, group integration, group closing (end by 12pm EST)
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
My Health 101, 391 Herrington Hill Road, Greenwich, NY, USA
Directions
Easton Mountain is set in a rural location, approximately 30 miles North of Albany. We are only about a three hour drive away from Boston, New York City, and Montreal, we’re in a convenient location for a majority of New England!
Accommodation
Easton prides itself on providing rustic yet comfortable housing that embodies the tranquility of the land we sit on. We offer both single and double occupancy rooms.
Private Room
Shared Room
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Nestled in a picturesque mountain valley in upstate NY, Easton Mountain is a retreat center, community and sanctuary founded by John Stasio and a group of gay men in 2000.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We serve our meals buffet-style. Most meals include vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you have specific food allergies please let us know ahead of time. Refrigerator space can be available.
What's Included
- Meals
- 4 Night Accommodations
- 3 Medicine Sessions
- Preparation
- Integration
- Group Support
- Meditation
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Transport to Easton Mountain
- Additional Activities for Fee
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