ĀTMAN WELLNESS RETREATS

Q: What is the primary goal of the retreat?

A: Ātman Retreats blend modern trauma-informed psychotherapy with Indigenous ceremonial wisdom and plant medicine work (psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT) to support profound healing and transformation. The goal is safe, clinically-supported exploration of consciousness, release of trauma, connection with authentic self, and integration of insights for lasting change.

Q: How many ceremonies are included?

A: Each 7-day retreat includes two medicine ceremonies: one therapeutic psilocybin ceremony and one 5-MeO-DMT ceremony. Additionally, cacao ceremony and fire circle are included as heart-opening practices.

Q: Is this suitable for first-time participants?

A: Yes. Most guests have limited or no prior psychedelic experience. The program is designed with complete beginners in mind, providing thorough preparation, 4:1 guest-to-facilitator ratio, clinical oversight, and comprehensive integration support. No experience necessary—just willingness to engage authentically.

Q: Can I bring a support person or partner?

A: Partners and friends are welcome to attend together and often do. You can book shared accommodations or separate rooms. For couples seeking relational healing, specialized Conscious Couples Retreats are available.

Q: How big are the groups?

A: Ātman maintains intimate group sizes of 8–12 guests per retreat. The 4:1 guest-to-facilitator ratio ensures personalized attention, emotional safety, and meaningful community connection.

Q: Which venue/location should I choose?

A: Each location offers unique benefits. All locations offer the same high-quality facilitation, medicine work, and integration support. Choose based on your preferences for jungle vs. ocean, group size, and accommodation style.

🌿 Holos: Most expansive, maximum nature immersion, most waterfall access, widest range of accommodations.

🌱 Metamorfinca: Regenerative permaculture farm, heated pool and sauna, earth-built eco-homes, intimate and grounded atmosphere.

🌊 Hollywood House: Ocean views, beach access, boutique luxury, air-conditioned comfort, smaller groups, coastal energy.

Q: What medical screening is required?

A: All guests complete a comprehensive intake covering detailed medical history, current medications, mental health and psychiatric history, trauma history, substance use, cardiovascular health, liver/kidney function, and intentions/goals. The clinical team led by Dr. Hanson reviews applications. Approved applicants have a 30–45 minute screening call with a facilitator. For certain conditions, medical clearance from a personal physician may be required.

Q: I’m taking SSRIs. Can I participate?

A: SSRIs and psilocybin/5-MeO-DMT may have a dangerous interaction and must not be combined. You’ll need a medically supervised 4–6 week taper before the retreat. CRITICAL: Do not stop psychiatric medications on your own. Work with your prescribing physician. Ātman team provides guidance and resources, but medication changes must be supervised by your doctor. The same applies to MAOIs, benzodiazepines, lithium, and certain other medications.

Q: What conditions prevent participation?

A: Guest safety is the priority—we help find appropriate pathways for everyone.

Absolute contraindications: Significant cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, recent heart attack/stroke, arrhythmias; severe liver or kidney disease; Bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, active psychosis; recent suicidal ideation/attempts (within 6 months); pregnancy or breastfeeding; incompatible medications that cannot be safely discontinued.

Relative contraindications (evaluated case-by-case): Bipolar II, severe personality disorders, PTSD with active flashbacks, dissociative disorders, seizure disorders, certain brain injuries.

Q: What support is available for difficult psychological experiences?

A: Difficult content like confronting trauma, grief, shame, or fear is often part of the therapeutic process—our team is trained in safe, productive processing.

During ceremonies: Continuous facilitator presence, somatic grounding and support, reassuring presence and verbal guidance, and recognition that challenging material is often most healing.

After ceremonies: Daily integration therapy sessions, processing in safe therapeutic container, and somatic practices for regulation and release.

Post-retreat: Four group integration calls, email support from facilitators, and optional individual therapy packages.

Q: What are the facilitators’ qualifications?

A: All facilitators have undergone deep personal healing work and maintain ongoing training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, trauma-informed care, and somatic practices.

Dr. Jesse Hanson (Clinical Director): Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with specializations in somatic psychology and neuropsychology; 20+ years clinical experience; trained with shamanic and holistic teachers worldwide; featured on A&E’s Intervention.

Ross McKenzie (Lead Facilitator): Relational Somatic Therapist, professional coach, 25 years wellness practice, founding partner of Ātman.

Megan Hanson (Lead Facilitator): MSW, 20 years in mental health and education, trauma-informed yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, reiki and sound healing practitioner.

Demi Betschart (Facilitator): 10+ years healing arts, trained in midwifery, specializes in somatic coaching and Internal Family Systems.

Blanca Margarita (Cacao Facilitator): 10 years cacao cultivation and ceremonial work.

Q: Will facilitators be present during ceremonies?

A: Yes, continuous support is provided. With our 4:1 guest-to-facilitator ratio, facilitators are present throughout ceremonies providing somatic support (touch, grounding, physical presence), emotional guidance and reassurance, music curation and environmental management, medical/psychological monitoring, and therapeutic presence. You are never alone during the medicine experience—support is always available.

Q: Who leads the ceremonies?

A: Ceremonies are co-facilitated by our clinical and ceremonial team. Dr. Jesse Hanson provides clinical oversight and is present for all ceremonies. Ross McKenzie and Megan Hanson serve as lead facilitators. Supporting facilitators (Demi Betschart and Blanca Margarita) provide additional support. The team collaborates to create a safe, sacred, therapeutically-informed container blending traditional ceremonial elements with modern trauma-informed care.

Q: Is integration support included?

A: Yes, comprehensive integration is included.

On-site: Pre-ceremony preparation sessions, daily therapy and processing after ceremonies, somatic practices and embodiment work, group sharing circles, 5-MeO-DMT integration ceremony, and aftercare planning.

Post-retreat: Four group integration calls (weeks 1, 2, 4, 6) with facilitators and your cohort, email support from team, alumni community access, and referrals to local therapists and resources.

Optional add-ons: Individual therapy packages (2, 4, or 6 sessions) for extended 1:1 support.

Q: What are the accommodations like?

A: All guests receive thoughtfully-designed private or shared accommodations depending on booking selection. Shared rooms range from $4,500–4,750. Private and semi-private rooms are $5,000. Premium private suites range from $6,000–6,500. All accommodations include comfortable bedding, access to common areas, nature views, and venue amenities.

Q: What’s a typical day like?

A: Before ceremonies: Morning yoga or movement, breathwork, psychoeducation, integration therapy, nature immersion, soundbaths, cacao ceremony, nutritious meals, rest and reflection.

Ceremony days: Light breakfast, preparation and grounding, full-day medicine journey, continuous facilitator support, rest and integration, optional sharing circles.

Integration days: Gentle movement, journaling, group therapy circles, nature adventures, bodywork and energy healing, fire circle, processing insights, aftercare planning.

The schedule is flexible and individualized—every retreat is uniquely tailored to the guests present.

Q: What type of food is provided? Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

A: Executive Chef Serge Theriault (Cordon Bleu-trained) prepares all meals fresh daily using organic ingredients sourced from on-site gardens and local growers. All dietary accommodations available: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies, sensitivities, cultural/religious requirements.

Meals include fresh fruit and smoothies, high-quality proteins, vibrant vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, anti-inflammatory foods, fresh juices, and herbal teas. Food is designed to support detoxification, nervous system health, and overall well-being. Guests consistently describe meals as delicious, nourishing, and beautifully prepared.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?

A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available at all venues for essential communication. Cell phone service varies: limited or no signal at Holos and Metamorfinca; better coverage at Hollywood House. Wi-Fi calling apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype) recommended to stay connected with family. That said, we encourage a digital detox during your retreat—embrace the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself and nature.

Q: What should I avoid before attending?

A: Medications: Do not discontinue psychiatric medications without medical supervision. SSRIs/MAOIs require medically guided 2–4 week taper. Discuss all medications during screening.

Substances: Discontinue alcohol and cannabis several days before. No need to detox from substances beforehand—arrive as you are.

Activities: Avoid intense physical exertion the week before; get adequate rest, eat well, hydrate, reduce stress.

Mental preparation: Reflect on intentions, consider what you hope to heal, practice openness, prepare loved ones, reduce expectations while remaining open to whatever arises.

Q: How should I prepare mentally and physically?

A: Mental: Set intentions about what you hope to heal; reflect on how challenges have affected your life; practice openness to difficult material; prepare loved ones that you’ll be in treatment; reduce expectations and remain curious.

Physical: Rest well in weeks leading up; eat nutritiously; stay hydrated; follow medication tapering protocols if needed; complete any medical tests with your provider.

Practical: Arrange time off (7 days retreat + 2–3 days buffer); organize home responsibilities; set up aftercare support before departure; purchase travel insurance.

Spiritual/Emotional: Meditation, journaling, prayer, or symbolically preparing for transformation.

Q: What’s the cost and what’s included?

A: Pricing: $4,500–$6,500 depending on accommodation selection and venue.

Included: Two medicine ceremonies, 7 days/6 nights lodging, all organic farm-to-table meals and snacks, group preparation call, four group integration calls, virtual psychoeducation materials, daily healing practices, access to all venue amenities, 24/7 facilitator support, clinical oversight by Dr. Hanson, cacao ceremony and fire circle, bodywork and energy healing.

Not included: Flights, ground transportation, travel insurance, optional individual therapy sessions, optional private bodywork, personal expenses and tips.

Q: Do you offer payment plans or discounts?

A: Payment plans available case-by-case for qualified guests—discuss during initial intake consultation with admissions team. No formal scholarships currently offered, but team can provide support letters for fundraising campaigns. Ātman’s mission is to provide the highest-quality, safest healing experiences at fair, accessible pricing.

Q: Who typically attends?

A: Guest demographics include primarily adults ages 25–65 (all ages 18+ accepted), diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and professional backgrounds, primarily U.S. and Canadian guests with some international participation, and common intentions including trauma healing, addiction recovery, depression/anxiety, spiritual seeking, life transitions, and personal transformation.

Many guests are successful professionals, parents, creatives, and leaders seeking deeper healing and authenticity. Regardless of background, guests share a desire to break free from old patterns, heal trauma, and reconnect with their authentic selves. The environment is non-judgmental, warm, and focused on healing. Guests often describe feeling part of a family and maintaining connections long after the retreat ends.