Training Description
With the renaissance of psychedelic medicines upon us, many have heard of the terms set, setting, and integration as the three key ingredients to making the most of these unique experiences. In this 3-day retreat, we will touch on all three.
Our greatest focus will be integration, as it is often neglected and is where the “rubber hits the road.” Participants will also learn how to “hold space” for another.
Among the awe-inspiring redwoods of Big Sur, this 3-day retreat uses the expanded states of subcutaneous and intramuscular ketamine, as well as breathwork. Integration practices include the Art for Access bridge process, drum journey, energy practices, yoga, movement integration, connection to nature, ceremony, 1:1 deep dives, and group councils. It is open to those looking to give greater breadth and depth to their personal work with expanded states of consciousness.
Jennifer Allen, MFT, ATR-BC, and Michelle Beck, PhD, are your facilitators, with Julie Vilardi, PNP, as the medical provider.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for individuals both new to and experienced with expanded states of consciousness. Each retreat is limited to 12 participants. Participants must be 21 or older. Medical clearance with Julie Vilardi (medical provider) is required for participation. If you are a clinician or practitioner, please check out this retreat specifically for providers.
Training Curriculum
- One low-dose subQ ketamine and one psychedelic dose IM ketamine session and integration
- Breathwork, energy practices, art for access bridge integration, movement integration, 1:1 and group process
- Ceremony as set, setting, and integration
- Spiritual emergence vs psychotic breaks
- Basics on ketamine as a legal medicine for mental health and personal growth
- Respect for the innate healing intelligence we all have.
- Mythology vs Wound-ology
About the Instructors:
Jennifer, a licensed therapist, and Micheal, PhD psychologist, are both full mesa-carriers and students of Andean and Amazonian Shamanism. Jennifer has had 25+ years of practicing psychotherapy, specializing in trauma and shifted her focus to Integration after receiving her Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy from California Institute of International Studies (2018). She began providing KAP services after her training in ketamine through the Ketamine Training Center (2019). Jennifer is a board-certified Art Therapist, is certified in Depth Hypnosis and a trained yoga teacher. After 19 years of practice as a Clinical Psychologist, Micheal combines the conventional perspectives of family systems, EMDR and IFS with modern psychedelic work. He has training in ketamine from Polaris, in integration from the first Clinician's Integration Retreat in 2019 and has participated in an ongoing Growth Group since, which is a self-led exploration of integration in a group format. Professional medical provider, Julie Vilardi, PMHNP, is trained in ketamine therapy, and will be present to administer the ketamine.
Location:
The retreats take place at Kayru Lodge – a beautiful, private yurt at a Big Sur residence (25 min from Carmel). It is highly encouraged to stay on the land for the full experience. Lodging options include a few paid private indoor options (additional cost), or camping on the land or sleeping bag space in the yurt (no cost). One healthy meal per day will be provided as well as coffee and tea. Participants will have access to an outdoor kitchen and outdoor bathroom with a hot shower. Hiking trails and Pacific Ocean views on site. Covid vaccinations/negative tests are recommended. Current safety precautions will be observed.
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Extra Info
2025 Retreat Dates:
- August 14, 2025 to August 17, 2025
Pricing Options:
- The 3-day retreat is $1,195.
- Early bird discount of $100 if full payment is made by May 14th, 2025.
- Payment and deposit instructions are provided after the application has been confirmed.
- Complete payment is due 2 months prior to the retreat start date.
- Ketamine Medical Provider's charge is separate ($375 additional fee).
Location, Accommodations & Amenities:
- Palo Colorado Canyon, between Carmel and Big Sur, CA
- Includes one healthy vegetarian meal daily, camping on the land, and communal space in yurt. Outdoor kitchen is equipped with the basics.
- Private lodging is limited. Lotus Bell $50/night, Tipi $50/night, cabin $50/night, trailer $75/night, Judith’s cabin $125/night. All lodging has bedding/towels.
Cancellation Policy:
The $200 deposit is non-refundable. Participants need to cancel up to 2 weeks in advance to receive a 75% refund. If canceled after the 2-week-in-advance period, they can use the credit for future training or receive a 50% refund (minus the $200 deposit).