Is it mandatory to have had experiences with psychedelics to enroll?
The short answer is no. While we do think it's very important for preparation and integration specialists to have experiential context for what psychedelic experiences entail, what is primarily important is that you are open-minded, non-judgmental, devoted to supporting your clients in their experience, and compassionate to existential processes / altered states of consciousness. In general, we don't believe that direct, shared experience is the only thing that enables a person to be capably supportive, understanding and compassionate. On this topic, we invite the awareness that the more we can deeply support people that we don't share life experiences with, the more that we are evolving and growing as a species.
Will I learn how to support a client during a plant medicine or psychedelic journey?
No. This program has been created with the understanding that a big wave of psychedelic interest is on the horizon, and that we will need new types of support for those who pursue this interest. We know that many plant medicine and psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitators are already carrying a lot, and don't always have the capacity or availability to support with preparation and integration. This is why we've designed this training to specifically address what can happen with a client before and after a journey, so that they can be supported and informed through the whole process.
Are there any prerequisites for this program? What do I need to be prepared?
Strictly speaking, no prerequisites are required. However, this training is made for those who have a background in the healing arts. We're approaching this with some flexibility with the most important thing being your devotion to a path of service and healing. You could be a therapist, social worker, hospice-worker, energy healer, massage therapist, or astrologer and be well poised to take this program. However, please keep in mind that this program will expect a high level of engagement and academic rigor. Regardless of your specific background, we ask that you only enroll if you feel excited and capable to engage with the workload this material requires, for the entire six months.
Are travel, food and lodging to Costa Rica included in the tuition price?
Room and board are included in the tuition price. Airfare and other travel expenses are not included.
While included in tuition, please be aware that the costs associated with this portion of the training are subject to change, in the event that the retreat center fees increase. We are always working to provide you with the most enjoyable and affordable experience possible.
Room are first come, first serve, with the option of upgrading at an additional cost.
Can I take just the Embodied Imagination & Integration section of this course?
If you're experienced in the psychedelic field, it's possible that you'll only be interested in certain parts of our program. However, at this time, we aren't offering a-la-carte classes (though keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities!). If you're interested in learning the Embodied Imagination® Integration technique, we encourage you to sign up for the whole 6-months, with the understanding that repeating the foundations is a part of establishing mastery. In addition, we want to honor this course as a community experience that will maintain a solid, supportive container throughout the whole 6 months.
Will there be a psychedelic journey as a part of this training?
We won't be arranging any medicine experiences as a part of this program. Embodied Imagination® is a powerful psycho-somatic tool that can open gateways to profound altered states of consciousness and growth. Consider this the "medicine" experience of our training.
While in Costa Rica, you may choose to seek out non-affiliated psychedelic experiences at your own discretion as Ayahuasca is an unscheduled substance in Costa Rica, and its use there is not illegal. If so, please make arrangements so this experience would be after our intensive takes place, rather than before.