As the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy is opening up, clinicians all over the world are asking themselves how best to prepare for the integration of these new modalities into healthcare and society. With regulatory approval only a few years away, training programs for practitioners are finally becoming more available. However, these rarely include personal exploration with psychedelics. Aspiring psychedelic therapists are often left to their own devices when it comes to this crucial aspect of training.
At Nysnö, we have been at the forefront of scientific development in this field for years. In 2021 we decided to take the next step - to launch and develop our own group program for the future of mental health treatment. This work has also allowed us to provide a space for the practitioners personal self-exploration and growth. By supporting both professional and personal development, our intention is to help foster important therapist skills such as self-awareness, curiosity and compassion.
The program will be our 29th, and our fourth for health practitioners only. It includes a five-day immersion at a premium venue in the Netherlands. The program spans from October 16th to November 27th 2023 and includes preparation, the retreat itself, and integration work after the experience. Screening, preparation and integration is carried out online.
Dates and locations
Introduction
—
October
16
th
2023
19:00
CET
Prepatory workshop
—
October
23
th
2023
19:00
CET
Retreat
—
October
29
th
2023
–
November
2
th
2023
(
Castricum, Netherlands
)
Integration workshop
—
November
13
th
2023
19:00
CET
Wrap-up
—
November
27
th
2023
19:00
CET
Dates and locations
Set and Setting
In our work, we have learned the importance of the participants' inner state (set) and context (setting) to create conditions for long-term meaningful change. That's why we emphasize preparation, not only at the individual level but also at the group level. Throughout the program, the group becomes an important part of the setting and creates a sense of security and trust that is central to the transformative potential of the experience. The location of the retreat itself is carefully chosen and perfectly designed for this type of work.
Music is a crucial aspect of supporting the process, which has become clear both in traditional ceremonial work and in scientific research. We have developed our own musical narrative with elements of live music and silence, as well as selected pieces from an excellent sound system. No predetermined playlist — each track is chosen based on what's going on in the room.
The Program
Health declaration and screening
Before the program all participants are required fill out a health declaration and participate in a screening interview with MD Jesper Råback, sometimes with a follow-up interview with one of the Nysnö facilitators if any question marks remain.
Individual preparatory session
After inclusion, the program begins with an individual session with one of the facilitators for the program, to establish report, discuss intention, and answer any questions from participants.
Introduction (2 hours)
The group process is initiated with an introduction meeting roughly two weeks before the retreat.
Preparatory Workshop (3 hours)
About one week before the retreat we'll do a preparatory online workshop, designed to increase the sense of safety within the group, practice a few important skill sets and improving the conditions for integration of the experience.
Retreat in the Netherlands
Retreat at the amazing ZeeVELD venue, including single room accommodation and full board during five days with two psychedelic truffle sessions.
Integration Workshop (3 hours)
This workshop includes group discussions and exercises to facilitate integration and support lasting transformation.
Closing Session (2 hours)
We close the program by summarizing the process, setting intentions, and saying goodbye.
Optional individual session with facilitator.
For participants with a need for extra support, it’s possible to schedule an individual session up to two months after the retreat. If there is a need or a wish for continued support, we can refer to therapists in our network who are familiar with the Nysnö model.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1 — Arrival and First Session
Arrival between 11am and 2pm. A light meal, practical information and group sharing. The first truffle session takes place during the evening. A late dinner is served afterwards.
Day 2 – Integration and preparation.
Sauna, nature walks and opportunity to participate in joint activities, as well as time for reflection and conversation. During this day we may offer a yoga workshop, or some other form of embodied practice, depending on the needs of the group.
Day 3 — Deep Dive
The second truffle session with a possibility of a higher dosing takes place during the day. Dinner and possibility for sauna during the evening.
Day 4 - Integration and Rest
A day for sharing, integration, and time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the natural reserve.
Day 5 - Departure.
Final sharing followed by lunch. Departure from 1pm.
Venue & Meals
We are thrilled to return once again to Transitium ZeeVELD, a beautiful meditation/retreat center tucked into a nature reserve with famous sand dunes and a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean. More information and photos are available on their website (https://en.zeeveld.nl/). All participants will have their own room. All meals are organic & vegetarian, prepared by our excellent chef Evrim Kurc (https://debiobasis.nl/).
Travel
The venue is located roughly 30 minutes drive from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Participants are responsible for their own journey to the venue, however we are of course more than happy to support with travel arrangements.
Facilitators
The team consists of Johan Eriksson, Elin Stahre and Filip Bromberg, clinical psychologists with experience from 20+ retreat programs and clinical psychedelic research. Screening is conducted by Jesper Råback, MD.
The total cost for the whole program is €3300 excl. VAT, which corresponds to €4125 incl. VAT if applicable (private expense or Swedish business).
A deposit of €800 excl. VAT is paid by card upon registration to start the screening process. If during the process we assess that there is any type of risk involved, or that participation is somehow not suitable, the deposit is refunded. Participants have a five days after completed screening when they can back out and get the deposit back. The remaining part of the participation fee is due shortly before the first group session (October 16th).
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