Practitioner Program May

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 context 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 Team

The program is facilitated by Filip Bromberg and Johan Eriksson, clinical psychologists with experience from 30+ retreat programs and clinical psychedelic research. During the retreat, Susanna Hinderks (cert. coach & yoga therapist) and one more assistant will be present. Screening is conducted by Jesper Råback, MD.

Read more about Nysnö here.

Program Structure

Screening

The screening process focuses on two main parts. The first is an individual risk assessment and the second is whether participation is suitable for the person based on background, intention and available resources.

Individual conversation with facilitator

As a first step in our work with preparation, you will meet one of the facilitators for the program. You will have the opportunity to discuss intentions, possible concerns and special needs relevant to the program.

Introduction (2h)

Three weeks before the journey to the Netherlands, you get to meet the whole group. After a round of introductions, we discuss practical aspects and discuss any practical concerns. 

Seminar: The Medicalization of Psychedelics: Hype, Reform and Transformation (2h)

Tehseen Noorani, PhD is an anthropologist and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland, where he leads the research project 'Community Strategising about Psychedelic Therapy in Aotearoa'. In this seminar, the focus is on the medicalization of psychedelics, full of both possibilities and challenges. Through historical scholarship, cultural analysis, and a critical appraisal of the clinical trials research, we will dive into the questions raised by hype bubbles, regulatory reform, and what it might mean to build more psychedelic worlds.

Seminar: Psychedelic Medicine - Mechanisms and Implications for the Exploration of Consciousness (2h)

Matthew W. Johnson, PhD is a world-leading scientist with over 20 years of psychedelic research experience at Johns Hopkins University. In this seminar Dr. Johnson will provide an overview of the most important questions in psychedelic science right now, with a focus on therapeutic mechanisms and philosophical questions of consciousness.

Workshop: Preparation (3h)

A week before the trip to the Netherlands, we facilitate a comprehensive preparatory workshop with exercises and group discussions aimed at increasing the safety within the group, and promoting the necessary processes for long-term results.

Retreat in the Netherlands

The all-inclusive retreat takes place on a scenic farm surrounded by cornfields in the Dutch countryside. Over four days, we conduct two truffle sessions, with a resting day in between.

Workshop: Integration (2h)

The time after the experience can be transformative, with new insights linked to the encounter with everyday life. A week after returning home, you meet the whole group again to work on lessons learned and challenges connected to your process.

Seminar: Ethics of Psychedelic Care  (2h)

Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner and Roberta Murphy are distinguished clinicians with many years of experience from the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. The final seminar will focus on ethical considerations relevant to work in the field, setting the stage for the Professional Integration Workshop.

Workshop: Professional Integration (2h)

In this workshop we work with professional aspects of the experience, exploring  what lessons there may be for your work with clients/patients. Through exercises and group discussions, we offer different strategies to manage and consolidate the openness that follows the psilocybin experience.

Closing Session (2h)

The program ends two weeks after returning from the Netherlands, where you get to summarize the process together with the group.

Further follow-up

We offer the opportunity for individual follow-up, and access to a community with activities helpful for further integration. All participants are invited to our integration retreat (in Sweden).

Retreat Schedule

Day 1 — Landing 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 Rest

Sharing in the morning. Time for sauna, nature walks and contemplation. Individual talks are scheduled throughout the day.

Day 3 — Deep Dive

The second truffle session with a possibility of a higher dosing takes place during the day. Dinner with the group and and possibility for sauna during the evening.

Day 4 — Departure

Final sharing, closing words and lunch, before departure at 1pm.

Venue & Meals

We look forward to returning once again to Transitium ZeeVELD, a beautiful meditation- and retreat center nestled in a nature reserve with famous sand dunes and a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean. The accommodation is of a high standard with private rooms for all participants, and plenty of space for conversation and reflection. More information and pictures can be found on their website (https://en.zeeveld.nl/). Our excellent chef prepares all meals, which are vegetarian and organic with the possibility of adaptation to dietary restrictions.

Travel

The venue is located here. Most participants tend to share taxis from from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a drive which is roughly 30 minutes. The closest train station is located in Castricum. Participants are responsible for their own journey to the venue, however we are of course more than happy to support with travel arrangements. More details can be found here.

Cost

The total cost for the whole program is €3800 excl. VAT, which corresponds to €4750 incl. VAT if applicable (private expense or Swedish business).

A deposit of €600 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. Final inclusion follows payment of the full participation fee.