Practicum Sites

Beckley Retreats is an offshoot of the Beckley Foundation, helmed by Amanda Feilding (dubbed by Forbes as the “Queen of the Psychedelic Renaissance”). Beckley Retreats aims to continue Amanda’s legacy in drug reform and psychedelic policy and research by expanding access to safe, legal psychedelic retreats.

With a unique 11-week program emphasizing safety and ethics, community-building, skill-building, and holistic wellbeing (body, mind, heart, spirit), Beckley Retreats offers a comprehensive non-medical preparation-immersion-integration experience for participants seeking personal development, spiritual growth, creativity boosts and improved relationships. Our programs serve cohorts of 12-18, and our diverse facilitation teams are skilled in both psychotherapeutic modalities and Indigenous wisdom traditions.

From Synthesis Students

“Beckley Retreats in The Netherlands offers a unique opportunity to be integrated in an experienced and professional team, combining the well known science-based approach of Beckley Foundation and honoring traditional wisdom.”
Practicum student, The Netherlands, 2024

“Each facilitator had great experience and gifts that they shared with the participants. I learned a lot from each one of them and their own way of supporting participants. The team worked well together and were able to communicate to resolve incidents that arose.”
Practicum student, 2024

“The grounds and accommodations of the Jamaican practicum site are beautiful beyond words.”
Practicum student, Jamaica, 2024

Locations: Jamaica (Good Hope Villas and Prospect Villas) and The Netherlands (Venwoude)

Substance: Natural psilocybin mushrooms (Jamaica) and truffles (The Netherlands)

Upcoming retreat dates: See the retreat schedule on the Beckley Retreats website.

Hours offered: 60

Additional costs: Accommodation:

• Shared room: $1,600
• Private room: $2,350

Prerequisites:

• Full duration of the stay
• Participation in all preparation and integration calls
• Previous experience facilitating transformational group work (e.g., psychedelic ceremonies, group therapy, breathwork, meditation) and/or current certification or licensure as a mental health practitioner
• By application only per completion of our facilitator application and invitation to participate after a screening interview with a Beckley Retreats executive team member and mini-interview with retreat team lead

Who Beckley is looking for: “We are seeking individuals with: an uncompromising commitment to ethics, safety, and DEIB; foundational facilitation skills (presence/witnessing, participant-centric attitude, self-regulation, humility, empathy, space-holding, group attunement); and the ability to work effectively in a team.”

Practicum with Beckley Retreats includes: virtual

• Access to Beckley Retreats facilitator onboarding/support materials (safety protocols, code of ethics, community agreements, program facilitation guidelines, etc.)
• Attendance and participation in one (1) 90-minute Team Preparation Session
• Access to Beckley Retreats Program App including participation in the cohort preparation and integration program (asynchronous)
• Attendance at two (2) 90-minute Cohort Preparation Sessions
• Observation of two (2) 1:1 participant preparation sessions led by Beckley Retreats facilitator
• Attendance at four 90-minute Cohort Integration Sessions (virtual)
• One (1) Mentoring or Q&A session with Beckley Retreats Leadership Team Member or Facilitator (per availability and depending on areas of interest: safety and ethics, retreat operations, ceremony facilitation, etc.) with an opportunity to provide programmatic feedback

Practicum with Beckley Retreats includes: on-site

• Participation in on-site team preparation day
• Participation in daily team tag-ups, daily yoga and meditation, nature excursions, meals and free time
• Observe/witness two (2) group breathwork sessions and two (2) group psilocybin ceremonies
• Observation/co-facilitation of integration circle pod breakouts
• Participate in four (4) group circles/in-retreat integration sessions
• Informal mentoring by diverse facilitation team
• Other opportunities as appropriate/assigned

Notes

• Beckley Retreats Practicum Participants do not formally serve as retreat facilitators.
• Participants must adhere to Beckley Retreats Code of Ethics.
• Participants will not consume psychedelic/psychoactive substances during the retreat.
• Specialty programs available (Veterans, BIPOC, Women’s, Christian). Please inquire for dates/locations.

Retreat schedule

The Buena Vida provides safe access to healing plant medicines within the context of ritual and ceremony. They believe these plants are tools that can help humanity awaken to their creativity, joy and inherent ability to heal themselves. The Buena Vida retreats aim to give a holistic container to healing; one that uses sound, movement, and most importantly, a sense of community. Since 2018, they have welcomed over 600 guests.

The retreat offers a safe, sacred space for mushroom medicine, served ceremonially to honor humanity’s affinity for ritual. Throughout the retreat, guests are supported with kindness and protection.

The retreat works with sacred psilocybin mushrooms, and the experience is enriched with live medicine music, sound bowl vibrations, calming meditations, and a judgment-free community. Guests embark on a secure journey to explore the most mystical area: their inner self.

Location: Sayulita, Mexico & Joshua Tree, California

Substance: Psilocybin

Retreat dates: See the retreat schedule on The Buena Vida website.

Hours offered: 60

Additional costs: Double (shared room): $1,000

Prerequisites: Participants must have an interview with our leaders and must stay for at least one retreat, which includes 2 nights prior and 1 night following the retreat. There is also a commitment to 2 weeks of feedback and integration post-retreat.

Who we are looking for: Sweetness and kindness above all. We seek individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to ethics, safety, and inclusivity. Ideal participants will have foundational facilitation skills such as presence, participant-focused attitudes, self-regulation, humility, empathy, and the ability to hold space and attune to group dynamics. Additionally, being able to collaborate effectively in a team setting is essential. Seeking those grounded in their nervous system with tools to regulate and attune when necessary. Open to learning without imposition of their previous experience on the retreat. Open to active listening with guests as opposed to “teaching” them.

Buena Vida Practicum includes: virtual components

• Access to onboarding materials: includes safety protocols, code of ethics, community agreements, and program facilitation guidelines, “7-Day Online Course” and Integration App.
• Leadership preparation session: attend one (1) 90-minute virtual session.
• Program app access: participate in the cohort preparation and integration program through our app, The Buena Vida.
• Guest preparation session: attend one 90-minute virtual session.
• Participant preparation observation: observe two (2) one-on-one participant preparation sessions led by a Buena Vida facilitator.
• Guest integration sessions: attend two 90-minute Zoom integration sessions.
• Mentoring/Q&A session: one (1) session with a Buena Vida Leadership Team Member or Facilitator, covering areas such as safety and ethics, retreat operations, or ceremony facilitation, with the opportunity to provide feedback.

Buena Vida Practicum includes: retreat components

• Team preparation day: participate in on-site team preparation activities.
• Daily activities: engage in daily team meetings, yoga and meditation sessions, nature excursions, meals, and free time.
• Group observations: witness 1 group breathwork session, 1 somatic session and 2-3 group psilocybin ceremonies.
• Integration circle: observe and co-facilitate integration “Family Pod” breakouts.
• Leader circles: participate in 3-4 group circles with leaders.
• Mentoring: receive informal mentoring from our leadership team and on-site staff.

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands provides a tranquil, nature-immersed setting designed to support holistic healing and personal transformation. The center creates a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking meaningful growth, combining trauma-informed care, somatic therapies, and neuroscience-based practices.

Specializing in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the retreats at Dimensions guide guests through preparation, ceremony, and integration phases. Cannabis/THC is utilized in carefully facilitated sessions to help individuals explore trauma, gain spiritual insights, and deepen self-awareness.

Blending contemporary therapeutic methods with Indigenous practices, the approach respects traditional knowledge. In collaboration with Indigenous elders, ceremonies such as sweat lodges are integrated to honor their origins in a culturally sensitive way.

To ensure sustainable healing, the program incorporates Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), somatic techniques, and evidence-based modalities, offering a profound and personalized experience for each guest.

From Synthesis Students

“The emphasis on safety, consent, and attuned presence brought our Synthesis learning to life. I felt a strong alignment with the four lenses we learned and the invitation to attend to the whole person. … As an assistant, I was both challenged and supported. I deepened my capacity to listen, witness, and trust the value of steady presence.”
Practicum student, 2026

Location: Algonquin Highlands, Ontario, Canada

Substance: Cannabis/THC

Retreat dates: Retreats run on a monthly basis. Read more on the Dimensions website.

Hours offered: 30-60 for a 10-day retreat

Additional costs: None

Prerequisites: This site has no specific prerequisites for practicum students in a non-therapeutic role. For a therapeutic role, active license to practice psychotherapy in Ontario is needed.

Practicum student opportunities in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy

• Conduct intake assessments and assist with goal-setting in group therapy.
• Observe and support cannabis-assisted therapy and integration sessions.
• Provide therapeutic support for challenging psychedelic experiences under supervision.
• Facilitate group preparation and integration sessions.
• Help guests process experiences using mindfulness, somatic, and narrative techniques.
• Join interdisciplinary meetings with therapists and bodyworkers.
• Receive training in crisis intervention and cultural humility.

Non-licensed student roles

• Assist guests with schedules, activities, and informal emotional support.
• Guide nature walks, outdoor mindfulness, and wellness exercises.
• Set up spaces for ceremonies and workshops.
• Foster community through group discussions and creative activities.

Additional notes

Practicum students participating in programs at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands should be aware of the following unique precautions related to the location, population, and the nature of the work being conducted.

Location-specific precautions

• Rural environment: the retreat is located in a remote area with limited access to urban amenities and immediate medical facilities. Students should be comfortable working in a secluded, nature-based setting. Cellular and internet connectivity may be intermittent in certain parts of the property, so communication plans should be established in advance.
• Weather and terrain: be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain, snow (in winter), or high temperatures, depending on the season. The terrain includes forested areas, trails, and uneven ground, requiring proper footwear and awareness of potential hazards such as roots, rocks, or slippery surfaces.
• Wildlife awareness: the property is surrounded by natural habitats, and encounters with wildlife such as deer, raccoons, or even bears are possible. Students will receive training on how to navigate and respect wildlife encounters safely.

Population-specific precautions

• Trauma-sensitive environment: many participants are working through significant trauma, mental health challenges, or deep emotional processes. Students should maintain a trauma-informed, empathetic approach and be prepared to manage heightened emotional states. Maintaining confidentiality and respect for participants’ boundaries is crucial, as the work is highly personal and vulnerable.
• Veterans and first responders: a portion of the population may include veterans and first responders with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. This population may exhibit hypervigilance or specific triggers related to their experiences. Practicum students will need to be aware of how to support these individuals effectively.
• Diversity and cultural sensitivity: guests come from diverse cultural backgrounds and may bring unique worldviews, spiritual beliefs, and personal values to the retreat. Practicum students must demonstrate cultural humility and avoid imposing personal beliefs on participants.

Work-specific precautions

• Psychedelic-assisted therapy context: supporting participants in altered states of consciousness requires calmness, presence, and the ability to ground oneself in potentially intense emotional situations. Students should understand the protocols for managing challenging psychedelic experiences and be ready to assist practitioners with grounding or emotional regulation techniques.
• Crisis management: while the environment is structured to minimize risk, emotional crises or difficult experiences may occur. Students should familiarize themselves with crisis intervention protocols and how to alert supervisors when necessary.
• Role boundaries: practicum students should maintain clear boundaries with participants and avoid engaging in any therapeutic work unless explicitly trained and supervised to do so. Instead, they should focus on supportive, non-clinical roles as assigned.

Preparation recommendations for students

• Self-regulation: students should be comfortable with their own emotional regulation practices, as the work can be emotionally demanding.
• Physical preparedness: given the nature-based setting, students should bring appropriate clothing, gear, and personal items for outdoor activities and varied weather conditions.
• Ethical awareness: familiarize yourself with ethical standards related to trauma-informed care, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Training and supervision: participate actively in pre-program training sessions and seek supervision or guidance when faced with unfamiliar or challenging situations.

By understanding and adhering to these precautions, practicum students can contribute effectively while ensuring their own safety and the well-being of participants.

Earth Temple Retreats works with ayahuasca in accordance with the Shipibo Mahua lineage from the Amazon jungle of Peru. They focus on the practice of dieta working with master plants such as Noya Rao, Bobinsana, Mapacho, Rose and more. At Earth Temple Retreats they do not hold onto the idea that one comes to be healed, but that it is a collective and interactive process of sharing.

Students will learn from the ayahuasca journey itself by participating in ceremony. They can learn to sing icaros and songs to learn how to guide the energies and experience. Through debrief, they will learn how to manage different energies in the ceremonial space that may arise and how to work in a trauma-informed manner. They will also learn the practice of dieta by sitting with a suitable master plant and hone in on their own gifts and skills. Students will learn shamanic practices, earth honouring practices, rituals and the power of prayer.

Location: Site locations in Mexico, USA, and Canada. Varies by retreat.

Substance: Ayahuasca

Retreat dates: See the upcoming retreat schedule on the Earth Temple Retreats website.

Hours offered: 25+

Additional costs: Varies per retreat.

Prerequisites: Earth Temple Retreats accepts everyone and all their beliefs, however their preference would be to work with someone who believes in a higher power, as it would be of greater coherence with the way in which we work and perceive life and ceremony.

Practicum at this site will include

• Helping to facilitate group integration circles
• One-on-one integration during ceremony
• Post-ceremony integration and calls
• Practical help with setting up sacred space and clean up post ceremony

The site manager will work with the skills that the student has to offer and support them in offering it to the retreat center. If students want to facilitate any workshops or offerings in support of the group, they welcome you to do so.

“We hold everyone who comes with loving compassion and care. We empower everyone to trust the intelligence within them and we work to orient people to their own inner healer. We work in counsel where everyone’s voice is welcomed to share ideas and we hold space for people to check-in emotionally, spiritually, physically. If something is outside of our scope, we will recommend other practitioners as needed.” Athena, Earth Temple Founder

Retreat schedule

Floresta is a retreat site that allows our clients to be immersed in nature, community and held by an expert clinical and integration team to support a sense of nurturing and wellbeing as we explore non-ordinary states of consciousness. We have a variety of practices throughout the weekend that support integration of the ketamine experience.

Floresta is hiring guides for different retreat locations as we expand, so this could also be your next employer.

Location: New York, Florida, Virginia, and Colorado

Substance: Ketamine, rapèh and sananga

Dates: Inquire via email at practicum@synthesisretreat.com.

Hours offered: 30-50 hours

Additional costs: Room and board is $300-$400 depending on location.

Prerequisites:

• Length-of-stay requirements: student to be available for the full retreat experience.
• Previous experience: student must have some training in supporting clients through non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Practicum at this site will include

• Students will assist throughout the prep, support the medicine journey as a guide and support with integration.
• Depending on level of competence, students may also facilitate integration circles and 1-1 integration check-ins throughout the retreat.
• Most retreats include: 3 ketamine sessions, 3 group integration circles, 1 Indigenous medicine ceremony, meditation, yoga, breathwork, dance and movement, guided nature walk, conscious food, music circle.

Retreat Guru listing

Healing Escapes are holistic retreats set in private villas in Jamaica. The retreats offer 1:1 journeys and collective integration exercises. The retreat sizes are intentionally small so as to offer personalized and meaningful experiences for clients.

From Synthesis Students

“The retreat was held with a strong level of clinical awareness, ethical care, and attention to participant safety, supported by a high staff-to-participant ratio and thoughtful preparation and integration processes. … I felt well supported as a trainee and learned a great deal from observing and participating in a clinically sound, well-resourced retreat environment.”
Practicum student, 2026

Location: Tower Isle, St. Mary, Jamaica

Substance: Psilocybin

Retreat dates: See the upcoming retreat schedule on the Healing Escapes website.

Hours offered: 50

Additional costs: Lodging fee of $999 per student (double occupancy), or $1,500 per student (single occupancy) to cover all meals, lodging, massages, art, yoga and excursions. $50 cash payment required of each student while onsite.

What Healing Escapes is looking for: “We welcome students who have an open mind, are flexible, team oriented and have a natural attunement to the energies they expend as well as the energies of those around them.”

Practicum at this site will include

• 2 prep Zoom sessions with training group
• Co-facilitate prep session/s with clients
• Witness retreat events: ceremony, microdosing and journeys
• Witness and co-facilitate (as needed) topic-specific group participant discussions
• Shadow floater during journey session and assist where needed
• Witness post-journey integration session/s during retreat
• Transcribe recorded narrative of the journeyer’s experience
• Attend nature-based excursions to continue to witness and co-facilitate integration with participants (as needed)
• Witness somatic integration exercises: yoga and art
• 2 post-training Zoom sessions

Retreat schedule | Retreat Guru listing

Institute of Ancestral Ceremonies offers a safe and sacred space where ancestral plant medicines reveal their healing potential through traditional rituals guided by Indigenous elder healers. They provide long weekend retreats in Colorado and immersive experiences in the native lands of the traditions they honor. These retreats offer an accessible way to experience traditional earth medicine ceremonies, with thorough preparation and integration support.

The Institute works with several Indigenous traditions, including the Comcaac (Seri) of Sonora, Mexico, who are the custodians of Bufo alvarius medicine and have a rich history of plant, song, and ritual healing. They also work with Indigenous North American peoples like the Lakota, who have used peyote in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, and the Wixarika (Huichol), known as the “healing people,” who have used peyote for over 6,000 years to commune with spirits and ancestors. Additionally, the Mazatec tradition from Oaxaca, Mexico, known for their use of psilocybin mushrooms in healing rituals, emphasizes songs, prayers, and silence as pathways to connect with the divine.

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Wirikuta Desert, Mexico; Punta Chueca, Sonora, Mexico; Huautla de Jiménez, Oaxaca, Mexico

Substance: Psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT or Bufo alvarius, mescaline/peyote

Retreat dates: See the list of upcoming retreat dates on the Institute’s website.

Hours offered: 25+

Additional costs: $800 for meals and accommodations

Prerequisites: Previous experience with psychedelics.

Practicum at this site includes

• Preparation and integration activities
• Support retreat logistics during the retreats
• Witness ceremonies and support logistics during ceremonies
• Observe and be part of ancient traditional earth medicine traditions, supported by modern integration and preparation practices

Upcoming retreats

Intuitive Kasham works with sacred psychedelic and non-psychedelic medicines in a blend between psychotherapy/life coaching and shamanic practices. They honor many traditions and work from Earth-centered practices, with teachings from Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain and New Zealand.

They primarily work from a luxury villa near Faro, Portugal, where world-famous beaches are a short drive from the site. The site itself offers a plunge pool, a separate ceremony and workshop space (bell tent or yurt), and serene views of nature. It is accessible by taxi, 35 minutes from Faro Airport.

From Synthesis Students

“Some of my most meaningful learning was about setting clear boundaries while remaining kind and caring, and trusting myself more when guiding others. The experience also gave me a fuller picture of the work behind a retreat, from preparation to the practical tasks that help everything run smoothly.”
Practicum student, 2026

“Kasham covered every aspect of the retreat process with impressive clarity and detail. From the practicalities of what to pack to the full setup of a retreat centre, she ensured I understood not just the “what,” but the “why” behind each element.”
Practicum student, 2025

“…if you are mainly looking to hold space consider doing a retreat or more there before your practicum so you can eventually arrange with the facilitator for that.”
Practicum student, 2025

Location: Algarve, Portugal. Closest airport: Faro.

Substance: Psilocybin, marijuana, mapacho, hapé, sananga and other traditional plants and herbs for healing purposes.

Retreat dates: See the upcoming retreat schedule on the Intuitive Kasham website. Practicum students will be asked to join for a day before and after each retreat date. Private retreats are also offered, typically scheduled 4-8 weeks in advance.

Hours offered:

• 65 hours for a 4-day retreat (with prep/integration and set up and break down)
• 90 hours for a 7-day retreat (with prep/integration, set up and break down)

Additional costs: €250

Prerequisites: They require that all students have experienced at least 2 journeys (in a non-recreational setting) with psilocybin, preferably at least 2g dosage+. English is required of all facilitators; additional languages are helpful but not required.

Practicum at this site might include

• With the support and guidance of staff: prescreening, and pre- and post-session facilitation
• Assisting facilitator(s) in sessions and ceremonies
• Set up/clean up
• Group integration
• Creation, execution and debriefing of workshops and activities
• Retreats, private sessions
• Other duties as applicable to the interest and skills of the student

Tasks depend on the experience and willingness of the student. In the case of limited practical facilitation experience, the student can assume the role of an active witness. The tasks and experience will be discussed and defined together with the lead facilitator.

Retreat Guru listing

IXCA Life Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization which registered over fifteen plant, psychedelic and animal medicines in Utah. The locations include Utah, Cancun, Mexico and their self-contained eco-center in the jungle of Tarapoto, Peru. They work directly with the Seri Tribe in Punta Chueca, Mexico and with Maestro Qinty, a dedicated Peruvian Xaman with over 20 years of brewing and serving internationally. Their medicines are sourced directly from the most virgin Indigenous areas with their own hands. Their upcoming projects include working with the American Psychological Association filming in Punta Chueca, Mexico and Conflict Resolution within the Seri Tribe through George Mason University.

At this site, your guide would be Bernice “IXCA” Andersen, who has a background in curanderismo and traditional Peruvian and Seri Tribal shamanism.

Locations: Utah, USA; Cancun, Mexico; Tarapoto, Peru

Substance: Ayahuasca, psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT or Bufo alvarius, LDA or LSA, San Pedro

Retreat dates: Six times a year we provide retreats in Cancun and Punta Chueca, Mexico and Tarapoto, Peru. Monthly private and small group events are held in Utah, approximately 3-4 days in duration. Some dates are publicly listed on Retreat Guru.

Hours offered: 72-100 hours

Additional costs: Students would be responsible for airfares. We provide adequate nutritional meals. However, students will be responsible for their own special dietary needs should they be different than what we offer our participants.

Prerequisites: Students should have the ability to fast for short periods of time and be physically capable of walking or hiking terrains in jungles or desert areas.

Practicum at this site includes

A practicum student would get into the trenches of shamanic practices. Our organization was organically created and we provide the full breadth of retreat work: from marketing, creating retreats 101, brewing medicine, video and media, creating altars, plant baths, contemplative talk therapy, breathwork and much more.

Additional learnings may include

• Mayan medicine curanderismo
• Creating ayahuasca brews
• Botany
• Creating professional video content
• Serving ethically
• Pre- and post-integrative work

About Bernice “IXCA” Andersen | Retreat Guru listing and reviews

Kiyumi Retreats offers legal, psychedelic-assisted retreats, supported by a comprehensive integration program for a safer and more connective experience of non-ordinary states of consciousness. The team consists of multidisciplinary, experienced facilitators from many different backgrounds, all sharing a vision of creating an accessible and inclusive space.

Their retreats offer psilocybin journeys that are infused with somatic and contemplative practices, with an emphasis on authentic expression (artistic or otherwise), as well as connection to nature. The Practicum student will learn how Kiyumi holds space, focusing on safety, inclusivity, and connection, and how these practices complement psilocybin journeys and are an essential aspect of self-inquiry and exploration for the individual and within community.

From Synthesis Students

“Everything from beginning to end was well thought out and everything flowed well. The facilitators were engaging, fun, and very knowledgeable.”
Practicum student, 2025

“The whole Kiyumi team created a beautiful week for the participants as well as each one investing time in my learning.”
Practicum student, 2024

Location: The Netherlands

Substance: Psilocybin

Retreat dates: No availability at this time.

Hours offered: 50+ hours

Additional costs: The price for food and accommodation is $450 USD for the week. Students will be in a shared bedroom with other facilitators. Our food is plant-based, organic, and considers any dietary requirements and allergies. Additionally, there are transport costs for getting to the venue, which change depending on where one is arriving from. Costs for a taxi shuttle from the nearest train station will be $20 USD.

Prerequisites: The student should be empathetic, inclusive and trauma-informed.

Practicum at this site includes

• Participating in facilitator meetings (preparation, onsite, debrief)
• Observing workshops, morning practice, sharing circles, psilocybin journey
• Setting up of journey room
• Simple tasks during ceremony guided by lead facilitator

MPB Group offers in-depth learning and experiential exposure (through journeying and guiding) and insight into cultivating processes (different modes of ingestion, visiting farms/labs) as well as nature-based integration in a peaceful, serene environment in Jamaica, where psilocybin is legal. Trainees will also engage in somatic integration (yoga, massage) as well as art integration as part of the experience. There will be pre and post Zoom sessions aimed at discussions around actual experiences and ethical and theoretical understandings.

Location: Tower Isle, St. Mary, Jamaica

Substance: Psilocybin

Retreat dates: Contact via email at practicum@synthesisretreat.com.

Hours offered: 50

Additional costs: Lodging fee of $1,500 per student (double occupancy), or $1,750 per student (single occupancy).

Prerequisites: Length-of-stay requirements: students need to stay for the duration of the 4-night/5-day training.

Practicum at this site will include

• One pre-event Zoom session with core group
• Co-facilitate participant prep session with team member as assigned
• Witness and participate in retreat events: ceremonies, macrodosing and journey
• Witness and co-facilitate (as needed) topic-specific group participant discussions
• Shadow floater during journey session and assist where needed
• Witness post-journey integration session/s during retreat
• Transcribe recorded narrative of the journeyer’s experience
• Attend nature-based excursions to continue to witness and co-facilitate integration with participants (as needed)
• Witness and assist with somatic integration exercises as needed: yoga and art
• Two post-training Zoom sessions

NeuroAlchemy is a site for individuals completing practicum requirements for Colorado DORA Natural Medicine in support of licensed facilitation. Led by Mikki Vogt, Synthesis faculty member, the practicum is immersive and experiential, designed to support the development of skilled, ethical, and attuned natural medicine facilitators by bridging theory and lived experience and helping learners integrate knowledge, presence, and relational competence in real time.

Rooted in current regulatory standards and best practices, training emphasizes practical skill-building across assessment, preparation, facilitation, safety, pacing, and integration. Learning unfolds through a combination of didactic teaching, small-group practice, observation, feedback, and reflective integration, with learners supported to develop discernment, ethical clarity, and grounded confidence.

Rather than approaching facilitation as a scripted or mechanical role, NeuroAlchemy trains facilitators to work responsively, tracking nervous systems, relational dynamics, power, consent, and context moment by moment. This is a practicum for those who understand that competence in natural medicine facilitation is not only about knowledge, but about how one shows up, and who want to cultivate steadiness, humility, and integrity in service of safe, relational healing work.

From Synthesis Students

“I highly recommend Neuro Alchemy as a practicum site for facilitators looking to satisfy the 40hr requirement. The founders--Mikki, Vince, Avi and Cindi--are kind, caring and incredibly knowledgeable. … The facility is comfortable and welcoming, and the food is top-notch.”
Practicum student, 2026

“The instructors sharing of their experience, demonstration of techniques, and answering our questions was invaluable. I have also built my network through contact with the instructors and classmates.”
Practicum student, 2026

Location: Littleton, Colorado

Substance: Psilocybin

Licensing: A licensed healing center through Colorado’s Natural Medicine Act.

Retreat dates 2026/2027:

• November 4-8, 2026
• January 13-17, 2027
• March 3-7, 2027
• May 12-16, 2027
• July 21-24, 2027
• September 15-19, 2027
• November 10-14, 2027

Hours offered: 40+

Additional costs: Students must cover their own lodging. Food is covered for this retreat experience.

Prerequisites: Students must have an active Training License number through DORA to participate in this practicum.

Practicum at this site includes

• Rotating facilitation and participant roles among learners, including supervised practice during natural medicine sessions, with observation, feedback, and integration support
• Facilitator presence practices, including guided meditation and reflective inquiry on one’s relationship to facilitation and the medicine
• Training in incorporating sensory supports (for example music and scent) and developing an authentic facilitation style
• Preparation skills: socio-emotional history-taking, genograms, intention-setting, and creating safety and transportation plans
• Boundary management and consent language, including supportive touch contracts and clear role differentiation
• Instruction on adverse event identification, documentation, and reporting, including how to log events into Althea
• Live demonstration and modeling of preparation sessions, followed by observed small-group practice and structured feedback
• Observation and supervised participation across preparation, administration, and integration processes
• Closing integration experiences including small-group integration, triad integration, and full-group reflection and ceremony

ONE Retreats Jamaica offers 2 deep-dive psilocybin journeys hosted by certified facilitators. The opening ceremony of every retreat is hosted by the Chief of the Taino Indigenous tribe.

Their facilitators are well trained and experienced, having amassed hundreds of collective hours guiding guests safely through their psilocybin journeys. The retreats are overseen by licensed psychiatrists and medical professionals who ensure that each guest can journey confidently and without worry, towards their higher selves.

ONE Retreats Jamaica has been growing psychedelic mushrooms for over 10 years and supplying various retreats across Jamaica since 2018.

Location: Hanover Parish, Jamaica

Substance: Psilocybin

Retreat dates: See the upcoming retreat packages on the ONE Retreats Jamaica website.

Hours offered: 25 hours

Additional costs: Students will need to cover accommodations and meals, which is roughly $1,000.

Prerequisites: The student must stay for the entirety of the retreat. Some previous psychedelic experience required.

Practicum at this site includes

• Assisting in all facilitation activities including pre and post integration calls
• Group preparation
• Share-amony circles
• 2 days of journey with psilocybin

Retreat packages

The Paititi Institute for the Preservation of Ecology and Indigenous Culture is a nonprofit organization devoted to the integration of Indigenous wisdom into everyday life. They serve as an intercultural bridge supporting individuals and communities to live as activated, responsible and joyful human beings in harmony with both inner and outer landscapes.

They offer healing retreats based in Amazonian lineages supported by Buddhist and Jungian psychologies: Huitoto, Ashuar, Yahua tribes, Andean Q’ero Nation, Tibetan Karma Kagyu lineage.

From Synthesis Students

“If you’re thinking that doing your practicum with Paititi Institute in Peru and working with all sorts of different medicines and procedures sounds cool and scary at the same time then all I have to say is stop thinking and just go!”
Practicum student, 2024

Location: Sacred Valley, Lamay, Peru

Substance: Ayahuasca, San Pedro

Retreat dates: Various dates. See the retreat schedule on the Paititi Institute website.

Hours offered: 60-100 hours

Additional costs: $30-$40 per night

Prerequisites: Length-of-stay requirements. A criminal background check is required before visiting this site.

Practicum at this site will include

• Engaging in the talks, practices and ceremonies while helping with supporting the cleaning, kitchen tasks and organizing the physical space
• Buddhist and Jungian psychology, Amazonian and Tibetan-based breathwork practices
• Post-ceremony non-dual integration
• Amazonian and Andean context for ceremonies, and pre and post ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremony support

Retreat schedule | Retreat Guru listing

In the heart of Mexico City lies Protocol Quetzalcoatl (Q), part of the Ecosystem for Human Development and Consciousness Studies, dedicated to human development and consciousness studies and rooted in the wisdom of ancestral medicine. This unique community brings together Indigenous, Mestizo, and non-Indigenous people from across Mexico and the globe, united in the shared goal of healing themselves, each other, and the planet. Protocol Q fosters a space where participants can learn, grow, and transform through traditional ceremonies and practices that have been passed down for generations.

Led by Oscar O’Farrill, an experienced psychotherapist and facilitator who bridges the gap between ancestral medicine, academia, and political advocacy, Protocol Q offers an integrative experience. Oscar’s work extends beyond the ceremonial space; his clinical practice and research focus on ancestral medicines, particularly psilocybin-containing mushrooms. As a Sun Dancer and expert in innovation across education, human resources, and even the space industry, Oscar brings a multidisciplinary approach to healing and learning.

At Protocol Q, participants engage in traditional ceremonies with a variety of ancestral medicines in the ceremonial centers, including psilocybin (mushroom in Huautla de Jiménez, Oaxaca), peyote (Hikuri) in the Wirikuta Desert, Bufo alvarius, ayahuasca, and Temazcal (sweat lodge), among others. These sacred rites are guided by medicine men and women from diverse traditions, including the Mazatec, Wirrarika, Nahuatl, Mexica, Otomí, and Seri peoples. Each ceremony is an opportunity to connect with ancient practices and with the natural world and the collective spirit of humanity.

For those seeking a fuller immersion, Protocol Q offers a customizable practicum experience, designed to cater to each student’s unique interests and goals. Once accepted, students work directly with Oscar and the team to craft a personalized schedule that may include various ceremonies, workshops, excursions, visits around Mexico to meet elders and ceremonial sites, travel and learning experiences. Whether it is workshops on energy and spiritual protection, herbal witchcraft, medicine music, vision quest, sundance, or ceremonial drumming, students are invited to explore the many facets of ancestral wisdom.

Ceremonies are held not only in Mexico City but also at sacred sites throughout the country, including Huautla de Jiménez in Oaxaca, Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosí, and Teotihuacan. The practicum is designed to immerse students in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of these regions.

While the practicum experience can be tailored to fit individual interests and financial situations, students will need to account for accommodation, meals, and travel expenses. Accommodation at Oscar’s home in the mountains of Mexico City, where the main retreat center is located, is available at an affordable rate. Students will be welcomed as part of the family, with options for vegan or vegetarian meals, providing the perfect setting for introspection and growth. For those seeking a more personalized experience, a private chef option is also available.

One of the highlights of the practicum is the opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous elders, scientists, and psychologists. Participants will gain firsthand knowledge from a distinguished teaching team that blends traditional ceremonial practices with modern scientific and therapeutic approaches.

From Synthesis Students

“ProtocolQ is a wonderful place to do your practicum if you want to build a bridge to the traditional ways of working with mushrooms and are interested in the spiritual/shamanic approach and are open to learning about the Mazatec cosmovision. … Be prepared to go with the flow, rough it at times depending on what you sign up for and have your worldview expanded.”
Practicum student, 2024

“The best part for me was that my practicum schedule was custom designed for my particular wants and needs. … The community is welcoming, kind and respectful to all newcomers.”
Practicum student, 2024

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Substance: Teonanacatl (mushroom), Hikuri (peyote), Bufo alvarius, Tepezcohuite, iboga, ayahuasca

Retreat dates: Various

Hours offered: The Synthesis practicum per 25 hours covers 1 ceremonial process, which includes:

• 4 to 5 hours of protocol for preparation of patients and participants
• Psychometric testing of each participant
• 1 ceremony of 12-20 hours
• Temazcal (Inipi)
• 5 hours of integration protocol

Additional costs: MXN 1,000 per night (personal laundry not included and extra if needed)

Meal options:

• You may purchase your own food in town. A fridge is provided for plant-based groceries; the house is meat-free, but eggs and dairy are welcome.
• American or continental breakfast: MXN 300
• 3 vegetarian/vegan homemade meals daily: MXN 1,200, plus MXN 400 for drinks
• All-inclusive private chef experience, 3 vegetarian/vegan meals a day (best ingredients, fruits, healthy snacks/desserts, smoothies, golden milk/cacao drinks): MXN 3,000

Prerequisites: Must complete psychometric testing and clear criminal record. Previous experience with psychedelics is preferred.

Practicum at this site will include

• Screening, interviewing, organizing and observing the process of expert traditional medicine people
• Learning directly from ancestral traditional medicine elders with a team of multidisciplinary practitioners from around the world
• The site will create the learning experience within the needs of each student and practitioner

Why this site was selected

Please note, their website is mostly written in Spanish, and there is little published information about Protocol Quetzalcoatl in English. For that reason, we are sharing more here about why this site has been selected as a Practicum partner.

About the lead facilitator, Oscar O’Farrill

Oscar graduated in Psychology from the Ibero-American University in México and carried out Master’s studies in Cognitive and Learning Psychology in Argentina and Madrid. He is founder of EDHEC Ecosystem for Human Development and Consciousness Studies, a multidimensional ecosystem for integrative healing, and of Protocol Q, Masters and PhD in Therapeutic Guidance with Ancestral Medicines and Entheogens. His latest research, as part of his clinical practice, is focused on the neuro-psycho-socio-emotional repercussions of the traditional ancestral ceremonial intake of different medicines, with emphasis on mushrooms containing psilocybin. Besides the research, he is a sun dancer, and an entrepreneur in innovation in education, human resources and the space industry.

Apply for the practicum | Protocol Q on Instagram | Centro Q on Instagram | Oscar O’Farrill on Instagram

Sapience Therapy offers Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to provide a unique and innovative approach to mental health treatment. Through the combined use of ketamine and therapeutic support, they foster healing and personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

From Synthesis Students

“I loved watching Dr. Scott work one on one. She brings a unique groundedness, passion, and depth of experience and perception. Her ethics were in evidence at every turn.”
Previous practicum student

“The training was exceptional! A solid week of learning from not only the staff but other participants. Very thorough manual- done with care and accuracy. Highly recommend this training/site to others.”
Previous practicum student

Location: Greenfield, Massachusetts

Substance: Ketamine

Dates: Flexible

Hours offered: Flexible

Additional costs: Students must cover their own lodging.

Prerequisites: This site requires licensed clinicians (MD, PsyD, LMFT, IFS, somatic therapy, EMDR, etc.). They also prefer students with a background in somatic therapy, breathwork and IFS, but these are not a requirement.

Practicum at this site will include

• Students will get an opportunity to observe and assist in medical and psychological intake, preparation and integration sessions.
• They will be able to observe ketamine medicine sessions with our MD/therapist, and learn how to hold space and facilitate these medicine sessions.
• Working with one client at a time from intake through medicine sessions and integration, offering continuity of care and helping build a strong therapeutic alliance with clients.

Transcendelic orchestrates a spectrum of holistic wellness retreats, creating a nurturing and empathetic environment. These retreats utilize legal psychedelic medicines alongside a range of therapeutic modalities, such as therapy integration circles, yoga, nature activities, massage, bodywork, and meditation sessions guided by a Zen Buddhist monk. Additionally, participants engage in breathwork, enjoy nutritious meals, learn about healthy living, and partake in fun, light-hearted activities.

The retreats are a fusion of Western healthcare and a variety of global healing, spiritual, and transpersonal practices, always acknowledging their origins. A trauma-informed approach is a cornerstone of their methodology. The team comprises licensed healthcare professionals trained in psychedelic-assisted and ketamine-assisted therapy, and other devoted experts focused on the wellbeing of participants and the broader community.

Transcendelic Retreats are designed to cultivate unique experiences, empowering participants to tap into their innate healing intelligence. This holistic and inclusive approach, coupled with the serene Southern California backdrop, offers a comprehensive and transformative healing experience for all attendees.

From Synthesis Students

“The retreat had a high ratio of team members to participants, with broad and diverse training and skills--a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a pulmonologist, mental health therapists, a somatic practitioner, peer support members, and a fabulous cook. While I have no medical or mental health therapy training, the team was so welcoming of me, allowing me to bring my own strengths and skills into the space…”
Practicum student, 2025

Location: Southern California, USA

Substance: Ketamine

Retreat dates: See the retreat schedule on the Transcendelic website.

Hours offered: 25+ (the retreats are 4+ days long; students can be involved in the team preparation call prior to the retreat, and online integration circles after the retreat)

Additional costs: Depending on the retreat, there may be space to stay on-site, in which case the charge is $50 per day. If there is no room to stay on-site, the student will be responsible for their own accommodations nearby.

Prerequisites: Licensed healthcare professionals preferred (psychotherapists, nurses, physicians, etc.). Open to unlicensed professionals, but this would limit the scope of involvement onsite.

Practicum at this site will include

• Preparation and integration sessions
• Medicine sessions
• Hold individual and/or group therapy sessions
• Attend therapy sessions, yoga, meditation sessions, nature walks, etc.
• Consult on medicine dosing sessions where they will be discussing dosages
• Provide therapeutic touch during medicine sessions (if qualified to do so)
• Support general logistics

Participation depends on whatever is within the legal scope of practice and expertise for the student.

True-Journey offers Masterplant Retreats in Peru, including the Amazon Jungle, the Andean Mountains, and the Pacific Coast in the Shipibo tradition. Participants have the option to join online preparation, integration sessions, online sharing circles, and one-on-one discussions.

For a Practicum experience, True-Journey is flexible in tailoring a schedule based on an individual’s situation and interests. It is recommended for those interested in training with True-Journey to first immerse themselves in at least a 14-day Master plant Retreat with their Shipibo Maestros, the plants, and the team. This provides an in-depth introduction to the processes and energetic work that transpires during the Master plant Retreats. Most participants engage in the traditional training called “Sama” in Shipibo, which focuses on building a relationship with the world of the plants. Training durations can span 25 hours and potentially more. To determine the most suitable program, a personal conversation is necessary. Further details can be found on their website.

Location: Pucallpa, Peru

Substance: Ayahuasca and tree medicine

Retreat dates: True-Journey offers 14, 28, or 42 day retreats. The retreat schedule is on their website. There also might be some private retreats that are not listed, which can be shared if you decide to apply to this site.

Hours offered: 25+

Additional costs: Location dependent, between $35-$130 per day.

Prerequisites:

• To join the Master plant Retreat as a trainee, you are required to have experienced the Shipibo Medicine previously. The site suggests joining (at least) a 14-day Master plant Retreat with True-Journey to experience the work of the Shipibo Maestra and the plants.
• The site is eager to work with each student to find a path that is right for you and find alignment between previous experience and what is needed to join this site as a trainee.

Practicum at this site will include

• Students will start with observation of the process.
• The lead facilitator will share her deep learnings and knowledge.
• The exact tasks will be agreed upon with the lead facilitator.

Wellness and Wisdom Journeys is a boutique women’s psilocybin retreat company led by two of the United States’ first Certified Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapists. Heather Lee and Monica Ramunda are both licensed clinical therapists, each with over thirty years of experience in women’s mental health and mind/body medicine.

Their work with midlife women and plant medicine has been featured by Lisa Ling and CBS in their feature on the Psychedelic Renaissance. Wellness and Wisdom Journeys are designed exclusively by women and for women.

Location: Various locations

Substance: Psilocybin

Model: This organization operates under a ‘medicine not included’ model.

Retreat dates: See the list of upcoming retreat dates on their website. Practicum placements will also be offered at the Medicine Women Retreats.

Hours offered: 40+

Additional costs: $150 per day for meals and accommodations

Prerequisites: Training in trip sitting and psychedelic facilitation concepts, IFS and trauma knowledge.

Practicum at this site includes

• Develop trust and rapport with guests.
• Participate in welcome circle and sharing.
• Hold space and support facilitators as they support guests on medicine.
• Provide presence and support to guests on medicine as needed.
• Help set up and take down activities.
• Observe and learn from listening to integration sessions.