Spring brings fresh energy as we emerge from winter’s den of hibernation. This spring we invite you to take a time out from your routine to join us in this opportunity to explore reconnection to self with the support of ketamine and engaged community. Our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy spring retreat offers the time and space to reconnect with ourselves and our own inner healing intelligence. The retreat will be informed by Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing and the Principles of Spiritual Psychology: therapeutic frameworks for accessing and working with our inner healers to embody more peace, serenity and joy. Mark the coming of summer in sacred community in upstate, New York, May 19th-21st, where we will spend the weekend in retreat with a small group of women (or those identifying) on a similar path.
-
During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to work with Ketamine (lozenges prescribed by our psychiatrist, if approved for treatment) to facilitate a connection with your inner healer and reduction of symptoms related to depression and anxiety. Ketamine is a safe and well known medicine and currently the only legal psychedelic being used as an innovative treatment for depression, PTSD, addiction and some forms of anxiety. Studies show that 50-70% of patients being prescribed ketamine for depression or anxiety experience a significant reduction in symptoms.
Ketamine is an adjunctive therapy tool that can also accelerate personal growth through its ability to support neuroplasticity while also having anti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities. Through producing new neural connections, ketamine supports us to see old patterns in new ways. Many describe it as a mental reset. During the weekend you will give yourself the gift of time to slow down, rest and go inward to explore, while in community with others. Reservations are limited to 12 women.
You will participate in a Sacred Sound Journey. This is a guided exploration deep into the self by renowned sound practitioner Elana Bell. Using various instruments including singing bowls, percussion, the Monolina and her voice, Elana will guide you into a deep state of relaxation where you can tune in to your own healing frequency and connect to your essential core. Therapeutic sound can calm the mind, reduce stress, improve the regulation of our nervous system and help access our creativity.
Price: $1,475 (a donation from a portion of each registration will be made to the Munsee Esopus peoples, to support their work in honoring the indigenous history of Woodstock, NY.) Cancellation policy: Full refund (except for 1/2 of your deposit, $368.75) until 04/19/23, no refunds after 04/19/23.
Donation: It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge we are learning, speaking and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Munsee Esopus peoples who are the indigenous peoples of this land. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all. A donation from a portion of each registration will be made to the Cultural Affairs Office of the Stockbridge -Munsee band of Mohican Indians.
Included: Snacks, dinner Friday, lite breakfast, late lunch Saturday, lite breakfast Sunday, yoga/breath-work class Saturday and Sunday, live sound journey performance by Elana Bell, (2) 75 minute zoom preparatory sessions, (1) 75 minute post retreat zoom integration session.
Not Included: Lodging - approx $400-600 for 3 nights depending on room reserved, details provided upon acceptance into retreat. Medical evaluation by our medical doctor, $500. Ketamine prescription, approximately $50. Please note you may not drive 5 hours after your Ketamine journeys (Friday and Sat).
-
Retreat Dates: Friday, May 19th, 12:00 pm - Sunday, May 21st, 12:30 pm.
Please be prepared to participate in 2 MANDATORY preparatory sessions on zoom Tuesday, May 2nd and Tuesday, May 9th from 7-8:15 pm and 1 post retreat integration session on Tuesday, May 30th from 7-8:15 pm, in addition to your attendance live May 19th-21st. The retreat will begin at 12:00 pm on Friday May 19th and end at 12:00 pm on Sunday May 21st.
-
If you are interested to learn more or register to attend, please complete this application, and we will then contact you to set up an interview by phone.
Facilitators
ELIZABETH ANABLE, PhD: I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and somatic psychotherapist, committed to supporting my clients to move beyond old patterns, experience more connection with themselves and others, and live their lives with more joy and ease. My work is relational and body-based. I am genuine, non-judgmental, and also challenging. I believe that we each possess an inner knowing that moves us toward healing and wholeness, and that with attuned reflection we can come to trust and follow our inner guidance.
I have 12 years of training in Somatic Experiencing, a doctoral degree in psychodynamic theory, along with advanced training in expanded states of consciousness, Psychedelic Integration Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems. I have a deep love for nature and wild spaces. I work with clients wanting to address and heal from trauma, stress, addiction and loss. I currently supervise therapists and teach courses on neuroscience, trauma, and practice evaluation for Columbia University School for Social Work’s MSW program. I have a private practice and am also part of The Woodstock Therapy Center’s ketamine-assisted psychotherapy team.
REBECCA HENDRIX: I‘m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with clients through a spiritual psychology lens. I completed my Master of Spiritual Psychology and Master of Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Monica (USM) and obtained a coaching degree from CTI (The Coaches Training Institute). I am a certified Imago couples therapist with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. I specialize in relationship issues and spiritual growth through a deep exploration of consciousness.
I have completed MDMA-assisted psychotherapy training through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and have advanced training in psychedelic integration. I have trained in Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy+IFS with Phil Wolfson and Richard Schwartz. I believe psychedelics can help connect to parts of self that share innate knowledge. When integrated, this knowledge can heal stuck patterns and irrational beliefs. I have a private practice in lower Manhattan and am also part of The Woodstock Therapy Center’s ketamine-assisted psychotherapy team.
SEEMA DESAI, MD: I’m a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with a particular clinical interest in the intersection of spirituality and psychiatry. I integrate principles of mindfulness into my clinical work with patients and teach on topics of mindfulness and mental health. I have been a study therapist at NYU in research examining the effects of psilocybin on depression and existential anxiety related to end stage cancer diagnosis. I am currently a study therapist in a MAPS trial examining the effects of MDMA assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. I provide psychopharmacology treatment and ketamine assisted psychotherapy in her private practice in New York.
ELANA BELL: I’m a poet, sound practitioner, and creative guide. I hold a certification in Sound and Music Integration from the New York Open Center’s Sound and Music Institute, and lead one-on-one and group Sacred Sound Journeys using a variety of instruments and voice to support participants in tapping into a deep state of relaxation and healing, allowing space to release emotions and open the creative channel.
I am the co-founder of HOME, a virtual and live sacred sound experience in the Hudson Valley and beyond. My sound work has been presented at Columbia University, You Can Thrive, LAB/Shul, The Assemblage, The Shift Network, Public Allies, and The Emotional Institute, among others. I currently teach poetry to first year acting students at the Juilliard School and sing with the Resistance Revival Chorus, a group of women and non-binary activists and musicians committed to bringing joy and song to the resistance movement. To find out more: www.elanabell.com
ISABELLE SCHNEIDER: I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from The New School and I am a Certified Yoga Instructor, completing my training with East West Yoga. I have taught private and group yoga classes for a few years, highlighting the mind-body connection and the room for growth that exists within a Yoga practice. I am currently a graduate school applicant, planning on completing a Master's in Counseling Psychology and eventually becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am passionate and hopeful of the prospective healing that can come from Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.