Retreats & Therapy

Monthly Full Moon Retreat

To Black Island (aka The Sleeping Dragon)

Can you imagine a place where nature and serenity seamlessly come together, offering you a much-needed escape from the stress and demands of everyday life? Welcome to the Black Island Full Moon Retreat.

Imagine arriving on Black Island, where time slows down, and the island’s tranquil energy warmly embraces you. It’s a place to relax, recharge, and leave your worries behind.

Forge deep connections, unwind on sun-kissed beaches, and join in on yoga and authentic sharing circles. Enjoy homemade meals as the sun sets over the crystal blue waters.

The real magic happens in the heart of the island. Ancient cave waters cleanse your spirit, group meditation at the Shiva Lingam natural rock formation, dinner under the stars, and a bonfire. We’ll honor the full moon and set intentions together.

Join us on this transformative journey. This magical adventure has limited seats, so don’t miss out. Reserve your spot now by clicking the link below.

Pricing

PHP 6,369.00

(Please contact me directly for locals-only price.)

Inclusion: Round trip boat transport to and from Busuanga pier, organic, locally-farmed meals, fruit, 2 coconuts, yoga class, group energy healing session, tents/hammocks.

Add-ons: Professional island portrait, edited & emailed- 2,500p/per photoshoot.

The Black Island Beach in Busuanga, Philippines

What My Clients Say About Me

Frequently Asked Questions

Psychedelics have been used by a few indigenous communities for medicinal traditions for millennia. However, the West has been developing our understanding of the pharmacology, physiology and neurology of these substances using the ‘scientific method’ since the turn of the 19th century.

  • From 1900 to 1950, Swiss, German and American chemists synthesized a wide range of psychedelic substances which we often refer to as ‘Classical Psychedelics’.
  • From 1950 to 1970, psychedelics went through a burgeoning period of scientific and cultural exploration and were researched extensively in university laboratories and Californian parties.
  • From 1970 to 1990, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, restricted the extent to which these medicines could be researched.
  • From 1990 to 2010, a ‘Psychedelic Renaissance’ took place, in which pioneers such as Rick Strassman, Franz Vollenweider, David Nutt, and Roland Griffiths, began a resurgence of research into these substances after 20 years of scientific censorship.
  • From 2010 to today, the interest in psychedelic research has blossomed as new indications are benefiting from psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. During this time some of the most rigorous studies on psychedelics have been conducted.

To find out more about the history of psychedelics, check out the comprehensive timeline produced by Psychedelic Times.

Research shows that psychedelics are generally physiologically and psychologically safe when delivered in controlled, therapeutic and supportive settings. However, side effects are a fact of life that needs to be accepted, managed in the context of benefits and carefully monitored. Psychedelic treatments, despite being considered generally safe, present real risks, as virtually any effective treatment does. The various compounds used in clinical trials, and in the future – in psychedelic-assisted therapies, have different safety profiles. For example, while psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD are non-toxic and non-habit forming, MDMA can influence blood pressure and ketamine can become addictive over time if not used under strict supervision. As with any other medical treatment, it is crucial to consider the possible benefits and risks and make an informed decision based on that.

To find out more about the safety profiles of specific compounds, see the question “What are the main psychedelic compounds and their potential therapeutic applications, effects and risks?”

Psychedelics can induce powerful psychoactive effects such as altered states of consciousness, feelings of positivity, elation, vivid colors, changes in visual and auditory perception, and altered perception of time, space and one’s own body. The intensity of these effects varies based on factors such as the individual’s personality, current state of mind, and physical setting.

Psychedelic medicines have the potential to tap into the innate healing intelligence of the mind and body. They can bring about significant changes in personality, beliefs, and worldview by allowing individuals to step outside themselves and view their habits with fresh eyes. In a supportive environment, these experiences may include feelings of self-love and interconnectedness, which can lead to profound insights and personal growth. These experiences are regarded as fundamental to the psychedelic experience. With on-going support afterwards, individuals can completely reprogram and recalibrate their mindsets and behavioral biases and rid themselves of destructive thoughts and habits.

Psychedelics can allow for a temporary deactivation of mental and emotional defenses. While this can be immensely beneficial, it can also bring up painful emotions and trauma, resulting in what some call a “bad trip.” A skilled facilitator can help mitigate these situations and provide support when needed.

Psychedelic experiences with ‘classic’ psychedelic medicines (such as LSD, otherwise known as acid, or magic mushrooms, otherwise known as psilocybin) can be potentially challenging, mentally and emotionally. However, I will be there for you through the entire experience. I have 10+ years of experience with varying levels of psychedelic experiences, and know exactly how to handle clients who experience a “bad trip.” It is often through experiencing these challenges that you will ‘break through’ and overcome rigid patterns of thinking, which are typically what perpetuate the negative patterns that no longer serve you.

All the medicines used are produced by both genuine, professional chemists who specialize in manufacturing the highest quality clinical-grade medicines, or organically grown and harvested within the local region.
  • Activation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
    While the mechanism of action of psychedelic compounds is not fully understood, it seems that their primary effect comes from the brain’s serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Psychedelics bind to these serotonin receptors and quieten the Default Mode Network (DMN), which governs our sense of identity. This disrupts the traditional patterns of thinking and enables the activation of new neural pathways. The result is a shift of consciousness and perception. The hypothesis is that activating these receptors allows the brain to remodel old patterns, leading to remission of the symptoms of depression that can last for months after a single psychedelic treatment.
  • Increased neural connectivity
    Another theory is that many psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions are a result of “cortical atrophy”, the loss of connectivity between the connections of neurons in the pre-frontal cortex. Psychedelics seem to allow these connections to be strengthened and reconnected. The psychedelic state has been compared to the mind of a baby, with billions of synaptic connections yet to be pruned as patterns of thought are established. This altered state of perception and fluid sense of identity have profound implications for mental illness rooted in rigid thought patterns such as depression and anxiety. The patient is able to shift to a different state of awareness, see his/her personality from a role of an observer, see that different ways of thinking and behaving are possible.
  • Thalamic gating model
    There is also a theory called the thalamic gating model. The thalamus is a structure in the brain that takes in sensory information. It is a gate which allows selective information in, so that the rest of the brain is not overloaded. The theory says that psychedelics open up this gate — they remove the gating mechanism and allow a broader perspective.
  • Neuroplasticity
    Psychedelics have been found to have a significant impact on neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to environmental and experiential factors. They seem to increase the growth of new neurons and the formation of new synaptic connections in the brain.
    One of the primary ways that psychedelics impact neuroplasticity is by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. This binding triggers a cascade of molecular and cellular events that ultimately lead to an increase in the expression of certain genes that are associated with neural plasticity.
  • Direct Binding to BDNF Receptor TrkB
    New studies show that psychedelics can help the brain adapt and change by directly connecting with a specific brain receptor called TrkB. This connection boosts the production of a protein called BDNF, which helps new brain connections to form. Interestingly, this process doesn’t rely on the usual target of psychedelics, the 5-HT2A receptor, suggesting that psychedelics work in more ways than we thought.
    Psychedelics also improve communication between BDNF and TrkB, important parts of the brain’s adaptability system. This enhanced communication helps the brain to adapt and contributes to the long-lasting effects of psychedelics.
  • Reopening of the Social Reward Learning Critical Period
    Recent research suggests that psychedelics can “reset” the brain to a more youthful state, allowing it to absorb new information and form important connections between neurons. This process is likened to reopening a “critical period” of learning that typically closes as we mature. In this state, the brain can make long-term changes in behaviour, learning, and sensory systems, which could have significant implications for treating mental health conditions.
    The same study found that psychedelics make neurons more sensitive to the hormone oxytocin, which plays a key role in social bonding. This increased sensitivity, referred to as metaplasticity, allows the neurons to rewire and form new connections more readily. This process can be influenced by environmental stimuli, suggesting that the context in which the psychedelic is taken can shape its effects.
  • You are seeking a catalyst to empower a great and positive change in your life.
  • You are battling depression, anxiety, PTSD, drug addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, or tobacco addiction, OCD, distinct trauma relief.
  • You have suffered childhood sexual abuse.
  • You don’t feel excited by anything anymore.
  • You are looking for your purpose.
  • You feel called to awakening your Spirit.
  • You are seeking to understand yourself, a past situation, your emotions, or your own psychology better.
  • You are seeking to connect the dots of your life to create a sense of acceptance, forgiveness and deeper understanding.
  • You have a terminal illness and are looking to liberate yourself via death acceptance therapy.


Common to all of these conditions is often an underlying experience of past trauma and/or adversity – often going back to difficult childhood experiences, including sexual abuse.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is a good treatment for helping patients to address difficult past traumatic memories that they would usually avoid.

Even if you have not experienced past trauma or adversity, this therapy can be particularly beneficial for helping you to learn more about yourself and come to deeper clarity about your life’s purpose.

Psychedelic medicines used in a therapeutic setting under monitored supervision are safe to use with most health conditions. However, some conditions would exclude you from treatment with psychedelics. People with unstable blood pressure, a history of cardiac disease, with a long history of using antidepressants, severe liver or kidney disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the elderly, children under 18 years old, people with a history of psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder) or those with a high suicide risk will likely not meet the eligibility criteria for psychedelic-assisted therapy. However, every case will be assessed individually before deciding whether to proceed.

Integration is arguably the single most important factor in what gives a psychedelic experience lasting therapeutic and personal growth value, rather than being a fantastic ride that sweeps you up for a few hours before fading away into memory. Many experienced psychonauts and leaders in the psychedelic movement have stressed the importance of both intention setting and integration in working with psychedelics, and there are now even businesses to help people who undergo psychedelic therapy to integrate the experience in a lasting and positive way.

To take psychedelics in any context without a plan to integrate the experience afterwards is akin to planting a seed in the ground and neglecting to water it. As cultures around the world have known for millennia, psychedelics are incredibly powerful tools with immense healing potential, but they are not a magic spell that will transform your life without any effort on your part. Via psychedelictimes.com

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The First Step is the Easiest To Take

Are you finally ready to help yourself? Please note: Retreats are by invitation only. Please fill out the following form to be considered: