FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Psilocybin Mushrooms/Truffles and What Are the Effects?
Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound found in many species of fungi. Whilst mushrooms grow above ground, truffles refer to the sclerotia that grow underground – the subterranean portion of the mushroom.
Typically, the effects of psilocybin on an empty stomach will be felt within an hour of ingestion and include shifts in consciousness, perception, mood, and thought. Research indicates that there are many potential lasting therapeutic benefits of psilocybin including enhanced subjective wellbeing; increased activity in the visual cortex and experience of “ego loss”; and promotion of creativity and empathy. The experience can lead to the unearthing and release of stored emotions, memories, deep insights, profound and psychedelic imagery, and an entire spectrum of feelings from euphoria to sadness or grief. Please note that psilocybin is not known to be addictive.
Typically, the effects of psilocybin on an empty stomach will be felt within an hour of ingestion and include shifts in consciousness, perception, mood, and thought. Research indicates that there are many potential lasting therapeutic benefits of psilocybin including enhanced subjective wellbeing; increased activity in the visual cortex and experience of “ego loss”; and promotion of creativity and empathy. The experience can lead to the unearthing and release of stored emotions, memories, deep insights, profound and psychedelic imagery, and an entire spectrum of feelings from euphoria to sadness or grief. Please note that psilocybin is not known to be addictive.
What is a Psilocybin Mushrooms/Truffles “Ceremony?”
Many indigenous traditions incorporate ceremony into the use of psychedelics. We honor those traditions for their understanding of how ceremonial use can inspire profound personal transformation through journeying in a community setting. Our retreats are not recreational experiences, although a social setting and community are important. Retreat groups gather in a ceremonial space and remain there (or in the immediate surrounding natural area) for the duration of the ceremony, which involves: opening and holding safe space together; consuming mushrooms/truffles dosed by our expert team; being guided by sound (our facilitators are renowned for their musical journeying talents); and receiving personal, skilled attention. Ceremony lasts about 6 hours, with easy access to water and restrooms.
I’m New to Mushrooms/Truffles, Meditation and Yoga. Is This For Me?
We understand and support the unique needs of our program participants no matter where they are on their journeys. We have served participants with a diverse set of experiences with psychedelics, ranging from those with zero experience to those who work in the psychedelics industry professionally. Our retreats are also designed to support everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners of meditation and yoga. We offer optional silent meditations, daily facilitated meditations, and a daily yoga practice designed to gently awaken the body, restore the nervous system, and inspire mindfulness of the body-mind-heart connection.
Are Your Programs Religious or Spiritual?
We believe there is a deep benefit in weaving spiritual traditions such as meditation, yoga, and ceremonial practices, into our programming. However, we do not promote any particular religions or traditions over others. We believe that all religions and spiritual traditions offer helpful insights and present a variety of valuable teachings. All of our practices should be seen as a “try it on” experience – If it doesn't fit, then you don't need to take it with you. You will not be asked or expected to “believe” anything except your own experience.
What are the Dangers of Mushrooms/Truffles?
In clinical studies, psilocybin has exhibited low risk and is well tolerated by most people. Possible physical side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, a feeling of heaviness or disorientation, and headaches. The main psychological risk involved is periods of overwhelming distress during drug action (“bad trip”), which could lead to potentially dangerous behavior such as leaving the site, as well as contraindications for those with certain mental health challenges. Our safety measures are designed to minimize risk; however, we encourage you to do your own research and consult with your professional medical support system to determine if using psilocybin is right for you.
Can I Speak With Someone Before Registering?
Yes! We encourage you to reach out. Click the “Request More Info” on any retreats info page on our website and we will get back to you.
How Do I Apply?
The application process begins by completing the screening form which can be accessed by clicking Apply Now on a retreat information page on our website. Our team will review your form and get back to you with next steps (usually within 3-5 business days).
What is the Screening Process?
The screening form is the first step in our application process. The form has been designed with medical doctor, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist input. The screening process enables us to identify potential physical and mental health conditions as well as contraindications that would prevent your safe participation in our retreats. Each form is reviewed by our staff, in consultation with a psychiatrist as needed. Once our team has reviewed your form, you will be notified (usually within 3-5 business days).
Our programming is suitable for those looking for deep inner inquiry, personal growth and transformation, wellbeing practice habit building, improved relationships, and connection with others and nature. Our program is not suitable for those with certain physical or psychological conditions or in many cases those using SSRIs or other medications. Some of the mental health conditions that make the use of mushrooms/truffles potentially unsafe include (but are not limited to): extreme emotional vulnerability, psychiatric conditions such as personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, clinical depression, personality disorders, self-harm, serious addiction, and suicidal ideation.
Please note that we do not make any medical or therapeutic claims about our retreats or programming. The screening process and our programming are not designed to diagnose, make medical recommendations, or offer treatment solutions; however for your safety and the safety of other participants, we may determine that it is not safe for someone to participate.
Our programming is suitable for those looking for deep inner inquiry, personal growth and transformation, wellbeing practice habit building, improved relationships, and connection with others and nature. Our program is not suitable for those with certain physical or psychological conditions or in many cases those using SSRIs or other medications. Some of the mental health conditions that make the use of mushrooms/truffles potentially unsafe include (but are not limited to): extreme emotional vulnerability, psychiatric conditions such as personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, clinical depression, personality disorders, self-harm, serious addiction, and suicidal ideation.
Please note that we do not make any medical or therapeutic claims about our retreats or programming. The screening process and our programming are not designed to diagnose, make medical recommendations, or offer treatment solutions; however for your safety and the safety of other participants, we may determine that it is not safe for someone to participate.
How Should I Prepare for a Beckley Retreat?
Our preparation program includes a preparation protocol and activities. We will guide you through all of the necessary steps to safely prepare physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Are Airfare and Transportation Included?
Airfare is not included. We will provide round-trip transportation from and to the nearest international airport on program arrival and departure days. Our program participants are also welcomed to arrange their own travel to accommodate their specific pre/post travel plans.
How Will I Be Supported on Retreat?
Our team consists of 5-6 professional psychedelic facilitators who serve as your ceremony facilitators as well as your meditation and yoga teachers. We offer an intimate setting with a minimum of a 1:4 (usually closer to 1:3) ratio of facilitator-to-guests during the ceremony. At least one of the team facilitators is also a psychotherapist, psychologist, or medical doctor (certified/licensed in their home country). We offer multiple group integration sessions during the retreat and opportunities for 1:1 support as needed. Additionally, our operations staff and retreat site staff are on-site 24/7 to tend to your needs.
Are Your Retreats Safe?
Safety is our top priority. We believe that through increasing the safety standards of this work, we will make it more accessible to those who need it most. Safety is centered on:
1. Your physical safety: Our retreat locations are secure and we have easy access to medical care/services if needed. (At our Jamaica retreats, there is a nurse present during all ceremonies with an on-call doctor standing by. At our Netherlands retreats, public emergency services are quickly and easily accessible.) We know the source of all of our psilocybin/truffles, which are tested prior to each retreat.
2. Your psychological safety: Education, preparation, intention setting, a feeling of safety and comfort, and proper integration are key. We pay special attention to your psychological safety and emotional wellbeing before, during and after the retreat.
1. Your physical safety: Our retreat locations are secure and we have easy access to medical care/services if needed. (At our Jamaica retreats, there is a nurse present during all ceremonies with an on-call doctor standing by. At our Netherlands retreats, public emergency services are quickly and easily accessible.) We know the source of all of our psilocybin/truffles, which are tested prior to each retreat.
2. Your psychological safety: Education, preparation, intention setting, a feeling of safety and comfort, and proper integration are key. We pay special attention to your psychological safety and emotional wellbeing before, during and after the retreat.
I am taking Medications/SSRIs – What Do I Need to Do?
We cannot give medical advice, so please conduct your own research and check with your licensed healthcare provider(s) for any circumstantial or contraindication concerns.
Can I Attend with My Partner/Friend/Family Member?
We recommend you consider attending alone, as sometimes attending with a partner or close relative can detract from your ability to focus on your own journey. That said, we have had couples, friends, and family members join us on retreat with wonderful experiences and outcomes. Please indicate in your participant screening form your desire to attend with a partner, friend, or family member and we will work with you to determine what will likely be the most beneficial, psychologically safe experience for you and your loved one(s).
Can I Stay Before or After the Program at the Location or Nearby? Can I Come Late or Leave Early?
Depending on availability, you can stay at the retreat center before or after. If possible, we recommend coming to the destination (Jamaica or the Netherlands) early and staying a few days after so that it is an easy, stress free, transition in and out of the retreat. If the retreat center is not available, we can make recommendations for places nearby to extend your trip.
For your safety and an optimal experience, please plan to stay for the entire retreat – arriving on time and staying through departure. Our retreat agenda includes opening and closing circles, and it will be most beneficial for all participants to be present for both circles.
For your safety and an optimal experience, please plan to stay for the entire retreat – arriving on time and staying through departure. Our retreat agenda includes opening and closing circles, and it will be most beneficial for all participants to be present for both circles.
Can I Participate in Just a Retreat (not a Full Program)?
No. Safety is our first priority, and we believe that participation in our mandatory preparation and integration program is an important part of safely, ethically and meaningfully engaging in the deep personal transformation work involved in using psilocybin mushrooms/truffles. The program begins four weeks before the retreat (including two live virtual community sessions) and extends six weeks post-retreat (including weekly live virtual community sessions). Personal and logistical preparation activities and integration practices are included with the expectation of your commitment to the process. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about participating in the program fully.
Are Pre/Post Program Sessions Recorded?
We have found that prior to meeting in person, our program participants are most comfortable and feel most psychologically/emotionally safe not being recorded. Therefore our preparation program calls are not recorded, to allow for an environment where all participants can get to know one another. We have found that once meeting and spending time with one another during the retreat, our participants are more comfortable with sessions being recorded, for the benefit of those who cannot attend live to watch replays. We are currently recording only our post-retreat integration sessions.
What are Your Program Dates?
Please see “Programs” and click on an individual program to see preparation session dates, retreat dates, and integration session dates.
Are Scholarships Available?
Yes. Beckley Retreats is committed to providing access to safe psychedelic experiences to diverse audiences, equitably and fairly. Our 2022 scholarships are full/closed. Please join our mailing list to receive updates on 2023 scholarship opportunities.
Do You Offer Payment Plans?
At the time of registration, a minimum of $1,000 deposit is due. You may make equal monthly payments for the remainder due up until 60 days prior to the retreat start date. Full payment is due 60 days prior to retreat start date.
What Is Your Refund Policy?
Prior to 60 days of the retreat start date, our programs are refundable minus a non-refundable $1,000 deposit, which can be applied to a future program within 12 months of cancellation date. Within 60 days of the retreat start date, our programs are non-refundable. If the retreat is canceled due to the retreat location country closing its borders, Beckley Retreats will issue a full refund.
We recommend you protect yourself financially regarding COVID-related cancellations: Depending on circumstances, if you have to cancel due to COVID, you may file a claim with your travel insurance provider for reimbursement. (Please select an insurance provider that covers COVID-related claims.) If a retreat is canceled due to border closing, we will issue a full refund. We will provide you with a receipt and notice of cancellation for your insurance claim.
We recommend you protect yourself financially regarding COVID-related cancellations: Depending on circumstances, if you have to cancel due to COVID, you may file a claim with your travel insurance provider for reimbursement. (Please select an insurance provider that covers COVID-related claims.) If a retreat is canceled due to border closing, we will issue a full refund. We will provide you with a receipt and notice of cancellation for your insurance claim.
