Frequently asked questions.
WHO IS ATMW FOR?
ATMW is for individuals who feel called to engage in deep personal work within a structured and intentional environment.
We welcome both those new to expanded states of consciousness and those with prior experience.
What matters most is not experience, but readiness.
You are willing to:
Show up fully
Engage with all elements of the process
Take responsibility for your experience
Remain open, curious, and grounded
This work is not for everyone at every stage of life.
Capacity matters more than curiosity.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR ME?
This work asks for stability, self-awareness, and a willingness to engage with discomfort.
It may not be suitable at this time if:
You are currently in acute psychological distress
You are seeking a quick fix, peak experience, or escape
You are unwilling to engage in preparation and integration
You are not resourced with support in your daily life
If you are unsure, this is often a sign to slow down and assess your readiness before applying.
HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ARE IN YOUR RETREATS?
To maintain depth and individual attention, group sizes are limited to 5–10 participants depending on the program.
This allows for a contained, relational, and well-supported environment.
WHAT IS YOUR PREPARATION AND INTEGRATION PROCESS?
Our retreats are part of a broader process that includes preparation, immersion, and integration.
Preparation begins approximately 2-3 weeks prior
You will receive materials, practices, and guidance
Two (or three depending on program) group preparation calls are held before the retreat
After the retreat:
Two (or three depending on program) integration calls support the integration process
Ongoing support is available through our a virtual education platform
Preparation and integration are not optional they are essential to the safety and depth of the work.
We maintain clear dietary, substance, and lifestyle protocols before and after the retreat.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE RETREAT?
The retreat is not the end of the process, it is the beginning of integration.
In the days and weeks following, you may experience:
Increased sensitivity or emotional openness
Continued reflection or processing
Shifts in perspective, relationships, or priorities
This phase is a natural and essential part of the work.
Support is provided within defined structures.
We do not offer continuous or open-ended personal support outside of these agreements.
ARE YOU PROVIDING PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY?
No.
We are experienced facilitators, but we are not therapists and do not provide therapy or medical treatment.
Our work is educational and experiential, grounded in a combination of contemporary and traditional practices.
It may support insight and development, but it is not a substitute for therapy or clinical care.
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCES CAN I EXPECT?
Experiences vary widely.
At times, participants may encounter:
Altered perception of time, identity, or self
Emotional intensity or vulnerability
Deep insight, or periods of uncertainty
These experiences can be meaningful, neutral, or challenging.
There are no guaranteed outcomes.
The depth of the experience is not determined by intensity, but by how it is integrated into your life.
IS THIS WORK SAFE?
When held in a structured and well-prepared environment, risks can be reduced.
However, no psychoactive or transformational process is without risk.
Potential risks include:
Emotional or psychological destabilization
Intensification of underlying mental health conditions
Physiological risks depending on health and medication
Even in a well-held environment, outcomes cannot be fully predicted or controlled.
Participation impacts not only your own experience, but the group as a whole. Individual readiness and responsibility directly affect the safety and depth of the shared environment.
I’M ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS. CAN I PARTICIPATE?
At this time, we do not accept participants currently using antidepressants or certain other medications due to safety considerations and potential interactions.
We do not advise discontinuing medication for the purpose of attending a retreat.
If you are considering participation, we recommend consulting a qualified medical professional.
HOW DO I BOOK A RETREAT?
You begin by completing a screening form that includes personal and health-related questions.
This allows us to assess:
Readiness
Safety
Appropriateness of the retreat
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
You are then be invited to a discovery call.
If accepted, you will receive confirmation, onboarding materials, and preparation guidance.
WHAT DOES THE RETREAT INCLUDE?
Each program varies slightly. In general, the retreat includes:
Accommodation
Meals aligned with the process
Facilitated sessions and ceremonies
Preparation and integration support
Group transport from the airport
Travel costs and insurance are not included.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Due to the limited group size and preparation required:
All bookings are final
Payments are non-refundable
In some cases, we may offer a transfer to a future retreat.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance.
Full Terms & Conditions are provided upon booking.
WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED TRAVEL TIMES?
Arrival:
Please arrive before 10:30 AM local time
Group transport departs around midday
Please note: Delays in arrival may result in missing essential orientation, which can affect your ability to fully participate. You may also miss the scheduled group transfer, requiring you to arrange your own transportation to the venue at your own expense..
Departure:
Retreat ends around 3:00 PM
We recommend flights after 7:00 PM
CAN I STAY LONGER AT THE VENUE?
The retreat space is held as a contained environment for the duration of the process.
We do not offer extended stays.
If you wish to explore the area, we recommend booking separate accommodation.
WHAT ABOUT PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES?
We maintain clear professional boundaries at all times.
Communication occurs through official channels
Relationships remain within the container of the work
Ongoing support is provided only within agreed structures
Experiences in this work can feel meaningful or intimate.
This does not imply personal, romantic, or ongoing relational connection beyond the retreat context.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
This work asks for maturity and discernment.
We encourage you to:
Take time before making major life decisions after the retreat
Seek support from trusted professionals or mentors
Allow space for integration
The pace and structure of the process are guided by facilitators and may differ from individual expectations.
This work unfolds over time. Rushing the process often creates more confusion than clarity.
WHAT IS ATMW?
Since 2017, Awaken The Medicine Within has been offering retreats that bridge contemporary approaches with traditional wisdom.
We work at the intersection of:
Personal development
Expanded states of consciousness
Leadership and integration
Our retreats are held in natural environments in Portugal and the Netherlands.
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE?
For safety reasons, we are not able to accommodate individuals with certain medical or psychological conditions.
This may include:
A history of psychosis or schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder (particularly Bipolar I)
Severe or untreated depression
Active addiction or substance dependency
Certain cardiovascular, neurological, or endocrine conditions
These conditions can increase risk when working with altered states of consciousness.
In addition to specific conditions, we assess overall stability, resilience, and available support in daily life.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting a qualified medical professional and discussing your situation with our team.
Our priority is not exclusion, but safety for you, the group, and the integrity of the process.
Are you interested in reading more about our work?
