If you’re considering psychedelic assisted therapy in the UK, you’re not alone. More people than ever are seeking the type of transformative experience, especially those who have reached the limits of conventional therapy.
At Numinous Ways, we offer immersive retreats that help you explore your psychological potential like never before. We do this through carefully curated psychedelic sessions. But before the retreat begins, there’s an essential first step: preparation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for your first psychedelic retreat, especially if you’re attending an experience like those offered by Numinous Ways.
Why Preparation Matters in Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic experiences can open the doors to the subconscious, amplify emotional states, and challenge your usual sense of identity. But without the right mindset and support, this can be overwhelming. That’s why preparation is so essential.
At Numinous Ways, preparation isn’t a preamble; we ensure it’s part of therapy. From the moment you book your retreat, you’ll be fully supported throughout the process. This lays the groundwork for a more grounded, insightful and integrative experience once you enter the psychedelic space.
Step 1: Assessing Readiness with the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS)
Since early 2024, we’ve introduced the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS): a pioneering tool designed to assess your readiness for this kind of deep inner work. It isn’t a test you ‘pass’ or ‘fail’; it’s a reflection of where you are in terms of your goals, emotional stability, level of social support and psychological resilience.
This helps us tailor the experience to your needs and helps you clarify your own expectations and boundaries. This ensures you’re stepping into psychedelic therapy not from a place of escape, but from a place of curiosity.
Step 2: A One-on-One Session with Your Facilitator
Before your retreat, you’ll have a one-on-one online session with one of our facilitators. This is when we discuss your background, hopes, fears and any specific challenges you may be facing.
We explore your mental health history, current emotional state and reasons for seeking psychedelic therapy.
You’ll meet the person who’ll be holding space for you during your journey. Many participants say this session alone creates a sense of emotional safety they’ve never felt before in therapeutic settings.
Step 3: Meet Your Tribe: the Group Call
You’ll also join a small group call with other retreat participants, who we affectionately call “Numinauts.” This gives you a sense of the community you’ll be part of during one of our retreats.
Many who’ve never done group work before are surprised at how powerful it can be. Being seen and heard by others on the same path adds a layer of depth to your own journey.
Step 4: Prepare on a Practical Level
On the physical side, we encourage participants to begin certain practices ahead of the retreat:
- Clean eating: Reduce processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and sugar at least a week before. This can make your body feel its best and ensure you’re emotionally attuned.
- Body awareness: Practices like yoga, stretching or conscious movement can help you feel more connected to your body: an invaluable resource in the psychedelic state.
- Journaling: Begin noting your thoughts, dreams, fears and intentions. This not only prepares your psyche but gives you material to return to during integration.
- Digital detox: Reduce screen time to create space for inner reflection.
Step 5: Clarify Your Goals
You don’t need to have all the answers, but having a clear intention can be a compass during intense moments in your journey. Are you seeking healing? Understanding? A spiritual connection? Relief from anxiety or depression?
Write your intention down, but keep it flexible. Psychedelics don’t always give you what you want; they tend to give you what you need. The clearer your intention, the more grounded you’ll feel if unexpected emotions arise.
Optional Extras: Going Deeper
Numinous Ways also offers additional prep sessions and monthly online community meetings. These are optional but highly recommended, especially for those who feel anxious about entering unfamiliar terrain.
We also offer themed webinars that explore topics like the neuroscience of psychedelics, archetypes in the psychedelic space, and working with resistance. These are all tools that can help you feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Considerations Regarding Your Mental Health
Psychedelic assisted therapy can stir up intense emotions. It’s therefore vital to take mental health screening seriously. If you have a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder or PTSD, we’ll explore this with you in-depth before confirming your retreat place.
We want every participant to feel safe and well-supported throughout their experience.
Preparing for your first psychedelic retreat in the UK isn’t just about packing a bag and showing up. It’s about opening a door inside yourself: a door that leads to deeper truth, greater compassion, and more authentic living.
Find out more about our psychedelic retreats in the UK. Or contact our friendly team today.