In this raw and intimate account, Fiona Cooke reflects on her April 2025 retreat with Numinous Ways—revealing how psychedelics, deep preparation, and communal support helped her confront childhood wounds and break free from a lifetime of smoking.
This landmark study explored the effects of psilocybin on clergy from major world religions, revealing transformative spiritual experiences and lasting positive changes in religious practices, attitudes, and well-being.
In recent years, ketamine is being increasingly explored for its therapeutic potential for a number of conditions, including anxiety and depression. If you’re interested in finding out how it can assist you and how our therapy works, this is the blog for you. Here at Numinous Ways we offer a wide range of ways to
A new study reveals that MDMA-assisted therapy eases PTSD and depression by boosting self-compassion. Participants who became less self-critical and more self-kind saw the greatest healing, suggesting that self-compassion may be a key mechanism behind the therapy’s success. This research highlights the potential of combining psychedelics with compassion-focused practices to deepen emotional healing.
Neil, a numinaut and participant on Numinous Ways retreats, shares a moving reflection on how nature, psychedelics, and deep attention have helped him dissolve the boundaries between self and world.
Drawing on the work of Nan Shepherd and Roger Duncan, Neil explores practices of full-bodied perception—walking, listening, and quieting the mind—as doorways into the living consciousness of the natural world.
A new study reveals that reliving past trauma is a common and often healing part of ayahuasca retreats. Drawing on data from over 300 participants, the research shows that these intense memory experiences are not only widespread, especially among veterans and trauma survivors, but may also lead to lasting emotional growth.
Psilocybin therapy may offer safe and meaningful relief for depression, anxiety, and even motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. A new pilot study reveals sustained improvements in mood and cognitive flexibility, without worsening symptoms or serious side effects—paving the way for future clinical research into psychedelics for neurodegenerative conditions.
Over the past few years, the conversation around psychedelics has changed dramatically. Once relegated to the fringes of alternative culture, these powerful substances are now being explored for their potential to improve our mental health and further our personal development. As psychedelic experiences become more prevalent, with people going to retreats and on personal journeys,
Psilocybin therapy may offer safe and meaningful relief for depression, anxiety, and even motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. A new pilot study reveals sustained improvements in mood and cognitive flexibility, without worsening symptoms or serious side effects—paving the way for future clinical research into psychedelics for neurodegenerative conditions.
A landmark study from Imperial College London reveals that the deep sense of togetherness – or “communitas” – experienced during psychedelic retreats plays a vital role in boosting psychological wellbeing and social connectedness. Communitas, shaped by the retreat environment, emotional support, and openness, predicts lasting positive changes well beyond the psychedelic experience.
In today’s superficial and troubled world, many of us are yearning for something deeper. In particular, we want a deeper sense of meaning, connection or healing. At Numinous Ways, we believe that psychedelics can offer exactly that. With our professional support, psychedelics become more than substances; they become the opportunity to have mystical experiences that
In January 2025, a small group of us travelled deep into the Peruvian Amazon for a unique kind of journey—one rooted not in tourism, but in respect, learning, and connection. What began with a dream led to ceremony, plant medicine, and meaningful encounters with the Shipibo people. This blog documents that experience—its challenges, beauty, and the seeds it planted for Project Roots, our long-term commitment to honouring indigenous wisdom and the Numinous.
A neuroimaging study reveals how psilocybin alters the brain’s functional organisation, promoting a state researchers call “embeddedness.” Using machine learning, the team found that the psychedelic state enhances the brain’s integration and flexibility, aligning closely with self-transcendent experiences.
This paper explores three deeply moving case studies from a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy trial for alcohol dependence. Participants reported spiritual encounters with deceased loved ones, divine beings, and universal forces—experiences that catalysed healing and transformation.
Ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine from the Amazon, is increasingly used for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. This study explores the perspectives of ayahuasca ceremony leaders on essential preparation and integration practices. Findings highlight the importance of honesty, readiness, and complementary practices such as meditation and psychotherapy. Integration, including community support and personal reflection, is critical for meaningful healing. Understanding these elements ensures safer, more transformative experiences for participants engaging with this powerful medicine.
This study explores how ayahuasca enhances gratitude and deepens one’s connection to nature. Conducted at a Costa Rican retreat, the research found that participants reported lasting increases in gratitude and nature-relatedness. These changes were linked to mystical experiences and awe felt during ceremonies, rather than the number of sessions attended. With implications for mental health and environmental awareness, these findings highlight ayahuasca’s potential to foster personal and societal transformation.
Modern science is also recently catching up on the profound healing benefits of psychedelics.
Research has found they can help with a range of conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and chronic stress.
This study explores the sometimes overlooked phases of the psychedelic mushroom experience: the come-up (often stressful and uncomfortable) and the come-down (calm and reflective). Analysing 2343 reports, researchers found that early distress often transitions into relief, providing key insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin. These findings can help improve psychedelic-assisted therapy and retreat experiences, ensuring individuals are better prepared for the full journey.
Psilocybin use is often associated with mystical and transformative experiences, but what about the challenging emotions that arise? This study reveals that feelings of shame and guilt are common during psilocybin experiences, affecting nearly 70% of users. While some experience long-term reductions in shame, others may struggle with increased feelings. The key to positive outcomes lies in the ability to work through these emotions constructively. These findings have significant implications for psychedelic therapy, retreats, and mental health applications.
How do psychedelics reshape our beliefs? A new study explores the REBUS and REBAS models, showing that psilocybin relaxes and revises rigid negative self-beliefs, leading to long-term improvements in well-being. Researchers found that stronger unitive experiences and increased neural entropy correlated with these lasting changes. These insights could revolutionise psychedelic therapy, making it a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth.
Many people are curious about psychedelics but have concerns about their safety. While substances like psilocybin and LSD have shown promising therapeutic potential, responsible use is crucial. This article explores the safety of psychedelics, including their low toxicity, non-addictive nature, and psychological risks. It also highlights the importance of mindset, environment, and professional guidance. Whether you’re considering a psychedelic retreat or simply want to learn more, understanding these factors can help ensure a safe and meaningful experience.
A recent study outlines findings on how people interpret their psychedelic experiences through mystical and naturalistic lenses. The study examines how participants reconcile these seemingly opposing views, highlighting the transformative potential of psychedelics. By relaying key findings, this article helps readers understand how such experiences challenge conventional worldviews and contribute to personal growth.
A recent study outlines findings on how people interpret their psychedelic experiences through mystical and naturalistic lenses. The study examines how participants reconcile these seemingly opposing views, highlighting the transformative potential of psychedelics. By relaying key findings, this article helps readers understand how such experiences challenge conventional worldviews and contribute to personal growth.
In the mid-20th century, psychedelics showed immense promise in treating mental health conditions like alcoholism and anxiety. Despite early optimism, research was abandoned due to regulatory hurdles, negative media portrayals, and scientific limitations. Wayne Hall’s analysis offers a nuanced view, revealing how a mix of societal, scientific, and policy factors, rather than solely the “War on Drugs,” led to the decline of psychedelic research.
New research reveals that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, can significantly boost emotional empathy in patients with depression, measured until two weeks post-treatment. This enhancement, specifically toward positive emotions, could transform therapeutic approaches and improve social functioning for those struggling with depression.