Immersive Retreat - Costa Rica
Transform Your Practice & Expand Your Professional Toolkit
This transformative retreat offers intensive training in Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration & Dreamwork, within a supportive, small-group setting. Through hands-on practice, peer collaboration, and expert guidance, you will master integration techniques applicable to both psychedelic experiences and dreamwork.
Combining daily immersive training sessions with integrative wellness practices, this retreat provides a unique opportunity to learn through direct experience. Rooted in practical application and expert facilitation, it equips you with the skills to guide others through meaningful integration processes, empowering you to apply Embodied Imagination® techniques in real-world contexts, whether you are a practitioner or seeking personal growth.
Why choose this retreat?
Train directly with Dr. Katherine Lawson and expert facilitators as you learn to practice Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration and Dreamwork through intensive workshops and personalized guidance.
Nestled within the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, in the lush natural splendor of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, enjoy soulfully designed, ecological accommodations that deeply connect you to the land and enhance your learning experience.
Savour locally-sourced, organic and vegetarian meals crafted to support your body and mind throughout the retreat. (Protein options available)
Learn and practice integration techniques through live demonstrations, guided exercises, and immediate feedback from expert facilitators and peers.
Work directly with fellow practitioners through paired exercises and supervised group practice sessions.
Daily movement, breathwork, and body-based practices to deepen your understanding of Embodied Imagination® through direct experience.
Connect with a community of like-minded individuals and professionals dedicated to helping others through transformative integration processes.
A transformative retreat in Costa Rica's most sacred natural setting
The magic of Brave Earth
Picture yourself waking up to the gentle sounds of the lush green rainforest awakening around you. This isn't just a learning experience—it's a life-changing journey in one of the most breathtaking settings on earth.
Our retreat unfolds at Brave Earth, an extraordinary 80-acre regenerative sanctuary nestled between the ancient Children's Eternal Rainforest (one of the largest protected rainforest regions north of the Amazon) and the powerful presence of Arenal Volcano. This sacred intersection of wild nature and mindful community creates the perfect container for deep personal and professional growth.
Nourish body and soul in sacred space
Here, your senses come alive. Feel the tension melt from your body as you sink into natural volcanic hot springs after a day of transformative learning. Center your mind beside the meditation pond, where tropical birds provide nature's soundtrack to your reflections. Reconnect with the wild beauty of the world on self-guided walks through vibrant rainforest paths teeming with life and wonder.
Living in harmony with the land
The ecological accommodations—your home during this journey—blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Open-air spaces invite the healing presence of nature into every moment. Locally-sourced materials and permaculture gardens (supplying your farm-to-table meals) reflect the intentional, regenerative philosophy that permeates this special place.In this extraordinary setting, your Embodied Imagination® practice deepens naturally. The boundary between inner and outer worlds softens, creating the perfect conditions for the powerful integration work you'll be mastering.
Imagine yourself here:
where transformation meets paradise
Preparation before the retreat
To get the most out of the immersive experience, this retreat includes 2 weeks of prerequisite work to build a foundational understanding of Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration. This ensures you arrive with a shared understanding of core principles, feeling confident and ready to engage deeply in the practices.
This preparation also allows more time during the retreat to focus on hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and advanced techniques.
A day on the retreat
Your retreat journey unfolds through a thoughtfully designed rhythm that balances intensive learning with integration, wellness practices and community connection.
Begin your day with optional meditation or movement practice followed by a nourishing breakfast. The morning session immerses you in Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration training, where you'll explore core methodologies and practice techniques.
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Enjoy a communal lunch with fresh, local cuisine before transitioning to experiential small-group work where you'll apply what you've learned with fellow participants under expert guidance.
Participate in an integration circle, lecture and/or group work to share insights and receive feedback. Afterward, you may choose to reflect, by the pond or soak in volcanic hotsprings, have a massage, or connect with nature on jungle walks through the property.
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Gather for a family-style dinner featuring organic seasonal dishes. The day concludes with an evening session that varies throughout the retreat. From embodiment practices to temescal, dream incubations, blue lotus/cacao ceremony, and celebratory gatherings.
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Who is this retreat for?
Physicians, nurses, and healthcare providers seeking to expand their knowledge and help patients make safe and informed decisions.
Psychologists, counsellors, and therapists expanding their toolkits with psychedelic preparations and integration techniques.
Social workers, first responders, and community health workers seeking to better support individuals navigating transformative psychedelic experiences.
Practitioners serving in psychedelic ceremonies who want expanded tools to help clients prepare for and integrate their experiences safely, ethically, and meaningfully.
Coaches aiming to help clients navigate safety and ethics, set meaningful intentions, and integrate their psychedelic journeys.
Yoga instructors, nutritionists and other wellness professionals want to complement their practice with psychedelic education.
Energy workers, holistic healers, and alternative therapy practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of psychedelic preparation and integration.
Aspiring professionals studying psychology, social work, anthropology or related fields who want to specialise in psychedelic healing.
Individuals interested in the intersection of spirituality and science who want to help others navigate transformative journeys.
Individuals eager to explore tools for self-improvement and integrate psychedelic insights into their personal development journey.
Pioneers in the emerging psychedelic field who wish to establish ethical and sustainable practices within their communities.
Professionals working with clients recovering from addiction who see the potential of psychedelic preparation and integration for long-term healing.
Hospice workers and palliative care specialists who wish to use psychedelic preparation and integration to support patients and their families during profound transitions.
Professionals interested in integrating psychedelic education into academic or training programs for broader impact.
Individuals working to influence policy and legislation around psychedelic use who want a deeper understanding of its therapeutic potential.
Academics or independent researchers looking to ground their studies in practical, applied knowledge about psychedelics.
People supporting loved ones on their healing journeys who want to provide informed preparation and integration support.
Emergency personnel interested in understanding psychedelic effects to provide appropriate initial support during crises.
Meet your course facilitators
Dr. Katherine Lawson is an Integrative Mental Health Specialist, certified Embodied Imagination® practitioner, psycho-spiritual counselor, author and international speaker with nearly two decades of experience at the forefront of psychedelic education and healing. Recognised as a thought leader in the field, Dr. Lawson blends modern psychology, ancient traditions, and personal insight to create holistic frameworks for healing.
Motivated by her own life experiences as a cancer survivor and someone who has navigated early childhood trauma, grief, and loss, Dr. Lawson founded this program to empower others with the tools needed to prepare for and integrate psychedelic experiences safely and ethically. Her mission is to make psychedelic healing accessible and transformative for practitioners, clients, and communities alike.
This program has already impacted numerous students, equipping them to support others through the profound and often complex process of psychedelic healing. With Dr. Lawson’s leadership, the program is paving the way for a new era of integrative and sustainable mental health care.
Michelle LoFurno is a psychologist and mystic passionate about guiding clients through soulful, embodied psychedelic integration. Rooted in ancient wisdom teachings, Michelle helps uncover deeper meaning and healing beyond the conscious mind.
Tess Brady is a psychology graduate and future psychotherapist committed to helping clients prepare for and integrate altered state experiences. She offers a compassionate, uplifting space to uncover deeper meaning and weave learning into daily life.
Logistics
Accommodation, stated transport and meals are included in your retreat package to ensure a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
How to apply
In this 20-minute video, Dr. Lawson provides a step-by-step demonstration of our powerful method for psychedelic integration. This ensures you have a clear understanding of our approach, whether you’re considering the full certification, online training, or immersive retreat.
Complete and submit your application through our user-friendly online form. Detailed instructions are provided to guide you through each section, ensuring a smooth submission process.
After applying, you'll be invited to a personalized discovery call with a member of our team. This conversation confirms the program is the right fit for you, addresses any questions, and provides all necessary details to begin your training with the next cohort.
Our flexible learning structure allows you to study at your own pace while engaging with a global community. Upon completing all three parts of the program, you'll earn your certification and be listed in our directory of approved practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
Eligibility & prerequisites
No, the immersive retreat can be taken as a standalone program. However, completing the Foundations of Psychedelic Medicine online training can provide helpful context for some of the teachings during the retreat.
No, prior experience with psychedelics is not required. The retreat is suitable for those who are open-minded, non-judgmental, and committed to supporting others in their integration journeys or in relating to their dreams.
Travel & accommodation
No, flights are not included. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights to San Jose Airport (SJO).
A shuttle service is available from San Jose Airport to the retreat venue for $80 per person (round trip). Pickups are at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on the arrival day. Return shuttles depart at 10:00 am on the final day, arriving at the airport around 1:00 pm.
- Accommodation at Brave Earth
- All meals (locally-sourced, organic dishes)
- Daily immersive training sessions
- Integrative wellness practices (movement, dreamwork, and body-based practices)
- Supervised group practice and integration circles
- Access to retreat amenities (swimming pond, tea lounge, temescal, nature walks)
- Visit to a geothermal spa to unwind
- Comfortable clothing for movement practices
- Swimwear for pond and hot springs
- Journal and writing materials
- Light layers for evening sessions
- Comfortable shoes for an easy hike
Program structure & content
The retreat focuses on mastering the Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration and Dreamwork including:
- Guiding others through integration using imagery and embodiment practices
- Applying integration techniques to help others make meaning of their visions and dreams
- Practicing real-world applications through live demonstrations and supervised group exercises
- Deep and transformative work using your own dreams and visions
No, this retreat does not involve administering or participating in psychedelic journeys. It focuses on integration techniques and experiential learning through guided visualization, dreamwork, and embodied practices.
Yes, the retreat is highly experiential, allowing participants to practice integration techniques in a real-world setting. However, it does not involve the use of psychedelic medicines.
Yes, upon completion of the retreat, you will receive a Training Certificate in Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration & Dreamwork, acknowledging your advanced integration training.
Fees & payment
We offer flexible payment plans to make the retreat accessible. Full details on pricing and payment options are provided during the registration process
Next steps & certification path
Yes! If you decide to pursue the full certification, your progress from the retreat will count toward the certification requirements. You can then enroll in the Foundations of Psychedelic Medicine online training and the Supervised Practicum to complete your certification journey in becoming a certified Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration Practitioner.
General information
Yes, the retreat schedule balances structured training with personal reflection and relaxation. Participants will have opportunities to explore the surroundings, relax by the pond, explore the retreat space, meditate or engage in community activities.
- Full refund minus 10% administrative fee: For cancellations made 60+ days before retreat start date
- 50% refund: For cancellations made 30-60 days before retreat start date
- No refund: For cancellations made less than 30 days before retreat start date
- Retreat transfers: You may be able to transfer your registration to another retreat date, subject to availability and a transfer fee
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected circumstances. For exceptional situations, please contact us directly to discuss your options.
