AWAKEN THE MEDICINE WITHIN

Awaken The Medicine Within runs psilocybin truffle and 5-MeO-DMT retreats in the Dutch and Portuguese countryside, in settings where it says these medicines are legal or decriminalised. Natasja Pelgrom founded it in 2017, and its office address is in Amsterdam.

Approach

Pelgrom describes herself as a medicine woman and mentor, and says she has taken part in more than 1,000 ceremonies as trainer, facilitator or assistant. Her team brings together therapists, scientists, executive coaches and bodyworkers, with medical advice and clinical supervision. The five-day group retreat holds two truffle ceremonies alongside breathwork, sound baths, plant baths, cacao and rapé ceremonies, yoga or qi gong and integration coaching. Private formats with Pelgrom and a therapist last one to four days. Guardians of Transformation is an eight-day psilocybin practicum in Portugal for facilitators and leaders, built on her Presence-Centered Leadership method.

Who it is for

The organisation says it does not provide therapy or medical treatment, and presents its retreats as educational and experiential. It turns away people taking antidepressants or certain other medications, people in acute psychological distress, those looking for a quick fix, and anyone without support in daily life.

Practical details

The five-day retreat costs €4,500 with four nights in shared rooms, meals and group transport from the airport. A one-day private 5-MeO-DMT package in the Netherlands costs €2,500, without lodging. Groups are kept to 5 to 10 people and the practicum to eight. Payments are non-refundable, and partial scholarships can be applied for.

Care and safety

Booking starts with a screening form on health and medication, then a discovery call. Preparation begins two to three weeks ahead with group calls, two or three integration calls follow, and diet and substance protocols apply before and after. Staff hold advanced first-aid training.