Bridge theory and practice
Connect contemporary psychedelic-assisted therapy theory with facilitation, with a nuanced understanding of how trauma, attachment and the nervous system shape non-ordinary states.
Stage 2 · Costa Rica · 21–28 August 2027
8-day psychedelic facilitation skills training
An immersive, in-person deep dive into the ethical, therapeutic and practical sides of holding space for psychedelic experiences. Eight days at Anamaya, where the jungle meets the Pacific above Montezuma, with two psilocybin ceremonies in which you both journey and facilitate.
$5,499–$6,499 depending on accommodation · See fees and booking
- Dates
- 21–28 August 2027
- Days
- 8
- Training hours
- 110
- Ceremonies
- 2
- On completion
- Certificate
100+ retreats
8 years running psilocybin retreats
1,000+ retreat participants from 45+ countries
The training
Learn to hold space by doing it
Whether you're a therapist, a psychologist, a mental health professional or simply drawn to this path, these eight days give you the tools, the confidence and the first-hand experience to guide others through deep inner journeys.
Our interdisciplinary team of psychotherapists, scientists and holistic therapists weaves together science and spirituality. We work in the broad tradition of Dr Stanislav Grof: creating a safe container in which people can reach the wisdom of their own inner healer.
The training combines teaching with experiential learning: lectures, group discussion, case studies, film, somatic practice, role-play, live demonstrations and supervised facilitation. At its heart are two psilocybin ceremonies, on Days 4 and 5. In one you journey; in the other you facilitate. Yoga, movement and breathwork workshops run alongside, with art, mandala and ecotherapy.
An Irish ancestral tradition
Our Celtic ancestors worked with the wild mushrooms of northern Europe, Psilocybe semilanceata, and with the patterns of nature for healing and spiritual growth. We continue that land-based tradition, creating a modern context for psilocybin ceremony and reconnection with nature.
Who it's for
Built for practitioners ready to go deeper
Medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors, healthcare professionals, coaches and emerging psychedelic practitioners who want advanced skills in psychedelic facilitation and integration.
Stage 1 comes first
Our online Stage 1 course must be completed before you attend, so the whole group arrives with the same foundation. Stage 2 can be booked in advance. About Stage 1
The training has three core objectives
Somatically informed facilitation
A range of approaches that support regulation, embodiment and safe navigation of psychedelic experiences, fostering resilience and integration while honouring each person's autonomy.
Clinical discernment
Assess readiness for psychedelic work: who needs preparation and stabilisation first, and who is an appropriate candidate. Screening, contraindications, risk management and individualised care.
The programme
Eight days, day by day
A sample schedule, subject to change. Select a day to see what it holds.
Day 1Arrival and opening circle
Arrival
- Arrive, check in and settle into the space
- A light, mindful dinner to ground and connect
Opening circle
- Welcome and introductions
- Setting intentions for the days ahead
- Breathwork and grounding meditation
- Journaling, rest and quiet connection
Day 2Holding space and trauma-informed facilitation
Morning
- Presence, attunement and deep listening
- Creating safe and sacred space
- Energetic boundaries and self-care for facilitators
Afternoon
- Trauma and nervous system regulation
- Somatic and mindfulness-based techniques
- Supporting challenging experiences
Evening
- Expressive movement and sound journey
- Reflection and group sharing
Day 3Therapeutic modalities and navigating difficult journeys
Morning
- Internal Family Systems and parts work
- Jungian and transpersonal psychology
- Somatic therapy and breathwork integration
Afternoon
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Non-verbal communication and co-regulation
- Role-playing difficult scenarios
Evening
- Guided meditation and sound healing
Day 4Expanded states and psilocybin ceremony 1
Morning
- Preparation protocols for journeying
- Music, ritual and ceremony in psychedelic sessions
- Legal and ethical considerations in facilitation
Afternoon
- Psilocybin ceremony 1
Evening
- Creative expression and art therapy
- Group reflection and sharing
Day 5Integration, aftercare and psilocybin ceremony 2
Morning
- The role of integration in healing
- Cognitive, somatic and creative approaches
- Case studies and personalised integration plans
- Facilitator self-care and avoiding burnout
Afternoon
- Psilocybin ceremony 2
Evening
- Silent reflection and nature immersion
Day 6Role-play, supervision and ethics
Morning
- Hands-on facilitation practice in small groups
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Developing your own facilitation style
Afternoon
- Ethical grey areas in group discussion
- Boundaries, consent and legal considerations
- Q&A with experienced facilitators
Evening
- Community fire circle and ceremony
Day 7Integration and building your practice
Morning
- Personal values and a code of ethics
- Preparation and integration practices
- Reciprocity
Afternoon
- Peer supervision models
- Creating your practice and pathways to certification
- Self-care and the challenges of the work
Day 8Closing and commitment
Morning
- Integration circle: what have I learned?
- Closing ceremony and certification
The extra day
A day of rest and reflection
Costa Rica includes an additional day set aside for rest and reflection: time to let the learning and experiences settle before the final days of training. The day includes a visit to the beach and, if the hatchlings are ready, the chance to help release baby sea turtles into the ocean.
Turtle release depends on the natural nesting season and can't be guaranteed.
Inside the training
Costa Rica in pictures
Your facilitators
Led by Inwardbound's founders
Rob Ó Cobhthaigh
Course director · Co-founder · Psychotherapist
Accredited psychotherapist (MIACP, MSc, BA Hons) and transpersonal therapist. Graduate of the California Institute of Integral Studies psychedelic-assisted therapy programme and MAPS MDMA therapy training.
Dr Darragh Stewart
Co-founder · PhD
Inwardbound co-founder and post-doctoral plant geneticist, bringing rigorous science to our therapeutic approach and teaching psychedelic science throughout the programme.
The venue
Anamaya, where the jungle meets the ocean
A private retreat centre above Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's Blue Zones, where people live measurably longer, healthier lives.
Sessions take place in an open-air shala with views over the treetops to the Pacific. Between sessions there's an infinity pool, infrared sauna and cold plunge, waterfall trails straight from the property, and farm-to-table meals from Anamaya's kitchen.
Venue details from anamaya.com. Room allocation depends on the option booked.
What's included
Supported before, during and after
Before
- Full screening and interview call
- 1:1 preparation consultation with a psychotherapist
- 1 group preparation call
- 2 preparation lectures
During
- 8 days and 7 nights at Anamaya
- All meals: organic, vegetarian and local where possible
- Psilocybin truffle ceremony
- Yoga, movement and breathwork workshops
- Art, mandala work, ecotherapy and nature walks
- A day of rest with a beach visit
- Optional massage and essential oils
After
- 2 integration calls
- Integration folder with resources
- Follow-up options and referrals
- Lifetime community access
Stage 1 (online, purchased separately) must be completed before attending. Extra preparation or integration sessions can be added before or after booking.
Testimonials
Hear from our Stage 2 trainees
Stage 2 trainees on the trainingPlays on YouTube
“I had a very insightful and educational experience with Inwardbound on the Psychedelic Facilitation Education Programme. The group leaders were very attentive and knowledgeable and the group container was a reflection of the high calibre of the people on the course. I would highly recommend this course.”
“My experience with Inwardbound and the facilitator training program exceeded expectations on many levels. They handle every detail with great care, safety and integrity. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience on top of that. True pioneers and models of this work.”
Fees
Fees and booking
Price per person
- Depending on accommodation
- $5,499–$6,499
Bookings are made through our venue, Anamaya, once your screening is approved. Flights and travel to Costa Rica are not included.
How booking works
- Deposit of $1,500 to secure your place
- Final payment due one month before the training
- Places are confirmed only after screening approval, so please don't book travel before then
- For an earlier flight on the last day, a private taxi can be arranged at your own cost
Cancellation policy
- 80%
- refund, 60+ days before
- 50%
- refund, 30–59 days before
- 0%
- non-refundable, 0–29 days before
Prices subject to change. Full terms and conditions.
How do I book?
Email us to express interest and start screening. Once your screening is approved, you book your place through our venue, Anamaya. Please don't make travel plans until your place is confirmed.
Do I need to complete Stage 1 first?
Yes. Stage 1, our online course, must be completed before attending Stage 2. You can book Stage 2 in advance while you work through Stage 1. About Stage 1.
How is this different from the Netherlands training?
Both cover the same core curriculum, taught by our lead faculty. Costa Rica runs over 8 days at Anamaya and includes an extra day of rest and reflection. The Netherlands training is 7 days at an eco-lodge two hours from Amsterdam. See the Netherlands training.
When is the final payment due?
One month before the training starts. Prices are per person.
Can I book extra preparation or integration sessions?
Yes. Extra sessions can be added before or after you book.
Does this lead to Stage 3?
Stage 3, the apprenticeship, is by invitation only after Stages 1 and 2. Places are very limited and completing Stage 2 does not guarantee one. About Stage 3.
Other options
Not quite the right fit?
The full training programme
See how Stage 2 fits into the three-stage pathway, from online theory to apprenticeship.
Explore the programmeStage 2 in the Netherlands
The same core curriculum over 7 days at a secluded eco-lodge two hours from Amsterdam, on 24–30 May 2027.
See the Netherlands trainingGroup retreats
If the training isn't right for you now, our group psilocybin retreats run in the Netherlands and Costa Rica.
See group retreatsReady to apply for August 2027?
Email us to express interest and start screening, or book a free 15-minute call to talk it through first.