Taking psychedelics in a guided setting, with or without a group, can add lots of value to psychedelic experience by enhancing the safety and benefits of use. Working with guides or facilitators who have dedicated adequate time to understanding how to work with psychedelics can give direction and framework to those using psychedelic medicines for spiritual growth and healing.

However, using psychedelics with other persons can also entail risks, perhaps particularly when a power dynamic exists such as in the guide - client relationship. Psychedelics increase emotional sensitivity and create powerful non-ordinary states of consciousness that leave persons with a high degree of vulnerability and suggestibility. Unfortunately, this introduces risks of egomaniacs, frauds, or even sociopaths acting as facilitators. They may manipulate people during ceremonies and psychedelic experiences, including cases of sexual assault. At its worst, there have been cases of gross negligence or malpractice that has resulted in tragic outcomes such as traumatization or death such as those involving Octavio Rettig and Gerry Sandoval. 

Even guides with the best of intentions can be disruptive rather than supportive to psychedelic experiences or inadvertently harm persons when there is inadequate training or experience. The degree of harm is typically much lower when this occurs, but is frustrating given the large portion of time, money, and emotional investment that goes into guided psychedelic experiences.

Needless to say, it’s important to find the right group and guide! 

It can make a world of difference when you find a guide, group, or centre that fits your needs and what you’d like to obtain from the experience.

We recommend avoiding guides if you encounter these red flags:

• Staff/guides do NOT conduct exhaustive physical and mental health screening of participants 

• No/minimal preparation and integration are offered

• Large groups of more than 4 people and only one facilitator

Supporting the mental and physical health of participants at all stages of the experience is one of those things that you just cannot skip. An intake form or screening process is absolutely necessary.

Without preparation and integration, persons can feel uniformed or that consent was lacking plus valuable insights may not be actualized, leading to increased risks and lowered benefits of use. Our article on psychedelic integration outlines the critical nature of ensuring an integration cycle for yourself.

When groups exceed more than 4 persons, more than 1 facilitator is necessary to ensure participant safety. Large groups led by a single facilitator should be avoided.

Points to consider when choosing a ceremony/retreat

• What experience are you looking for e.g. psychological healing, personal transformation, recreational?

• What psychedelic substance are you looking to use and what are the health implications of the substance? 

• What is the legal status of the substance in your chosen area for the ceremony?

• What kinds of amenities and medical oversight might I want to feel comfortable and safe?

• How big or small of a group of persons that is using psychedelics and how many facilitators or support persons are there for the group?

• What are the spiritual beliefs of the facilitator or retreat organisation and are they aligned with mine? Does the group (leader) have any features of a cult?

• Are there trustworthy reviews online?

• Does their website look legitimate? Have you tried typing their website into trust pilot?

Points to consider when choosing a guide

• What is their experience working with the psychedelic and for how long?

• What is their specific background and training?

• Do they have training or background in mental health?

• Do they have experience helping people ‘like me’? (e.g. palliative indication in cancer, depression, retirement or life transition, PTSD, non-binary - whatever aspects are personally important to the intentions of use or to feel safe and comfortable during the experience)

• How do I feel around this person? Do they evoke strong feelings or seem charming?

• How clear and effective is their communication?

• How do they plan to handle aftercare and integration?

• Do you feel they are answering your questions clearly, truthfully & forthrightly?
  

  It can be challenging to ‘vet’ a psychedelic guide due to the lack of standardised training programs or industry standards of best practices, yet by asking the questions to the guide and yourself you’ll likely be able to find a good quality guide. There are also some resources that do exist to help persons understand what good practice for psychedelic sessions and ethical standards looks like for guides.

  The Guild of Guide’s website offers an extensive code of conduct in which facilitators or guides are expected to follow. While there may be some scope of practice differences between a psychedelic therapist and a guide, organisations such as MAPS, Yale, and Kriya have published a

  Treatment Manual for MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD, Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Depression and Guidelines for the Ethical Ketamine Clinician

  respectively, that help set standards for conducting work with psychedelics.

  For MDMA guides we compiled this guide.