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GUARDIANS OF TRANSFORMATION

A 9-Day Practicum Retreat: Explore Expanded States of Consciousness and Embody Presence-Centered Leadership™

APRIL 26TH - MAY 4TH 2025 - Portugal

Are you dedicated to deepening your craft of space holding?

This unique 9-day immersive experience is designed for 12 committed practitioners or aspiring Presence-Centered Leaders who wish to hone their skills in a profound and transformative setting.

Why This Retreat?

For generations, the art of holding circles, supporting vision quests, conducting ceremonies, and guiding rites of passage was reserved for those appointed by their elders. This path required deep personal work, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a dedication to finding meaning and purpose.

In today's world of online learning, we often overlook an essential question:

Can true mastery be acquired through virtual containers focused solely on theoretical knowledge when learning to guide and support others through transformational journeys?

Our immersive retreat aims to address the ever expanding need for somatic learning, witnessing, and in-person Presence Centred Leadership™ experiential.

This immersive retreat aims to address the critical need for in-person space holding and facilitation training experiences within a fully legal, well established and widely respected retreat container.

AWAKEN THE MEDICINE WITHIN pioneering, female-led team features a multidisciplinary approach which respects both modern science and ancient traditions as tools for personal discovery and transformation. Over the past decade we have witnessed many changes in the entheogenic retreat and education landscape including a surge in instructional and so-called “immersion” programs for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of Presence Centered Leadership™ or space holding, and the use of master plant teachers, fungi and molecules. Many of these programs offer “sacred ceremony” experiences without providing true, hands-on space holding training.  We believe that in person instructional training guided by experienced mentors is a non-negotiable and essential skill that must be cultivated for not only those wishing to train in psychedelic assisted care but also for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of what it means to truly hold space for personal transformation and wellness work.

"Learning to 'sit' for ourselves and others is the cornerstone of cultivating our shared humanity. In doing so, we bridge the global disconnect that haunts our societies."- Natasja Pelgrom, Founder ATMW

Why This Program?

From HR managers to group mindfulness teachers, many professionals lack the foundational skills required to effectively hold space. Our program delves deeply into practical, in-person skills for client-centered work, ensuring participants gain the necessary experience and confidence to safely support others with authenticity and compassion.

Who Should Attend?

This immersive endeavour is tailored for seasoned mentors, professionals, and individuals eager to explore their inner journey. It is especially beneficial for dedicated practitioners helping clients achieve various non-clinical goals, including:

  • Human learning and development

  • Executive development and leadership enhancement

  • Well-being and life coaching

  • Spiritual guidance

Participant Evaluation:

Applicants will be evaluated based on their experience in client-centered approaches or their possession of essential skills and traits to comprehend such methodologies. More details about this will be published soon!

Important Notes:

  • This program is not focused on clinical aspects and is unsuitable for those seeking help with PTSD, clinical depression, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, or similar conditions.

  • This is not an invitation to serve psychedelic compounds without prior experience. It is an enriching addition for those with an existing coaching practice or for practitioners committed to lifelong learning and personal growth.

Is This for You?

  • If you seek hands-on learning that goes beyond virtual education and want to deepen your understanding of a ritualistic setting and how it supports in skillfully navigate expanded states of consciousness, this program is for you.

  • If you have an existing teaching, coaching or therapeutic practice, or experience in related fields, and are committed to personal and professional growth, this program is for you.

  • This immersive experience is open to all. Even if you have felt a deep calling without prior counseling or coaching experience but support a group of individuals, the craft of space holding is now needed in our society more than ever.

  • If you are a therapist, researcher, or in the field of neuroscience and eager to deepen your relationship with psychedelic-assisted care, then this is THE container to experience the impact of holistic programming.

Presence Centered-Leadership™


Presence-Centered Leadership™ (PCL) is an innovative method developed by founder of ATMW Natasja Pelgrom to guide practitioners through a transformative journey within a psilocybin retreat setting. This approach integrates principles from transpersonal practices, client-centered techniques, and situational leadership. PCL aims to foster profound personal and professional growth. Here’s an overview of what PCL entails:

What is Presence-Centered Leadership (PCL)?

Presence-Centered Leadership™ is a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment, both for oneself and for others. This method is specifically tailored for practitioners who are committed to deepening their skills in space holding, transformational leadership, and therapeutic practice.

Key Components of PCL:

1. Situational Leadership and Development Levels:

PCL teaches practitioners how to adapt their leadership style based on the development level of the individual or group they are working with. This situational approach ensures that the support provided is appropriate and effective.

2. Recognize, Acknowledge, Explore:

  • Recognize: Identifying the current state and needs of the individual.

  • Acknowledge: Validating their experiences and emotions.

  • Explore: Delving deeper into their personal journey to uncover insights and foster growth.

3. Language of the Mind and Heart:

Practitioners learn to discern and utilize the appropriate language for different situations. This involves balancing cognitive (mind) language with emotional (heart) language to communicate effectively and empathetically.

4. Creating a Safe Container:

PCL emphasizes the importance of establishing a safe and supportive environment, or "container," where individuals can undergo transformative experiences. This includes setting clear boundaries, providing emotional safety, and maintaining a nurturing space for growth.

5. Harmonizing Inner Wisdom and Outer Action:

Practitioners are trained to first engage their yin state—focusing on the senses, dreaming, flow state, and intuition. Following this, they are encouraged to integrate their yang state—bringing in structure, intention, direction, and commitment. This balanced approach ensures a holistic and supportive leadership style.

6. Integrating Transpersonal and Shamanic Practices:

PCL incorporates transpersonal approaches, fostering experiences that transcend the individual ego and connect to a larger sense of spirituality and universal consciousness. It also includes shamanic practices, such as ritualistic ceremonies and nature-based healing methods, to facilitate deep personal transformation and spiritual growth.

The Journey of Presence-Centered Leadership:

In our 9-day psilocybin experiential retreat, practitioners will immerse themselves in the principles of PCL, experiencing firsthand the power of presence-centered leadership. Through a series of workshops, psilocybin ceremonies, and integration sessions, participants will develop the skills and insights necessary to lead with presence, empathy, and authenticity.

By the end of the retreat, practitioners will have a profound understanding of how to hold space for others, facilitate deep personal transformation, and embody the principles of Presence-Centered Leadership™ in their professional practice. This journey is not just about learning techniques, but about embodying a way of being that supports transformation and growth for all.


Join us to explore the transformative power of Presence-Centered Leadership™ and take the first step towards becoming a guardian of transformation and healing in your community.

Presence-Centered Leadership™

Full Package Pricing

€7,900

(Instalments are available)

APRIL 26TH - MAY 4TH 2025 PORTUGAL

This includes the all-expenses-paid 9-day in-person immersive

  • Intimate Immersive of 12 participants

  • Eight nights and nine days of shared accommodation (private accommodations upon request for an additional fee)

  • Transportation to and from the local International airport


    1. Acces to Fundamentals of Space Holding Course

      • 5-week virtual self-paced program

    2. Three group preparation and three group integration virtual calls

    3. Access to high-end vitual coaching platform for support and ongoing learning

    4. Access to special Masterclasses from top educators in the field of psychedelics and leadership

    1. Receive personalised roadmap created in collaboration with founder Natasja Pelgrom, and supportive sessions with lead facilitators.

      • Total of four private mentoring calls

    2. Work towards a personal commitment and outcome

    3. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) treatment and teaching to better support somatic challenges

    1. Three Truffles containing psilocybin ceremonies (two as participant, one as sitter)

    2. Cacao Ceremony

    3. Rapéh Snuff (optional)

    1. Breath worker day (as sitter and breather)

    2. Rituals and workshops on self-leadership, and space holding

Important:

  • Not including travel, and insurance policies

  • ATMW alumni discounts are not applicable to this program.

  • Instalments payment is possible, there will be an additional fee required.

  • Pricing here does not include the 21% VAT, which depends on the country of residency and/or company status.

  • Read here our cancelation policies

Your Teacher Allies

  • psilocybin retreat

    PSILOCYBIN TEACHER

    Psilocybin is the substance found in magic Mushrooms and Truffles that have shown to support your ongoing growth and healing. Their impact on culture has literally spanned human history. From the earliest cave paintings and shamanic traditions to modern religion, these fungi have helped to shape parts of our consciousness. Magic mushrooms and Psilocybin Truffles are non-toxic and have even been found to encourage neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells.) We are inviting you to an opportunity to expose you to the wonders of this medicine as an assistant to your life journey and as a tool for the exploration of your Soul, Body, and Mind.

    Once you start opening your eyes, history comes alive - like the stained glass windows in cathedrals in Europe that show Christ and his followers holding psilocybin mushrooms. All of this reminds us that ingesting psychotropic plants in the exploration of consciousness is nothing new at all.

  • tobacco retreat

    SACRED TOBACCO TEACHER

    For centuries, sacred tobacco has been revered as a powerful plant teacher, used in ceremonial settings to bridge the "invisible" worlds and foster a deep connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Its essence holds the wisdom to guide, ground, and align us with our highest intentions.

    In our ceremonies, we honor the traditional ways of working with sacred tobacco—not as a substance to be consumed, but as an offering and a tool for prayer and intention. Through guided rituals, sacred offerings, and deep presence, this plant teacher helps us anchor our intentions, call upon guidance, and create a safe and transformative container for personal and collective growth.

    By engaging with sacred tobacco in its non-administrative form, participants can connect to its energy, exploring the profound teachings it offers without physical ingestion. This plant teacher serves as a bridge—a conduit for clarity, connection, and the manifestation of purpose.

  • cacao retreat

    CACAO TEACHER

    Pure cacao is used as a heart-opening medicine for people to safely experience awakening, revelation, and inner healing. It is also used to set intentions and once consumed, euphoric states are unlocked, negative emotions are released and we are able to connect to ourselves and the loving energy in our bodies. We work with the Ceremonial Cacao in all our retreat programs, it is a key component in the process. This medicine is one of the most powerful, gentle facilitators, teachers, and guides on the planet. Cacao opens the heart and allows for a deeper, authentic love-based connection with yourself, others, the world, and all of life. You will experience a Cacao ceremony that is specifically designed for psychedelic sharing, release and playfulness, and integration work. This journey is specifically focused to help you find clarity, and process some of the more confusing aspects of your experiences. Cacao is the perfect medicine to dive deep and integrate while remaining fully conscious and aware.

  • breathwork retreat

    BREATH TEACHER

    We bring breathwork such as Transformational, Holotropic, or Circular Breathing, in all our programs, and this is a very deep therapeutic technique, in which one through accelerated and deepened breathing with an open mouth while lying down can reach access to his subconsciousness as well as enter into higher states of consciousness. During a breath session, all levels of our being are addressed. On the physical and mental level, it is a deep cleansing process. Emotions and body sensations can arise that are associated with unprocessed experiences and old traumas, which are stored in the muscles and in the cell consciousness and can be integrated and cured through breathing. On a spiritual level, one can open oneself to a transpersonal experience, perceive oneself as a spiritual being and receive deep insights into human potential.

Meet Our Leadership Team: Experts in Transformational Healing and Psychedelic-Assisted Care

As we prepare for the 9-day Presence-Centered Leadership™ retreat, we’re honored to introduce the team that will guide you on this transformative journey. Led by founder Natasja Pelgrom, alongside Jessica Grotfeldt and Henk Doller, this retreat brings together decades of experience in transformational healing, leadership, and psychedelic-assisted care.

  • Founder, Creator of Presence-Centered Leadership™

    Natasja Pelgrom is the visionary behind the Presence-Centered Leadership™ method, combining her deep understanding of metaphysical and neurological principles of transformation. As the creator of educational programs that bridge sacred work and personal transformation, Natasja is known for her ability to integrate ceremonial practices with a profound understanding of the anatomy of ceremonial work. Her work is focused on guiding practitioners to embody presence, integrity, and awareness in their leadership roles, ensuring that sacred and transformative experiences are held with deep care and understanding.

    "Presence is the foundation of true leadership. In this retreat, we will explore how to embody presence while guiding others, creating space for profound transformation and healing."

    Natasja’s leadership has inspired the development of this retreat, combining her wisdom and expertise into a method that nurtures both personal and professional growth for practitioners in the field.

  • Executive Trainer & Facilitator

    With over 26 years of experience in one-on-one guidance and 20 years in team leadership, Henk Doller brings a rich background in personal development and leadership. Henk holds a Bachelor's degree in HRM and has worked extensively in career and management development. In 2012, he was initiated into the Munay Ki healing system, an energy healing cosmology from the Andes. Since then, Henk has facilitated Ayahuasca and Truffle ceremonies, blending his Dutch roots with ancient shamanic wisdom.

    "My role is to create a space where participants can fully experience their journey without interference. I believe that less is more, allowing clients to explore their transformation on their own terms."

    ———-

    Testimonial:
    "Henk’s ability to hold space with such calm and compassion has had a profound impact on my healing process," says one client. "He allows participants the space to fully experience their journey, and his non-judgmental approach makes him a truly exceptional facilitator."

  • Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Nature-Based Healing

    For more than 15 years, Jessica Grotfeldt has been dedicated to providing safe, effective, and meaningful access to transformational healing experiences. Jessica holds a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and as a lifelong student of ancient and shamanic healing practices, she has worked extensively alongside powerful medicine curanderos across South America and Mexico. She is the founder of Luz Eterna Retreats, where she has facilitated traditional healing ceremonies for Western women, blending ancient wisdom with modern integration techniques to support lasting change.

    "Deep listening is at the core of my leadership. I use the elements to help clients connect with their inner wisdom and guide them toward lasting transformation."

    ————

    Testimonial:
    "Working with Jessica was a turning point in my healing journey," says one participant. "Her approach, which combined deep listening and ancient healing practices, helped me achieve profound insights that have continued to unfold long after our work together."

Why Join Us for the 9-Day Practitioners’ Retreat?

Under the leadership of Natasja Pelgrom, with the support of Jessica and Henk, this retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into Presence-Centered Leadership™. This method emphasizes hands-on learning, emotional intelligence, and holistic leadership, providing you with the tools to lead with presence and integrity.

Whether you’re an aspiring facilitator or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat will offer mentorship from three deeply experienced leaders, each bringing unique insights and expertise to help you grow as a transformational leader.

The Vow of Space Holding: Cornerstones of Our Work

At the heart of this 9-day immersive retreat and in our virtual course Fundamentals of Space Holding, lies the sacred vow of space holding. As practitioners, we commit to creating a supportive and transformative environment for ourselves and others. These principles are the cornerstones of our practice.

Fundamentals of Holding Space

Allow Others to Rely on Their Own Wisdom and Intuition: Trust that each individual has an innate capacity for insight and healing. Our role is to support and facilitate, not to direct or control.

Make People Feel Safe, Even to Fail: Create an environment where participants feel secure enough to take risks and make mistakes. True growth often comes from encountering and overcoming challenges.

The Work is Never About You: As a space holder, our focus remains on the needs and experiences of others. It is essential to set aside our ego and personal agendas to fully support the journey of those we serve.

Respect Someone’s Autonomy: Honour each person’s right to make their own choices and follow their own path. Our role is to provide guidance and support, not to impose our views or solutions.

Meet People Where They Are At: Recognise and accept each individual’s unique starting point and current state. Provide support that is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Give People Permission to Feel Complicated Emotions, Even If They Are Challenging for You: Embrace and validate all emotions, including those that are difficult or uncomfortable. Allowing space for complex emotions is crucial for healing and transformation.

Holding Intention for Self-Healing and Collective Contribution as One: Maintain a dual focus on individual change and the collective well-being of the group. Recognise that personal growth contributes to the greater good.

Cultivate Integrity, Trust, and Discernment: Build a foundation of honesty, reliability, and wise judgment. These qualities are essential for creating a safe and effective space for transformation.

By committing to these principles, we uphold the sacred responsibility of space holding. This vow is a guiding light throughout our immersive journey, ensuring that we create a nurturing and empowering environment for all participants.


Join us in embracing these cornerstones as we embark on a path of profound personal and professional growth, cultivating the skills and wisdom needed to hold space with integrity and compassion.

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