Screenshot 2024-09-29 at 20.16.40.png

GUARDIANS OF TRANSFORMATION

A 9-Day Practicum Retreat: Deep Dive into Expanded States of Consciousness

APRIL 26TH - MAY 4TH 2025

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.

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

    MAPACHO TEACHER

    Rapéh Snuff. Pronounced “ha-peh” or “rapay”, Rapéh is a fine, ground-up shamanic snuff. It contains Nicotiana Rustica, a type of tobacco also known as mapacho. Although it contains tobacco, there is no smoking of Rapéh. Instead, it’s administered into your nose. The snuff contains other medicinal and sacred plants, including parts from tree bark, leaves, seeds, and various plants. Rapéh is the perfect medicine to still your mind. In just one blow it helps you to go out of your head, into your heart, and connects you with your soul. Because tobacco-based rapéh contains nicotine, it increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of several neurotransmitters that heightens alertness and uplifts your mood. The indigenous people believe that rapéh can increase your focus, presence, and intuition, spiritually opening up your body and mind to higher communication and holistic thinking.

  • 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.

Full Package Retreat Pricing

The early bird pricing has ended on the 1st of September. Thank you to all who took advantage of the offer!

Current Price: €7,900

(Installments are available)

  • APRIL 26TH - MAY 4TH 2025 PORTUGAL

    THE NATURE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

    This includes the all-expenses-paid 9-day Presence Centered-Leadership™

    • Intimate Immersive of 12 participants

    • Eight nights and nine days of shared accommodation (private accommodations upon request)

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

    • Breath worker day (as sitter and breather)

    • Rituals and workshops on self-leadership, and space holding

    • Group Cacao Ceremony

    • Three group preparation and three group integration virtual calls

    • Receive a personalised roadmap, including TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) treatment, deep dive intake calls with founder and lead screener.

    • Additionally four private mentoring calls w/ retreat leads, to deepen your practices, focus and commitments

    • Life long of free access to our membership and education portal, for ongoing personal growth and integration

    • Access to masterclasses, and special offer on preparatory course (more information soon)

    • Delicious organic vegetarian meals optimised to ceremony guidelines

    • Transportation to and from the local International airport

    ….MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

    • Not including travel, and insurance policies

    • ATMW alumni discounts are not applicable to this program.

    • You can reserve your chance to get a spot in the program by paying a €140 Application Fee. Please note that your application fee does not guarantee admittance to the 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.

    Embark on a path of meaning, purpose, and continuous learning. This is your opportunity to deepen your practice and understand the true essence of holding space in an immersive, supportive, and transformative environment.

The Vow of Space Holding: Cornerstones of Our Immersive Retreat

At the heart of this 9-day immersive retreat 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.


MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

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.

Your Top Questions Answered