Psilocybin Psychotherapy
Reconnect with your True Self
We combine the wisdom of psychotherapy with sacred ancestral plant medicine to offer transformative psychotherapy retreats in the beautiful landscapes of Ecuador.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Mind.
Medicine.
Meaning.
Humanity's relationship with plant medicine is ancient, woven into our collective memory. Long before modern science, our ancestors recognized plants not as inert chemicals, but as living beings, teachers, and spirits.
For those shaped by Western, rational ways of understanding, encounters with ancestral plant medicine can feel disorienting—even shattering—because the psyche has not been trained to meet the sacred through ritual, symbol, and reverence.
Psychology becomes a bridge: it does not claim to explain the sacred, but it offers a ground where the ineffable can land without overwhelming the system. Sacred medicine speaks beyond logic, yet it must pass through the psyche to be integrated into a human life.
"Psychology becomes a bridge. It offers a ground where the ineffable can land without overwhelming the system."
— The Soma Philosophy
Ancestral Wisdom, Spirit, and Psyche
Bridging to the Psyche: Psychology as an Ally
Understanding Plant Medicine.
Humanity’s relationship with plant medicine is ancient, woven into our collective memory. Long before modern science, our ancestors recognized plants not as inert chemicals, but as living beings, teachers, and spirits. In many indigenous traditions, these plant medicines—often called “masters”—serve as bridges between the visible and invisible, linking human life with the cosmic order. Across cultures, shamans and healers have used plants, dreams, trance, and ritual to diagnose illness, restore balance, commune with ancestors and nature, and offer guidance, awakening, and purpose.
Rooted in a worldview or cosmovision, unlike mechanistic modern thinking, all life—plants, animals, rivers, mountains, and stars—is imbued with spirit and consciousness. Healing is understood as a web of relationships and reciprocity, where illness signals a misalignment of purpose or soul, and plant medicine helps restore balance, reintegrate lost parts, and reveal one’s path within the greater whole. These practices are ceremonial and intentional, guided by sacred songs, rituals, fasting, initiations, and attention to timing, ensuring that healing remains holistic, purposeful, and aligned with the natural and spiritual order.
For those shaped by Western, rational ways of understanding, encounters with ancestral plant medicine can feel disorienting, even shattering, because the psyche has not been trained to meet the sacred through ritual, symbol, and reverence. In this landscape, the psyche becomes essential—not as a filter that reduces the experience, but as the vessel that allows it to be received.
The inner world, with its symbols, emotions, archetypes, memories, and narratives, is the language through which meaning takes root. Psychology becomes a bridge: it does not claim to explain the sacred, but it offers a ground where the ineffable can land without overwhelming the system. Sacred medicine speaks beyond logic, yet it must pass through the psyche to be integrated into a human life.
There comes a moment where language dissolves, where no psychological framework can fully contain what is revealed. And still, when the inner world has been explored, tended to, and made familiar, the psyche becomes a powerful ally. It knows how to hold mystery without collapsing into it. It allows us to walk back from the threshold carrying something real, something embodied. Not answers—but meaning, presence, and a deeper capacity to live in relationship with the sacred.
Our
Story
Get to Know Us
SOMA was created from the meeting point between psychology, neuroscience, and ancestral wisdom. Founded by neuropsychologist Michelle Guerra, SOMA offers a safe space in Yunguilla, Ecuador, for deep healing and transformation through science, spirituality, and the wisdom of plant medicine.
SOMA was born from the understanding that true healing requires the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Trained as a clinical psychologist and later in neuropsychology, Michelle recognized both the value and the limits of traditional psychology. She observed how unprocessed emotional and relational experiences often manifest through physical symptoms, a process known as somatization, revealing that healing must address not only the mind, but also the body and the deeper layers of meaning that shape human experience.
Rooted in Ecuador and guided by ancestral wisdom, Michelle trained with Indigenous teachers and experienced firsthand the transformative potential of traditional medicine and ritual. These teachings, combined with scientific and psychological knowledge, shaped SOMA as a space where spirituality is honored through ancestral practices, while integration is supported through a strong psychological framework.
SOMA is a private retreat in the valley of Yunguilla, Ecuador, designed to support deep inner work in a safe, contained, and intentional environment. Every aspect of the retreat is created with the whole person in mind—psychological, physical, and spiritual. Organic, nourishing food is offered to support the body, while the retreat structure maintains a continuous psychological outlook to help participants process, redefine, and integrate their experience with clarity, meaning, and purpose.
Throughout the retreat, participants engage in ongoing therapeutic sessions using a variety of tools, including nature walks and gardening, art-based expression, journaling, meditation, and traditional talk therapy held in nature. These practices support emotional processing and self-understanding, allowing the experience to become a grounded and empowering process of transformation and renewal.
At SOMA, spirituality is guided by ancestral rituals and wisdom, while psychology provides the structure that allows insight to be integrated into daily life. Healing is not forced, but supported—creating the conditions for a meaningful rebirth rooted in awareness, balance, and embodied understanding.
Phases of the Journey
After a comprehensive evaluation of personal, medical, psychological, and spiritual background, as well as intentions and life context, eligible individuals enter a personalized preparation phase designed to support safety, clarity, and openness.
The medicine is then administered during the retreat, followed by a structured integration phase that helps ground insights and transformation into daily life, completing the process.
Physical Preparation
Participants receive guidance to maintain a clean, balanced diet—preferably vegetarian or vegan—along with proper daily hydration, honoring individual dietary needs and supported by natural supplements when appropriate.
Restorative sleep and healthy circadian rhythms are encouraged through consistent routines and natural light exposure, while gentle movement, stretching, and mindful exercise support physical balance throughout the process.
Psychological support is provided to clarify therapeutic intentions and goals, while honoring each participant’s clinical history and emotional state.
Participants receive education on the effects, benefits, and potential risks of the process, including how medicinal mushrooms influence the brain, body, psyche, and spiritual experience.
Emphasis is placed on reducing stress, cultivating calm, and establishing personal boundaries to ensure emotional safety before the session.
Mental & Emotional Preparation
The journey begins by understanding each person’s spiritual path, sense of connection, and openness. For those new to this realm, a gentle introduction is offered, grounded in ancestral views of medicinal plants as teachers.
This personalized approach honors each individual’s pace and beliefs, while simple practices—such as meditation, breathwork, reflection, and time in nature—help cultivate presence and reconnect body and spirit.
spiritual.
Spiritual Preparation
The Big Day
The Session with the Medicine
The session takes place in a safe, open, and natural environment specifically designed for this type of therapeutic work. The space is prepared with care to promote calm and introspection — featuring natural lighting, gentle music, and minimal external stimuli. To preserve the depth of the experience, external distractions such as electronic devices or unnecessary interactions are intentionally limited.
Throughout the entire session, therapeutic support is provided by your qualified guide who gently guides the process from beginning to end. Any physical, emotional, or medical needs that arise are fully attended to, ensuring comfort and safety at all times. Participants are offered three light, organic meals adapted to their individual dietary preferences to help sustain balance and integration.
Dosage & duration
A moderate dose of the medicine is used during the main session, followed by microdoses that are adjusted according to each individual’s needs and therapeutic goals. The session typically lasts between three and six hours and unfolds in three natural phases — onset, peak, and descent. The medicine is offered in a ceremonial infusion of cacao with honey, honoring ancestral tradition and fostering openness of heart and mind.
To support the process, participants are encouraged to prepare mindfully. Get a good night’s rest beforehand, and keep your schedule clear after the session to allow for integration and rest. Clarify your intention for the journey, attend the session fasting, and minimize or avoid screen use. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended to help maintain ease and presence throughout the experience.
Preparation
Meet your therapist
Michelle Guerra MSc.
Neuropsychologist
"I am dedicated to holding space for your emotional healing and personal growth. With experience in plant medicine therapy, psychotherapy, and nature-based healing, I am here to support your transformative
journey with presence, care, and depth."
Michelle is a Clinical Psychologist of Ecuadorian–American background, graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, with a Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), Spain.
After completing her studies and engaging in conventional psychological therapy, Michelle faced her own struggle with a severe eating disorder. It was only after discovering and joining the plant medicine community that she experienced profound healing, which inspired her integration of these modalities into her professional practice.
Bridging science and spirit, Michelle integrates her clinical expertise with the wisdom of ancestral medicine, cultivated through her training with the Shuar Yaku Runa community in Ecuador. Having participated in traditional ceremonies and undertaken deep personal inner work, she embodies presence, humility, and authenticity in every aspect of her healing practice.
Deeply committed to advancing plant medicine–assisted therapy, Michelle recognizes both the power and the limitations of conventional psychology. Her work honors the dialogue between mind and soul—where neuroscience meets ancestral wisdom—to support genuine, grounded transformation.
SENESCYT Registration
Clinical Psychologist: 1027-2022-2443375
Master’s Degree in Clinical Neuropsychology: 7241260271
What SENESCYT Registration Means SENESCYT stands for Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación — it’s Ecuador’s national agency that oversees higher education, scientific research, and professional degree validation. When a professional holds a SENESCYT registration, it means: Their academic degrees have been officially recognized and validated by the Ecuadorian government. They are legally authorized to practice their profession in Ecuador. The registration numbers listed are unique identifiers confirming the authenticity of each qualification (for example, psychologist license and postgraduate degree).
Transformative Retreats
Embark on a journey of emotional healing and self-discovery with Soma Healing's transformative retreats. Our offerings are designed to facilitate profound personal growth, emotional release, and spiritual connection.
Included in All Retreats
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Comprehensive evaluation and personalized preparation phase, where medical, psychological, and spiritual considerations are reviewed and all questions are welcomed before the journey.
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Private suite accommodation with full access to the private wellness center.
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Organic, nourishing meals, with vegan or vegetarian options designed to support the body throughout the process.
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Guided meditation and yoga practices to support grounding, presence, and nervous system regulation.
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Sacred medicine ceremony of psylocybin mushrooms, including both macro- and microdosing approaches, guided with care and intention.
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Continuous therapeutic and grounding support throughout the retreat, ensuring safety, containment, and emotional integration at every stage.
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Tailored integration process, including individualized guidelines.
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Transportation to and from the airport or hotel for a seamless and supported experience.
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Personal accompaniment by an experienced, native English-speaking psychologist and facilitator, holding the entire journey with presence, professionalism, and compassion.
The Beginning of the Journey
2 day retreat
An immersive and focused initiation for those seeking clarity, emotional release, and a direct reconnection with their inner truth. This retreat is designed as a deliberate encounter with the medicine—structured, intentional, and held within a strong psychological and spiritual container.
The experience includes:
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Two guided medicine ceremonies: a full macro-dose ceremony followed by a micro-dose integration the next day.
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Meditation practices to stabilize awareness, sharpen perception, and prepare the mind for deep inner work.
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Therapeutic sessions and experiential exercises throughout the day, including expressive practices and nature-based processes.
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A traditional tobacco cleansing ritual, used to clear energetic residue and establish intentional boundaries.
820 USD
Deepening the Process
4 day retreat
A deep and immersive commitment for those prepared to enter the deeper layers of their inner world and dedicate themselves fully to reflection, integration, and transformation. This retreat is designed for sustained inner work, allowing the process to unfold with depth, continuity, and precision.
The experience includes:
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Three guided medicine ceremonies: two full macro-dose ceremonies and one micro-dose session, supporting progressive emotional and spiritual exploration
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Art-based and nature-centered therapeutic practices to externalize, process, and integrate inner material
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Extended therapy and integration sessions, carefully personalized to address emotional patterns and spiritual insights
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Spacious time for rest, silence, and immersion in nature, allowing the nervous system to settle and meaning to consolidate
1220 USD
Contact Us
Retreat availability
Visit Us
Open for Retreats
Throughout the Year
Monday - Sunday:
By Appointment Only
We all have questions
Curious about our retreats, services, or anything else? We’re here to help.
For urgent inquiries, please email us at info@somahealingec.com.
Interested in booking a retreat? Schedule a free exploration call
What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
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Aleviates symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, and addictions, improving emotional regulation and increasing flexibility in thought patterns.
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Enhances wel-being, life purpose, and creativity through deep introspection.
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Fosters connection with oneself, others, nature, and spirituality, generating transformative experiences.
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Promotes neuroplasticity for safe trauma processing and healthy mental patterns.
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Stimulates forgiveness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.
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Relieves existential distress during life transitions
Who may not be suitable candidates ?
Percautions and elegibility: Ensuring Safety in Sessions with Ancestral Medicines
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Personal or family history of psychotic disorders, dissociative disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type I, or psychosis.
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Acute mental health crisis, suicidal ideation, or severe depression with psychotic symptoms.
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Use of psychiatric medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines).
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Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions.
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Lack of a safe environment and adequate post session support for emotional integration.
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Seeking quick fixes or recreational use
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Minors under the age of 18
What are the risks ?
ENTERING THE SPACE WITH AWARENESS
These risks do not arise solely from the medicine but from the internal conflict it may reveal and the resistance to it. When approached with preparation and care, even difficult experiences can open the door to healing. However, without proper guidance, intention, and integration, the process may intensify difficulties rather than resolve them.
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Emotional discomfort: Fear, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed during the session.
-
Resurfacing of traumas: Unresolved memories may reappear.
-
Psychotic risk: Possible in individuals with a history of psychosis.
-
Physical effects: Nausea, dizziness, or increased heart rate.
-
Integration difficulties: Chalenges in processing or applying the insights gained.
-
Medication interactions: Risks when combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, benzodiazepines, or antipsychotics
What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
-
Aleviates symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, and addictions, improving emotional regulation and increasing flexibility in thought patterns.
-
Enhances wel-being, life purpose, and creativity through deep introspection.
-
Fosters connection with oneself, others, nature, and spirituality, generating transformative experiences.
-
Promotes neuroplasticity for safe trauma processing and healthy mental patterns.
-
Stimulates forgiveness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.
-
Relieves existential distress during life transitions
Who may not be suitable candidates ?
Percautions and elegibility: Ensuring Safety in Sessions with Ancestral Medicines
-
Personal or family history of psychotic disorders, dissociative disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type I, or psychosis.
-
Acute mental health crisis, suicidal ideation, or severe depression with psychotic symptoms.
-
Use of psychiatric medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines).
-
Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions.
-
Lack of a safe environment and adequate post session support for emotional integration.
-
Seeking quick fixes or recreational use
-
Minors under the age of 18
What are the risks ?
ENTERING THE SPACE WITH AWARENESS
These risks do not arise solely from the medicine but from the internal conflict it may reveal and the resistance to it. When approached with preparation and care, even difficult experiences can open the door to healing. However, without proper guidance, intention, and integration, the process may intensify difficulties rather than resolve them.
-
Emotional discomfort: Fear, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed during the session.
-
Resurfacing of traumas: Unresolved memories may reappear.
-
Psychotic risk: Possible in individuals with a history of psychosis.
-
Physical effects: Nausea, dizziness, or increased heart rate.
-
Integration difficulties: Chalenges in processing or applying the insights gained.
-
Medication interactions: Risks when combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, benzodiazepines, or antipsychotics