Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

FOREST PATH PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY:

Step into the symphony of your inner world Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

We specialise in the use of entheogenic plants and substances for healing and personal growth and have served our community in this unique realm for many years. We have facilitated hundreds of rituals for people from all walks of life and corners of the world seeking spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being.

At our centre, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and ethics in all our practices. We believe in providing a safe and supportive environment for our clients while respecting the power and potency of the entheogenic plants and substances we work with. Our mission is to act as a bridge between worlds, so to speak, combining the traditional and alternative approaches to healing with the Western and clinical models, and serving as a warm voice of heart and reason where the modern and the ancient intersect. 

Psychedelic-assisted therapy has the potential to transform lives and create positive change on a global scale. We are dedicated to sharing our expertise and knowledge with those who seek our services, and we are committed to the ongoing growth and development of the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy as it becomes urbanised, modernised, and normalised.

Your safety is a priority in the therapeutic setting, and we are there to support you with our undivided presence throughout the session. Your process in the session is 100% confidential, respected, and valued.

Please note that all therapy sessions, substances, stacks, protocols and routes of administration are evaluated and determined by the lead therapist based on the unique needs of each individual. The specific substances used may vary depending on the individual's personal circumstances, as well as the laws and regulations of the country and state in which the therapy is being conducted.

Session Dates Available at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala:

2024

DEC 8-12, DEC 16-19

2025

FEB 10-14, MAR 3-7, APR 1-4, APR 6-9, MAY 4-7, JUN 2-5

What to Expect During a Psychedelic Therapy Session at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala…

During a therapeutic session, you can anticipate a primary period focused on introspection and relaxation. You'll be invited to lie down with an eye mask and headphones, allowing you to immerse yourself in a carefully curated playlist. This setup effectively eliminates external distractions and wandering thoughts, enabling the experience to unfold naturally, guided by your own inner world.

Throughout this time, one or both facilitators will provide their undivided attention, offering support, encouragement, and personalised assistance, talk therapy and somatic aspects as needed as you delve deeper into your being.

Meet our Psychedelic Therapy Practitioners in Guatemala…

  • Jaya

    Jaya embarked on a contemplative path at a young age, shaped by impactful memories that shaped his worldview. His teachings stem from the world's wisdom traditions, expressed with clarity and authenticity.

    At 10, he discovered the Upanishads, and by 14, psychedelics. By 22, he was guiding intimate initiations into both realms. Serving Ayahuasca since 2015, Jaya's teachings come alive through living rituals. He draws wisdom from Buddhism (Zen, Mahamudra & Dzogchen), the shamanic schools of curanderismo, and the syncratic psychedelic churches of the forest that work with Ayahuasca.

    Jaya is a beacon of wisdom, provoking an inquiry into the nature of reality. His heartfelt approach invites others to explore their inner depths, pay attention and be humble on this path.

    Learn more about Jaya’s journey here.

  • Paula Afonso

    Paula is a Portuguese medicine woman who embarked on her journey of self-realization at the age of 19. Over the years, she has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the healing of her own physical and emotional well-being, acquiring invaluable knowledge that she now shares with others to aid in their own personal growth.

    Through her deep devotion and exploration of mystic rituals, massage therapy, yoga, Ayurveda, and various shamanic practices, Isis has become a conduit for healing and transformation. Her compassionate nature and nurturing spirit embody the essence of the divine mother, providing solace and guidance to those in need.

    For the past 3 years, Paula has actively participated in forest path ceremonies, lending her wisdom and energy to these profound experiences. Additionally, she serves as an integration and trauma coach, assisting individuals in navigating their healing journeys with grace and resilience.

    Learn more about Paula’s journey here.

Packages Available in Guatemala…

Single Session, one night accommodation US$1295 (sliding scale);

  • Full Day 6-8 hr Session (two therapists present)

  • Preparation, Intake, Interview

  • Integration session

  • Administration and expertise on stacking protocols (combining two or more substances)

  • Supplements pre and post session

  • One night Lakefront Guest House accommodation to integrate

  • Dinner and breakfast

Standard Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Package (US$1850 - 3 nights);

  • One Half Session 1.5 - 3hr Session

  • One Full Day 6-8 hr Session (two therapists present)

  • Preparation, Intake, Interview

  • One Integration Session 

  • Administration and expertise on stacking protocols (combining two or more substances)

  • Supplements pre and post sessions

  • Three nights Lakefront Guest House Accommodation 

  • Two meals per day (brunch & dinner - 6 meals total)

  • Relaxed Mornings by the Lake; Paddleboard/ Kayak access

3hr Therapy Session - $450

Please note that all therapy sessions, substances, stacks, and routes of administration are evaluated and determined by the lead therapist based on the unique needs of each individual. The specific substances used may vary depending on the individual's personal circumstances, as well as the laws and regulations of the country and state in which the therapy is being conducted.

Hear from our Past Participants…

“My life has been profoundly transformed since beginning my journey with Forest Path, guided by the incredible wisdom and skills of Jaya and Paula. For 54 years, I carried the weight of pain, sorrow, and guilt, but through their guidance, I was able to finally let go and embrace a new narrative for my life. The old story I clung to is now lost, replaced by a vision of a future filled with more love, more laughter, and more living.

Jaya and Paula have not only helped me release the burdens of my past, but they have also illuminated my path forward. Since our journeys together, I’ve experienced a newfound beauty in life, a light that now animates my existence in ways I never thought possible. The changes I’ve undergone are so profound that words can hardly express my gratitude. I can never fully repay them for the gift they’ve given me—a life reborn with hope, joy, and endless possibilities.

Thank you, Jaya and Paula, for everything. My life will never be the same, and I am forever grateful.” H. Rosen

“I just want to say how grateful I am to have met you on my path and how much your words and your wisdom change my vision of me and of the world. You have brought me back to life and I will always be grateful for it.

You are incredibly gifted to help people navigate themselves and find a way out, find love and light, to heal. 

Thank you for sharing your gift and helping me.” – J.Desrosiers

“In May of 2024, I ventured to the Forest Path out on Lake Atitlan and participated in two private psychedelic therapy sessions with Jaya and Paula. The experience overall was incredibly profound. The screening process prior was thorough, inquisitive, and very intentional in assuring my safety and current state of mind. I felt so incredibly nurtured the entire time I was in this process. 

The medicine was remarkable in its work, taking me deep into spaces and wounds that had been closed off for nearly a decade. Jaya and Isis provided an environment that was safe to express authenticity, warm, supportive, and nurturing. They had all they needed in preparation to ensure my experience was met with adequate compassion and care on both a physical and mental level. 

If you are seeking an opportunity to reset and transform, I highly recommend The Forest Path in all that they do. Taking place in a private and intimate journey into my own mind was exactly what I needed at the time and I will always be grateful for this special experience.” - K. Bird 

Are you ready for your journey in Guatemala?

Step 1: Fill out the application form here.

Step 2: Pay the USD$50 interview fee and set up a 60 minute interview with our team to go over intake & preparation with you.

Step 3: We will set up a preparation call two weeks prior to the in-person sessions with your therapist.

Step 4: Attend your in-person sessions at select locations in Guatemala.

Step 5: We will set up an integration session via Zoom

Frequently Asked Questions about Psychedelic Therapy…

  • Psychedelic therapy is a powerful approach to healing and growth that utilizes carefully administered psychedelic substances to facilitate therapeutic experiences. These substances, such as psilocybin or MDMA, can induce altered states of consciousness that promote self-reflection, emotional processing, and insights into one's thoughts, emotions, and past experiences.

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves exploring the depths of consciousness and comes with risks. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have a history of severe mental health conditions. Challenging emotions and sensations may arise during sessions, requiring the support of a skilled therapist. Safety precautions, integration challenges, and individual variations should be considered. Working with qualified professionals who provide a safe and supportive environment is crucial.

  • 3-MMC, a synthetic entactogen, is being explored for its therapeutic potential. It can help in resolving trauma, facilitating healing and personal growth. When used responsibly and under professional guidance, it holds promise for self-discovery and unveiling suppressed emotions and memories.

  • The legality of psychedelic therapy varies across countries and jurisdictions. Here is a general overview:

    United States: As of September 2021, psychedelic therapy is not federally legal in the United States. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough therapy designation to substances like psilocybin and MDMA for specific clinical trials. Additionally, several cities and states, such as Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor, and Oregon, have decriminalized or taken steps toward decriminalizing psychedelics.

    European Union: The legality of psychedelic therapy varies across European countries. For example, the Netherlands allows the use of psilocybin truffles under specific conditions, while Portugal has decriminalized the personal use of all drugs. Some countries, such as Switzerland and the Czech Republic, allow certain forms of psychedelic therapy under specific regulations. Others, like Germany and Spain, permit psychedelic therapy within clinical research settings.

    South America: Countries like Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica have traditions of working with plant medicines, including ayahuasca and peyote, which are used in traditional contexts. The legal status of these substances may vary, and in some cases, they may be legal within religious or spiritual contexts.

    Other Countries: The legal status of psychedelic therapy varies across the globe. Some countries, such as Jamaica and Mexico, have taken steps to facilitate the use of psychedelics in therapeutic or spiritual practices. Other countries may have stricter regulations or classify psychedelics as illegal substances.

  • MDMA therapy is a transformative form of psychedelic-assisted therapy. It utilizes the empathogenic effects of MDMA to awaken empathy and compassion, facilitating healing and emotional exploration. Guided by skilled therapists, participants delve into suppressed emotions and confront traumatic experiences, leading to breakthroughs in personal growth. Scientific research, including notable trials, supports the efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy, particularly in treating conditions like PTSD. With dedicated pioneers, MDMA therapy is paving the way for compassionate mental healthcare for trauma survivors.

  • Learn more about psychedelic substances and their effects and histories here.