Confluence Retreats

My partner and I had discussed trying psychedelics for over a year before choosing Confluence Retreats. At 76, I felt the pressure of my age and sought a greater understanding of what’s next. My partner wanted something different so we decided to avoid any “couples” specific offerings. Also, the idea of a clinic setting with little counseling interaction before and after a single session did not appeal to us. A further consideration was that our experiences with psychedelics were
quite different. I had used them recreationally many years ago and she had never tried them.

Because of this, she was a bit apprehensive. I researched several retreats and clinics before settling on Confluence in Ashland, Oregon. Their approach seemed very considered and cautious. After talking to members of their staff, we felt
completely at ease and comfortable. We registered for a 5-day retreat and began the health questionnaires and the screening process. They were quite thorough and we felt confident we were in good hands. This feeling was reenforced by the one-on-one and group meetings with the Confluence staff, all of whom were genuinely caring, friendly and knowledgeable. All of this was before arriving in Ashland.

The retreat was conducted at two locations: the living quarters, also the location for most of the breathing and meditation sessions, and a facility in nearby Ashland, Oregon, where the two psilocybin journeys were held. The living quarters were in a beautiful wood framed home overlooking the Rogue Valley. The place was simply lovely and the provided meals were quite delicious. The Omnia Center in Ashland was a comfortable, quiet and calm space that was
perfect for meditation and our journeys. The personnel there were caring and, along with the Confluence staff, enhanced the overall experience.

After each psilocybin journey, there was a day for integration of the experience. This consisted of both group meditation and breathing sessions as well as individual counseling. At the time, it seemed almost excessive yet, in retrospect, I couldn’t imagine as fulfilling an experience as it was without it. The two sessions approach was such a good way of getting the most from what the journeys revealed. After the first time, I knew what to expect and how the medicine would manifest itself in me. This was critical to gaining the most from the retreat as the second dose was tailored to my intentions based on the experience with the first dose.

By the time the retreat ended, I felt enriched and knew I made the right decision in choosing Confluence. I know I made friends with the staff and the other participants, who added so much to the benefits I’m still getting from the entire experience. The counseling after the retreat ended rounded out the event and gave directions for me to explore the revelations of the retreat. The insights I gained into myself, my relationships with others and the universe around me are
continuing to reveal themselves. The trajectory of my life has shifted and I know it is for the better. I feel more calm and accepting of my future. I simply cannot imagine having an
experience this profound with any other group.

I grew up believing psychedelics would lead to jumping out windows or lifetime psychotic breaks, so when I started hearing about the healing properties of psychedelics, I was not only skeptical but downright scared. But I kept getting hints and running into more information about how helpful they could be with creative thinking and understanding myself and the world. When I got intrigued enough to research having an experience, I found Confluence was exactly what I was looking for. Surrounded by nature, in a safe and monitored environment, with experienced facilitators, they took all the logistics off my shoulders, leaving me free to focus on what otherwise might have been anxious ordeal. I was especially glad for two journeys, again, taking away the anxiety that I wouldn't "get it right" the first time. I couldn't have made a better choice. From preparation, through the actual journeys and stay, and clear through the integration afterward, I've felt cared for and in safe, wise hands. Their attention to the details has left me free to fully engage in a truly awesome experience.

I cannot put into words how life-changing this experience was for me! I enjoyed every aspect of my journey with Confluence Retreats, from the first call I had with Myles, I knew this was going to be a profound experience. Myles and his amazing team (thank you, Jules and Tsana!) made me and everyone on this journey feel safe and welcomed. This was my first exploration into psychedelics, and I wanted to ensure I was supported and informed, the team at Confluence went above and beyond to exceed my expectations. Since leaving the retreat in January, I feel like a dam has been busted open, and the fog I had been in for so long has been lifted. I can be myself again, and this journey opened the door for me.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the community aspect that Confluence provided. Being able to connect with amazing people who were going through this shared experience with me was another aspect that made this retreat so special. I am grateful to everyone at Confluence and my fellow travelers I met on this journey. I have experienced clarity and growth in both my personal and professional life, and the investment for this experience was well worth it and then some! I highly recommend this to anyone curious about exploring plant medicine/psychedelics. Thank you, Confluence Retreats!

Before discovering Confluence Retreats- and well before I could have possibly known what this experience I was courting in my mind actually was - it was increasingly clear to me that the only way such a trek was going to work for me was with “heavy guardrails“ in place.

From my first phone call with a staff member I felt my anxiety lessen in this regard. However, nothing could have prepared me for the level of care, structure, expertise, and good sense I experienced and witnessed at Confluence. This is a group that is truly “in-service“ to their participants. Every aspect of this, from pre-arrival to post-journey was exquisitely handled -and to Confluence Retreats I am grateful.

My first interaction with Miles at Confluence Retreats was not just professional, but also deeply enlightening. His commitment to the well-being of all participants was palpable, and his profound knowledge was a guiding light throughout the retreat.

Having previously experienced a psilocybin retreat in Jamaica, I was curious about how the more structured program at Confluence Retreat would compare. To my delight, the unique blend of a structured program and additional healing modalities, such as breathwork, yoga, and integration circles, made it a truly exceptional experience. The second ceremony was a revelation.

I cannot say enough about the staff. They were all amazing, and I felt so held in the space they created. Oh, and the food! Mouthwatering from the first bite to the last, everything was prepared fresh and organically. The retreat was nestled in a serene natural setting with breathtaking mountains and a calming fountain. The accommodations were spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, providing a perfect retreat away from daily stress at home. The scenery was breathtaking, and the accommodations were top-notch.

If you are reading this review and are doubting whether a mushroom retreat is for you, please do not be disappointed. The retreat offered a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. I experienced a deep sense of peace and clarity, and I was able to address and release past traumas. There is so much healing and transformation on the other side, and I absolutely recommend Confluence Retreats as the place to experience it.