Please join Matt and Susan McMillan at this very special

PRIVATE CEU IMMERSION RETREAT IN COSTA RICA

(Up to 25 Board-Approved CEUs)

Our Topic

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy:



 FDA Designated Breakthrough Therapies, Emerging Trends, and Revolutionary Clinical Implications

About the Event

Join veteran CEU providers Matt and Susan McMillan for an amazing week-long private continuing education retreat focused on the revolutionary science of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy in beautiful Montezuma, Costa Rica.

We have rented an entire 14 room luxury resort to ensure the utmost privacy, the chance to connect with colleagues, and the optimal learning environment for this unique experiential and educational event. This is truly a therapist's once in a lifetime opportunity.

About the Venue



This event will take place at Anamaya Boutique Hotel and Health Resort. While perched in the jungle overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is still only a short walk up from the beach and the quaint downtown, on the southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Located in a National Geographic "Blue Zone" (where people normally live to be over 100 years old), Anamaya sits only 900 steps away from the world famous Montezuma waterfalls.

Dates Times

8 days, 7 nights

May 14, 2022, 3:00PM - May 21, 2022 11:00AM

Room Accommodations

All rooms/cabinas are elegantly designed with every detail focusing on protecting the environment, including organic cotton or bamboo sheets. All rooms have ceiling fans, air conditioning and wifi. Most have ocean views. Gourmet, locally sourced, mostly organic meals are included. Click here to view accomodatoins and here to view cuisine.

What's included:

• 20 CEUs taught live and in-person by nationally recognized speakers Matt and Susan McMillan, veteran Board-approved providers and creators of the first laws and rules course for Florida therapists almost 30 years ago (with an additional 5 CEUs optional)
• Luxury Accommodations at a world-famous magnificent resort 
• Amazing Gourmet Meals prepared by a world-class chef: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with locally sourced, mostly organic food. Able to accommodate special diets, vegan and gluten-free options
• Salt Water Infinity Pool and ocean views
• Ground Transportation to and from local Tambor airport
• Private Access to spectacular Waterfalls on the edge of the premises
• Walk to secret tide pools known only to locals
• Walk to Piedra Colorado, the legendary colored stone beach said to be blessed by Indian spirits
• Sustainable living Permaculture farm tour and farm-to-table dinner
• Gourmet cooking lesson with world-class chef
• Fire dancing show presented by local artisans 
• Free morning exercise classes taught by Platinum recording artist Ken Jordan of the Crystal Method
• Healing Sound Journey on beachfront shala, overlooking the ocean
• Morning Yoga on a mountain top with 180-degree oceanview
• Wildlife encounters, including awakening to the sounds of howler monkeys
• Onsite Spa with hot stone massages and full range of health and beauty services (at extra cost). Learn more here.
• Sacred Cacao ceremony
• Special Opportunity to participate in advanced experiential 5 CEU course entitled The Psychedelic Experience and the Role of the Therapist: Ancient Healing Plant Medicine Ceremony from a Psychotherapeutic Perspective Learn more...

Extras

Option to participate in excursions such as

• Jungle Zip-lining
• Horseback riding on the beach/waterfall visit
• Surfing/surf lessons
• Fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling
• Guided glass-walking
• Relaxation and hot stone massages
• Tortuga Island snorkeling and boat tour

Why Learn About Psychedelics

It is no understatement to say that we are at the precipice of a revolution in psychotherapy. Not since the introduction of SSRIs in 1987 has our profession been presented with a such game-changer for clients suffering from mental health conditions, and the timing could not be more crucial. Anxiety, depression, suicide and opiate deaths continue to climb, despite our best efforts as therapists.

Could ancient healing medicines used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years find their way to prominence in today’s mental health profession?

This summary graphic image depicts the neural connections in the brain without (left) and with the psychedelic substance Psilocybin (right). The image demonstates “neural sprouting,” similar to what happens to a developing fetal brain, or neuroplasticty. New connections are formed, translating to new perceptions, and in the proper context with a trained therapist, new insights, and a even a new world view. Imagine the psychotherapeutic (and even societal) implications!

It is happening now, both underground and with the sanctioning of the FDA, with the class of substances commonly referred to as PSYCHEDELICS.



Be ready with the knowledge and skill to assist clients and diversify your practice as these breakthrough therapies come to market.

 

MDMA, a psychedelic “party drug” outlawed in 1985, has recently been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA for its use as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treating PTSD. Now in Phase 3 clinical trials, 83% of clients who underwent MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy no longer meet criteria for PTSD compared with 25% of the placebo.

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, also has Breakthrough Theraapy designation. Studies show that, combined with specialized therapy, psilocybin is effective at relieving emotional and existential distress at end of life for 65-85% of terminally ill people.

Ketamine, now legal in all 50 states, is a psychedelic medication which is being used successfully for treatment-resistant depression when all other forms of treatment have failed. Depression and suicidal ideation resolve rapidly and dramatically, with results more likely to be retained when combined with psychotherapy from a knowledgeable and informed therapist.

Psychedelics are now being tested in clinical trials as a treatment for depression, trauma, alcohol use disorders, nicotine dependence, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, cluster and migraine headaches, chronic pain, autism, and anxiety disorders including those related to life-threatening illnesses.

These are just a few of the breakthrough therapies that will be evaluated in this fascinating course.

LEARN HOW THE BRAIN IS CHANGED

LSD - This brain scan, with eyes closed, shows the areas of the brain lit up where sight is registered. LSD allows for an increase in communication between brain networks that normally do not commnicate. In essence test subjects can "see" with their eyes shut. Subjects report lasting changes in well-being as a result of seeing things, including traumatic events and unhealthy behavioral patterns, in a whole new way.

Ayahuasca - The plant medicine used by cultures in the Amazon for thousands of years is now being studied by modern scientists who are finding that not only is ayahuasca safe, but it is remarkably effective at improving quality of life and reducing psychopathology scores. One mechanism of action is the creation of new brain cells, as demonstrated by this in vitro study. The green shows the creation of new neurons when components of ayauasca are applied in a cell culture. Think of the implications for traumatic brain injury and Alzheimers.

Students who take this course will stand ahead of the curve as the next wave of scientific discoveries regarding

the brain and human behavior emerges.

WHAT YOUR COLLEAGUES ARE SAYING ABOUT MATT AND SUSAN'S COURSES

"What an incredible lecture. You two are amazing." Sarah Vanderbilt, IMH, Broward County, FL

“This course was ground-breaking. It deserves national consideration. Incredible, risky, brave and informative.” Joseph Bolduc, LMHC, Miami Dade, FL

"Every moment of this presentation was awesome." Andrea Dawkins, RMHCI, Miami Dade

"Keep up your great presentations! I always learn so much in a fun, relaxed and entertaining way." Mary Lou Johnson, LMHC, Manatee County, FL

"This course was truly invaluable and so unique." Sara Tomlinson, LMHC, St. Augustine, FL

“This course is an incredible experience! Take it!”  Jacqueline McCollum-Bridges, LMHC, Lake, FL

Read more reviews...





Join us in paradise as we delve into the latest and most fascinating psychotherapeutic challenges and transformational solutions

of our time.

Your immersion adventure awaits you.

CE Board Approvals

National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Approved Education Provider for 20 CEs. 

NAADAC Provider #231357, Florida Continuing Education is responsible for all aspects of its programing.

This course has also been approved by

FL Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, & Mental Health Counseling, CE Broker #50-539

Complimentary Board Approval granted by:

FL Board of Midwifery

FL Board of Dietetics and Nutrition

Approved Provider through the Florida Certification Board

Complimentary Approval by Oregon's Board or Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists

We are a proud Tree-Nation partner and a carbon neutral company. For every course you buy, we plant a tree in your name.