A Sacred Plant Medicine Retreat for First Responders & Their Families

Behind the scenes lies a silent epidemic of those on the front lines and the families that stand behind them. Similar to military service members returning from combat, depression and PTSD are five times more common in first responders and suicide rates are on the rise.

First responders face stress and trauma daily. That takes a toll over time. Nearly 60% experience burnout or other mental health challenges from constant exposure to crisis.

A survey of more than 4,000 first responders, published by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services in 2015, found they are 10 times more likely than the general population to consider or attempt taking their own lives – 37% of respondents reported they had contemplated suicide.

With a lack of culturally competent mental health resources available to first responders and their families, it’s time to find a new approach to healing.

Psilocybin and Trauma Recovery

Repeated trauma can rewire the brain, leading to emotional numbness, over-alertness, and disconnection. But there is hope.

Psilocybin and other classic psychedelics have been shown to calm the brain’s fear center (the amygdala), support emotional processing, and help form new, healthier neural pathways.

In professions where emotions are often suppressed, trauma can get stuck in the body. Psilocybin invites deep emotional release and inner clarity, gently uncovering the imprints that block our natural resilience, vitality, and wholeness.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Jason & Kimberly’s Story​

Owners of Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, Jason & Kimberly Ocana, know how unresolved trauma, stress, and burnout can permeate the families surrounding first responders.

As a retired firefighter paramedic, Jason struggled silently for years with depression, hypervigilance, emotional shut down, and burn out. His method of coping was typically alcohol, isolation, and dissociation. Through his smile and jovial personality, he hid the scars well. Until one day it had become too much for their family.

Hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022, Jason & Kimberly lost their home and belongings under 30 inches of water. Trying to salvage the remains, Jason steadfastly worked to support the community. When he finally returned home, he did so with a bottle and no emotional capacity for his family. It was at this point Jason & Kimberly a drastic change needed to take place.

Your Journey Towards Transformation ​

Join us in a private jungle sanctuary overlooking the Pacific Ocean for a 7-day, 6-night psilocybin retreat designed by and for first responders and their loved ones.

This one-of-a-kind experience blends sacred plant medicine, somatic healing, and community in a space rooted in safety, trust, and care.

Together we’ll begin with a heart-opening cacao ceremony, then move through three unique psilocybin experiences:

• Day 1: Early Check In, Welcome Orientation, Opening Sacred Ceremony

• Day 2: Integration, Playa Grande Beach Excursion, Preparation for Early AM Ceremony

• Day 3: Sunrise ceremony with sound healing, afternoon in silent reflection, evening celebration dinner

• Day 4: Integration, Microdosing for Health & Nervous System Healing Workshop, Evening Live Music and Hape Ceremony

• Day 5: Group Closing Circle, Departure

Our days will include rest, nervous system support, nourishing meals, and heartfelt sharing circles. You’ll also have the chance to work 1:1 with a somatic plant medicine specialist and connect with others who’ve walked a similar path.

After the retreat, we continue with 3 months of personalized integration and support. Come experience how ancient wisdom and modern care come together in a setting made for deep healing.

We invite you to book a Sacred Journey Consultation with us by visiting our website at www.anandalodgecr.com.

This retreat is designed for first responders and family members 18 years and older with no history of severe mental health conditions. All activities involve legal use of plant medicines within Costa Rica’s regulatory framework. Application and health screening required.