Frequently asked questions
What you want to know before you sign up.
Honest answers to the questions we hear most often, and the ones you might be asking yourself.
This work runs deep, and trust is built through clarity. Here we answer everything that comes up in our conversations, including the uncomfortable questions.
If you can't find something, write to us. We'll answer you personally.
I
Our approach
How we work, what matters to us, what sets us apart.
What makes your approach distinctive?+
We combine several powerful modalities within one coherent framework: deep breath, music and sound, creative expression, movement in nature, carefully guided psychedelic experiences, and work with lucid dreaming.
What is breathwork and what role does it play?+
Breathwork is a conscious, guided breathing technique that can lead to very deep states of consciousness without any substance at all. We use it both as a stand-alone practice and as preparation and support for the psychedelic experience.
What is lucid dreaming, and why is it part of the retreat?+
Lucid dreaming means being conscious within the dream, knowing that you're dreaming while you're dreaming. We give you an introduction and concrete techniques, and support the practice throughout the retreat.
Who is behind Lucid-Dream?+
Jens is present throughout every retreat, from arrival to departure. He is a Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie and a certified Breathwork Facilitator.
You'll find out exactly who's part of your retreat in the initial consultation, with names and qualifications. We don't withhold this. It's simply not listed on this page because it differs from one date to the next.
Is there scientific evidence for what you offer?+
The honest answer is: not for what we offer, but yes, for the field we operate within. This distinction matters to us, and we don't want to spare you from it.
If you're looking for treatment, we're not the right fit, your path belongs in medical or psychotherapeutic hands. We'll say so openly in the initial consultation, even if it means you don't come to us.
II
Safety & Guidance
The most important question: how do you keep people safe?
What happens if I get scared during the experience?+
Difficult phases are part of this work. They aren't the risk. They're often the place where something essential shows itself.
What is the legal framework in Portugal?+
In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to decriminalize the possession and use of all substances for personal use. This pragmatic policy is widely regarded as groundbreaking and is watched internationally.
What does the medical preparation look like?+
Before every booking, there's a detailed video pre-consultation (about 60 min). In it, we clarify:
What if I'm taking antidepressants or other medication?+
Certain medications, particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors and lithium, need to be adjusted gradually before the retreat, under medical supervision. Usually 2–6 weeks before the start, depending on the substance.
Never stop taking medication on your own. We'd rather wait for a future retreat than have you do something risky.
III
The experience itself
What to expect, and what not to expect.
How many ceremonies take place?+
There are two ceremonies. The first, on Tuesday, is an intensive, guided breathwork session: through conscious, connected breathing, you're gently brought toward an expanded state of consciousness, under your own power and controllable by you at any moment. The second, on Thursday, is the deeper psychedelic ceremony. Between them lies a day of integration and stillness.
Do I need to have prior experience with something like this?+
No. About half of our participants come with no prior experience at all, and that's fine. You arrive without preconceptions, without expectations shaped by earlier settings.
What if I "don't feel anything"?+
Very rare. The far more common experience is feeling more than you expected.
What does integration look like after the retreat?+
For us, integration isn't an add-on. It's core to the work. It happens on several levels:
IV
Suitability & Requirements
The honest answers to the question: am I in the right place?
Who should definitely not participate?+
This work is not suitable if any of the following apply to you:
And because you might not just take our word for it. Here's what former participants say themselves:
"Who would I advise against it? People who expect a quick fix. And people who don't really want to engage with themselves."
"People who are only looking for an extraordinary experience. And people who don't want to change or reflect on anything afterwards."
"People who have no room for intense feelings right now. And people who expect others to tell them how to live their lives."
If you're unsure whether any of this applies to you: sign up for an initial consultation. We'll work it out together, honestly and without pressure.
I'm currently in a life crisis, does this fit?+
Acute crises need stabilization first, deeper work second. If you're currently going through a fresh separation, a grieving process, burnout, or a severe depressive episode: let's talk.
Will I be "healed" after the retreat?+
No. Anyone who promises you that is not credible.
"The inner journey itself was less spectacular than I had expected, but more personal. I'm not suddenly a different person, but I'm more honest with myself."
Is this right for me if I've never had a psychedelic experience before?+
This isn't a festival experience. It's a conscious, prepared and guided engagement in a protected setting, where set and setting matter just as much as what shows itself.
V
The practical details
Travel, accommodation, meals, what to bring.
How do I get to the retreat?+
Step 1: Fly to Lisbon or Porto. Both options work well, depending on the connections from your home airport.
Where will I stay?+
You'll stay in our traditional schist house (Xisto), a tipi, or a bell tent, depending on availability and your preferences.
In the pre-consultation, we'll ask about your accommodation preferences. Private or shared rooms are both possible.
What are the meals like?+
Full board, vegetarian and vegan, freshly prepared and mindfully put together. We cook ourselves. Many ingredients come from the region.
What do I need to bring?+
You'll receive a detailed packing list about four weeks before the retreat. The basics:
Will I have phone signal? Wi-Fi?+
We explicitly recommend turning off your phone or leaving it in the car. These five days are a deliberate time away from the digital world. That's part of what makes them work.
VI
Costs & Cancellation
Transparency about the investment, and what happens if you can't make it.
What does a retreat cost?+
The standard price per person is €2,100.
What payment options are there?+
Two options, offered on equal terms:
- Option A: 30% deposit on booking, 70% no later than 30 days before the retreat begins
- Option B: payment in instalments over several months. We agree on an individual split in the initial consultation
If the amount is tight but the impulse is real: talk to us. We often find a way. What we do not do: put pressure on you or talk you into spending money.
What happens if I get sick or can't make it?+
We strongly recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance with illness cover. That's the most reliable solution for anything nobody sees coming, and simply sensible for an investment of this size.
Can I deduct the retreat as an educational expense?+
That depends on your individual tax situation, occupation, and national legislation. We can't give you a blanket answer on this, please speak with your tax advisor.
Still have questions?
Some answers need a conversation.
If your question isn't answered here, or if something only really makes sense in dialogue: reach out. We'll take the time. A 30-minute initial consultation, free, no obligation, with full understanding and no language barrier.