Cultivating the Joy of Intimacy & Connection

This is a safe, structured retreat for couples led by a staff of licensed and highly experienced therapists and physicians in the beautiful Catskill Mountains at Menla Retreat and Spa.

“Joy as medicine, love as practice”

This retreat is an invitation for couples to slow down and deeply celebrate the nuances of their relationship, including aspects of joy and intimacy. Together, you will learn to understand each other’s needs and navigate challenges collaboratively. At the heart of the work is what we call noble communication: clear and compassionate exchange that lays the foundation for healthy relationships. As these skills deepen, couples often discover greater connection, more joy, and a deeper sense of unity.

Ketamine is used here as a tool to explore profound existential realms and open loving communication. We see joy as a core aspect of our being. When unblocked, it enhances not only our intimacy but also our overall health and happiness. Ketamine-assisted sessions are designed to open mental, emotional, and physical channels, allowing participants to meet these parts of themselves with clarity, insight, and acceptance. Mindfulness and meditation are woven throughout the retreat, supporting the ability to regulate emotions and thoughts and to meet each moment with balance and grace. Poetry and art are also offered as supportive practices, opening space for creativity and wonder and helping create the conditions for cultivating joy.

The program deepens personal and interpersonal connection within a group setting. The group is part of the medicine. Structured, meaningful conversations and guided practices support the exploration of relationship and intimacy in a nurturing environment. No prior experience with ketamine or other psychedelic medicines is required, and every couple begins with a screening call to ensure the retreat is a good fit. Preparation and integration are woven throughout the retreat so that what emerges can be understood and carried home into everyday life.

Please note: This retreat is not a short-term residential treatment and is not suitable for anyone experiencing an acute mental health crisis or living with severe, persistent psychiatric conditions. It is also not intended as mediation for couples considering breakup or divorce. Medical Interview required for attendance.

Steps to Join:

Step 1: Complete the retreat application form. Once we receive your application, you’ll get an email with instructions for scheduling a screening call with our Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator, Jayne Gumpel, LCSW. This call will be held over Zoom.

Step 2: If both you and our team feel the retreat is a good fit, we’ll ask you to make a 50% deposit of the retreat fee (note: housing costs are not included in this fee).

Step 3: After your deposit secures your spot, you’ll receive a welcome email with important next steps, including:

• Scheduling a medical screening appointment,
• Booking housing at Menla Retreat Center,
• Selecting a Pre-Retreat Preparation Group video call with other participants.

You’ll also receive access to the RetreatPortal, where you can find all of this information and more to help you prepare for the retreat.

We appreciate your understanding. Many, many steps go into creating this experience for you.

Schedule:
Rooms available at 4 pm
Medical retreat check-in: Thursday, 4 pm

Thursday, April 15

• 4 – 6 pm Medical check-in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7 – 9 pm Formal start of program

Friday, April 16

• 7:45 – 8:30 am Meditation or movement
• 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Morning program and first dosing session: Meet the medicine
  • 10:45 am Smoothies
• 12 – 3:30 pm Lunch and spa break
• 3:30 – 6 pm Afternoon program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7 – 9 pm Evening program
• 9 pm Optional gathering: play, bonfire, and more

Saturday, April 17

• 7:45 – 8:30 am Meditation or movement
• 8:30 – 10 am Integration and small groups
• 10 am – 12 pm Dosing session
  • 10:45 am Smoothies
• 12 – 1 pm Lunch and spa break
• 3:30 – 6 pm Afternoon program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7 – 9 pm Evening program

Sunday, April 18

• 8:15 – 9 am Integration and small groups
• 9 – 11 am Dosing session
• 11 am – 12:30 pm Brunch all together
• 12:30 – 3 pm Afternoon program
• 3 pm Program closes

*All participants must commit to staying until the close of the program.

*Please note this schedule is subject to change at any time.