Cultivating the Joy of Intimacy & Communication | A Ketamine-Assisted Retreat for Couples

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.

~Meet at the intersection of science and spirituality~

This retreat offers a safe, structured environment where couples can deeply explore the nuances of their relationship, including aspects of joy and intimacy. Participants will learn to understand each other’s needs and navigate challenges collaboratively. The retreat emphasizes cultivating an intimate bond through what we refer to as noble communication—clear and compassionate exchanges that lay the foundation for healthy relationships. By developing these communication skills, couples can enhance their connection, leading to greater joy and a deeper sense of unity.

Ketamine is utilized here as a tool to explore profound existential realms, facilitating open and loving communication. Joy, seen as a core aspect of our being, when unblocked, 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 connect with these aspects in a clear, insightful, and accepting way. The retreat also integrates mindfulness and meditation, crucial for regulating emotions and thoughts and fostering the ability to face each moment with balance and grace.

The program is designed to deepen personal and interpersonal connections within a group setting of like-minded couples. Structured, meaningful conversations and guided practices help explore pleasure and intimacy in this nurturing environment. No prior experience with psychedelic medicines or ketamine is required, and all participants begin with a screening call to ensure the retreat is a suitable fit. The combination of ketamine with mindfulness and meditation offers a profound journey into a more conscious and purposeful life. These practices aim to reconnect participants with themselves, enhancing safety, resilience, and vitality in their lives. With an innate capacity for presence, compassion, and recognition of joy’s healing power, the retreat emphasizes safety and preparedness for all participants to engage meaningfully with the group and the experiences offered.

Please note: This retreat is not a short-term residential treatment and is unsuitable for anyone experiencing an acute mental health crisis or those with severe, persistent psychiatric conditions. This retreat is not meant as mediation for those considering breakup or divorce.

Steps to Join:

Step 1: Complete the retreat application form. Once we receive your application, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to schedule 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 you’ve paid the deposit to secure 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 details for the RetreatPortal, where you can find all this information and more to help you prepare for the retreat.

Apply Now

For additional questions please check out our FAQ’s page.

Fees:

Relationship Resources Cost:

Early bird pricing (until 12/1/24): $1900 per person or $3800 total for the couple

Regular price (for bookings made after 12/1/24): $2150 per person or $4300 total for the couple

50% deposit due upon enrollment. 50% remaining balance due to confirm registration.

PLEASE NOTE: This cost does not include the cost of housing or the medical screening, which are paid separately (see details below)

Housing & Meals Cost

The above fee does NOT include housing. Individual or shared (on request) accommodations available.

Prices range from $250 to $380 a night (final prices may be subject to change) including delicious vegetarian meals. After being accepted, housing cost will be paid directly to Menla with a link provided.

Medical Intake Costs

Medical Intake: The fee to be paid to the medical provider is $500 total for the couple. A payment link will be provided to pay your assigned medical provider. If approved payment for medication ($70-$87) paid to Pharamacy.

Organizer/faculty contact details
Jayne Gumpel, LCSW

jayne@relationshipresources.info

914.924.1509 (cell)

www.relationshipresources.info

Woodstock, New York 12498

Schedule

Thursday, April 24

• 3 – 6 pm Arrival and Room Check-in
• 4 – 6 pm Medical Check-in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7 – 9 pm Formal Start of Program

Friday, April 25

• 7:15 am Meditation or Movement
• 8:15 am Morning Program and First Dosing Session: Meet the medicine
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 12 – 3:30 pm Free Time for Relaxation and Spa – Optional Meditation or Yoga Class
• 3:30 pm Afternoon Program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7 – 9 pm Evening Program
• 9 pm Optional Program for Play, Bonfire, etc

Saturday April 26

• 7:15 am Meditation or Movement
• 8:15 am Integration and Small Groups
• 10 am Dosing Session
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 12 – 3:30 pm Free Time for Relaxation and Spa – Optional Meditation, Movement, Creative Writing Class
• 3:30 pm Afternoon Program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7 – 9 pm Evening Program

Sunday, April 27

• 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
• 8:15 am Integration and Small Groups
• 9 am Dosing Session (a time for spa or hike if not dosing)
• 11 am Brunch all Together
• 1 pm Afternoon Program
• 3 pm Program Closes

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

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.