Retreat Info
About the Retreat:The ASCEND Retreat series features one psychedelic plant ceremony and offers you the opportunity to continue your transformational journey. Ascend Retreats are held in a uniquely western container: it is supported by rigorous health and safety protocols and is among several well-being programs developed by Dimensions’ team of experts. The Retreat’s five-star environment is a groundbreaking opportunity to leave the everyday behind. Pause, reflect, and connect to an enhanced sense of purpose.
* RETREAT PARTICIPATION IS BASED ON ASSESSMENT
PROGRAM INFO:
This Retreat spans three or four nights Wednesday through Sunday and is based on a three-night minimum stay.
• Daily morning group movement and meditation
• Daily Nature Forest Bathing
• One psychedelic Plant Medicine Ceremony (cannabis)
• Two wellness activities ( 3 night stays) and Three wellness activities ( 4 night stays)
(movement practices, bodywork, yoga, Qi Gong, meditation, acupuncture, breathwork, sound bath)
• Two bodywork sessions ( 3 night stays) and three bodywork sessions ( 4 night stays)
(reiki, reflexology, shiatzu, acupressure, massage, Thai massage)
• Seasonal outdoor and Lakeside water activities (canoeing, kayaking)
• Evening gatheringsFor the optimal psychedelic experience, our team will guide guests in purchasing, measuring, and identifying the ideal strains of cannabis to vaporize the Plant Medicine. Our recommendations for specific strains of cannabis are key to the success of the Retreat experience. Every Retreat program held at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands includes the provision of guidance and education in making a psychedelic cannabis blend. Through our preliminary evaluation process, our medical team is authorized to recommend cannabis-assisted exploration.
Description of Services:Accommodation and meals are included in your rate. Your accommodation in a private cabin includes all programmed activities, one cannabis psychedelic plant ceremony, and meals prepared daily to suit all dietary needs by Dimensions Algonquin Highlands’ Executive Chef Miriam Echeverria. These all-inclusive accommodations, amenities, and activities (including two wellness activities (3 on 4 night stays), two bodywork (3 on 4 nights stays), outdoor activities, evening gatherings, worksheets, and meditations) are all conducted by Dimensions’ staff.
Practitioners:Donald Currie, RP
A registered psychotherapist and integrative mental health provider with over 20 years of experience, Donald leads Retreat programming at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands. His clinical work focuses on healing through somatic and trauma therapies that are evidence-based and supported by neuroscience research. To guide Dimensions’ guests in the process of preparing and integrating their ceremonial experiences, he incorporates relational somatic psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR, acceptance and commitment therapy and internal family systems therapy with complementary wellness practices. He has received training and certification in psychedelic guiding, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, somatic psychedelic psychotherapy and ethical right relationship in psychedelic therapy.Over the course of his career, he has worked entirely with people looking to improve their mental health. He has extensive experience working with PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, complex family dynamics, grief and relationship challenges. Donald was a key member of the clinical team at Helix Healthcare Group, a treatment facility for mental health and addiction. For over two decades, Donald has based his own private practice in Toronto. He believes in the importance of reciprocity and has worked to remove the barriers of access by providing free mental health services to marginalized individuals at his private practice.
Team/Medical Staff:Dr. DJ Cook, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. D.J. Cook is Chair and Head of Neurosurgery at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Cook practises cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. His research program is focused on brain network dynamics in health, disease and recovery.Details
Founder(s) / CEO: Chris Dawson + Andrew GallowayGroup Size: 16 maxPrice Range: $1,200 per night (starting at)Our Process
Overview of Experience:Embark on your psychedelic-assisted therapy journey with cannabis for well-being at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands in Ontario, Canada. Be surrounded by others who are equally dedicated to becoming the best version of themselves through the mindful exploration of cannabis as a psychedelic plant.Join Dimensions Algonquin Highlands’ Clinical Director Donald Currie, RP, and his team of leading massage therapists, and hospitality experts providing a new paradigm for well-being.All-inclusive Retreat journeys at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands run for a three-night minimum and begin every Wednesday at Dimensions Retreats’ new Canadian lakeside destination.
Intake Process:The intake process begins with establishing "container" before, during and after the retreat program. Our therapeutic setting is established to address safety, vulnerability, and privacy. A strong therapeutic container includes the physical space, the attunement of the facilitator, and the shared agreements of the group members (confidentiality, mutual respect and goals of healing). Our intake process is very in-depth and all guests are assessed for readiness prior to onboarding. Persons who are not accepted may be introduced to other more suitable programs.
Supplemental Modalities: (movement practices, bodywork, yoga, Qi Gong, meditation, acupuncture, breathwork, sound bath) • Two bodywork sessions ( 3 night stays) and three bodywork sessions ( 4 night stays)  (reiki, reflexology, shiatzu, acupressure, massage, Thai massage)Psychedelic Substances Offered: CannabisHow does this Center source medicine?:Our Dimensions staff and therapists follow all regulatory guidelines and do not provide cannabis to our guests for their ceremonial experience. Retreat guests are advised to procure cannabis for their personal Plant Medicine use. We have developed professional relationships with local dispensaries. All cannabis purchases must be made for personal use, and in accordance with local regulations.
For the optimal psychedelic experience, our team will guide guests in purchasing, measuring, and identifying the ideal strains of cannabis to vaporize the Plant Medicine. Our recommendations for specific strains of cannabis are key to the success of the Retreat experience. Every ASCEND program held at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands includes the provision of guidance and education in making a psychedelic cannabis blend. Through our preliminary evaluation process, our medical team is authorised to recommend cannabis assisted therapy. Our on-site therapists provide ceremonial support for all guests to use their own Plant Medicine while participating in a Dimensions Retreat.
Practice reciprocity with local communities?: YesPhotos
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