Terms and Conditions
Comprehensive Retreat Agreement and Privacy Policy: Terms, Conditions, and Participant Guidelines for The Inner Shift Institute Since our retreats began in 2018, we have established clear rules and guidelines based on our practical experience to ensure a safe and positive experience for our guests. The following Terms and Conditions are designed to prepare you for both the ceremony and the retreat as a whole.
The Psilocybin used in our retreats is locally cultivated in the Netherlands. Participants must purchase it independently; we will provide detailed instructions on how to do so.
Our experienced facilitators will guide you through the process, adjusting the dose as needed for each individual. Psilocybin can induce a range of effects, including changes in perception, heightened emotions, and introspection. Physical effects may include nausea, chills, or dizziness, and the experience itself can vary from euphoric to challenging.
Psilocybin can help integrate unresolved aspects from the past, often triggering emotional, psychological, and physical discomforts as part of the healing process. Our facilitators are committed to ensuring your safety and providing the necessary support during the preparation, ceremony, and integration phases. An emergency protocol is in place should the need arise.
While our facilitators may offer suggestions regarding medicine or supplements based on their knowledge and experience, please be aware that we are not medical practitioners. It is essential that you consult with a qualified doctor to verify any recommendations before following them.
Participation is voluntary, and you may opt out before the ceremony begins, although refunds or discounts will not be provided. Full participation in the retreat’s integration activities remains beneficial even without the Psilocybin experience.
Facilitators may exclude you from a ceremony if they perceive any risk to your physical or psychological health. Psilocybin is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and may only complement a therapeutic process. If you are under treatment or taking medication, you must disclose this information before booking.
By accepting these Terms and Conditions, you agree to sign a declaration upon arrival, confirming your understanding and acceptance of these guidelines.
This agreement is between Consciousness Rising Org LLC (the Organizer of The Inner Shift Institute Retreats and Ceremonies) and You (the Participant).
The Inner Shift Institute operates under the umbrella of Consciousness Rising Org LLC Org as a subsidiary entity.
The present terms and conditions are subject to the law applicable in the Netherlands. Consciousness Rising Org LLC will not be responsible for any change on the terms and conditions needed by the rules and regulations approved by the Government, Parliament or Health Authorities. All the terms and conditions can suffer changes due to the situation of the country regarding COVID-19.
By booking a Retreat or online session with Consciousness Rising Org LLC you agree to all of the following items listed:
Terms and Conditions
This agreement is between Consciousness Rising Org LLC (the Organizer of The Inner Shift Institute Retreats and Ceremonies) and the Participant. The Inner Shift Institute operates as a subsidiary of Consciousness Rising Org LLC.
By booking a retreat or online session with Consciousness Rising Org LLC, the Participant agrees to the following Terms and Conditions:
1. Legal and Operational Framework:
- These terms are governed by the laws of the Netherlands. The organizer is not liable for any changes in the terms required by new government, parliamentary, or health authority regulations. Modifications may occur due to circumstances such as unforeseen events. - The organizer will not be responsible for any changes to these Terms and Conditions due to new rules and regulations approved by the Government, Parliament, or Health Authorities.
2. Participation and Safety:
- The Participant acknowledges that Psilocybin is a visionary plant and voluntarily chooses to take part in its use during the retreat.
- The Organizer will make every effort to ensure the safety and comfort of the Participant. However, the Participant must exercise caution and consideration for themselves and others and agrees to indemnify the Organizer against any claims for injury or loss.
- Respect for all participants is mandatory. Any overt or disruptive negativity may result in the Participant's expulsion from the retreat without notice or refund.
- The Organizer reserves the right to expel any individual acting disruptively, without prior notice, responsibility for a refund, or providing accommodation outside the retreat.
- If the Participant's behavior presents a threat to safety, the Organizer may physically restrain or expel the Participant from the retreat without prior notice, responsibility for a refund, or providing accommodation outside the retreat. Restraint will be conducted as gently as possible with respect for the Participant's dignity.
- Sexual activity between participants and staff is prohibited, except for couples attending together.
- The Participant understands that leaving the ceremony space without permission is at their own risk and may have consequences for their safety and well-being.
3. Health and Medical Considerations
- Before booking, the Participant is required to seek medical advice regarding the effects of Psilocybin, especially in combination with any medications the Participant may be taking.
- The Participant confirms that they are in an appropriate physical and mental condition to participate and takes full responsibility for their health during the retreat.
- The Participant must fully disclose their health history, medical conditions, and any medications they are taking before booking. Failure to do so could result in severe health risks, and the Organizer will not be liable for any consequences.
- The Organizer is not responsible for any personal decision the Participant makes to alter or stop taking prescribed medication.
- The Participant agrees to notify the Organizer of any changes in their medical circumstances and understands that withholding medical information could be dangerous to their health.
- The Participant confirms that they have not been diagnosed with any psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, or bipolar disorder. If the Participant has been diagnosed with any of these conditions, they acknowledge that they have been fully informed of the associated risks and accept complete responsibility for those risks.
- The Participant acknowledges that in rare cases, the Psilocybin experience can temporarily exacerbate symptoms or negatively impact their metal health. The Participant accepts this risk and will not hold the retreat organizers accountable for any adverse effects.
- If the Participant is pregnant, they acknowledge that participating in this retreat is at their own risk and agree not to hold the retreat organizers accountable for any consequences.
- The Participant agrees to adhere strictly to the required drug and pharmacological restrictions for at least two weeks before and after the retreat. Fundamental restrictions include avoiding street drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, or alcohol.
- If the Participant is found to possess unauthorized prescription drugs, street drugs, or alcohol, the Organizer reserves the right to deny them entry or expel them from the retreat without notice or refund.
- In the event of a medical emergency during the retreat, a representative from the Organization will accompany the Participant to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
- The Participant agrees to obtain health and travel insurance to cover any potential medical expenses or incidents during the retreat.
4. Nature of the Retreat:
- The services provided during our retreats, including those referred to as "Psilocybin therapy," are designed to facilitate personal growth, spiritual exploration, and holistic well-being through ceremonial practices. While some members of our facilitation team are licensed psychologists and psychotherapists, it is crucial to understand that the sessions offered during the retreat are not clinical therapy sessions. The primary focus of our retreat is the ceremonial and spiritual use of Psilocybin, accompanied by guided integration sessions aimed at supporting your personal and spiritual journey.
- The term "Psilocybin therapy" as used in our descriptions refers to the ceremonial and ritualistic use of Psilocybin, within a supportive, spiritually oriented environment. These ceremonies are led by experienced facilitators, including psychologists and psychotherapists, who provide guidance and integration support to help participants process and make meaning of their experiences. However, it is important to emphasize that:
- Non-Clinical Setting:
Although some facilitators are licensed professionals, the sessions conducted during the retreat are in non-clinical setting and are not intended to provide clinical therapy or medical treatment. The involvement of psychologists and psychotherapists is within the context of ceremonial guidance and integration, not as providers of clinical therapy during the retreat.
- No Replacement for Medical Treatment:
The practices and experiences facilitated during the retreat are not intended to replace any form of medical treatment or psychotherapy. Participants are strongly encouraged to seek appropriate medical advice from licensed healthcare providers for any physical or mental health concerns.
- Spiritual and Personal Growth Focus:
The retreat is designed to foster spiritual exploration and personal growth. The integration sessions, although facilitated by professionals, are meant to help participants understand and incorporate their experiences within the context of their broader life journey. These sessions are not a substitute for traditional therapy.
- Regulatory Status:
The information provided by the retreat hosts, including guidance during ceremonies and integration sessions, has not been evaluated by the Ministry of Health or any other medical authority. This means that our practices and information shared during the retreat do not have official medical endorsement or approval.
5. Liability and Risk:
- By participating in the retreat, the Participant acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for any risks involved, including potential psychological or physical effects.
- The Organizer is not liable for any injuries that may occur during or after the retreat. The Participant understands and accepts that participation is at their own risk.;
- In case of a medical emergency, the Organizer will take appropriate action to ensure the Participant's safety but acknowledges that the facilitators are not medical professionals.
6. Payment and Cancellations:
See our Refund and Postponement Policy here.
7. Force Majeure:
- The Organizer will not be held liable for the non-fulfillment or faulty fulfillment of obligations resulting from extraordinary or unpredictable situations beyond the control of the contracting parties, such as war (declared or undeclared), riots, civil insurrection, natural catastrophes, general nationwide or international strikes, fire, floods, explosions, threats or terrorist acts, epidemics, and other situations that prevent or hinder the fulfillment of obligations. In the event of any such occurrence, the Organizer will immediately inform the Participant of the impediment and will seek a consensual solution.
8. Group Retreats and Private Ceremonies
- When the Participant attends a group retreat, their participation is directly with the Organizer, which assumes full responsibility for organizing, facilitating, and managing all aspects of the retreat. This includes ensuring the quality of the experience, the safety of the Participant, and the overall coordination of the retreat activities.
- If the Participant opts to book a private ceremony, the nature of the relationship changes. In such instances, the Organizer functions solely as an intermediary, facilitating the initial connection between the Participant and the private ceremony facilitator. We carefully select our team members and screen them regularly to ensure they meet our high standards. However, the role of the Organizer in this context is limited to administrative support, such as processing the booking and collecting a deposit fee, which serves as an intermediary fee. Once the connection between the Participant and the facilitator is established, the Organizer's involvement is minimal, and the responsibility for the ceremony itself lies entirely with the facilitator. This means that the Organizer is not liable for any issues, challenges, or disputes that may arise during or after the private ceremony. Should any concerns or conflicts occur, they must be addressed and resolved directly between the Participant and the facilitator, without the involvement of the Organizer.
9. Declaration Before Participation:
- The Participant confirms that they have read and understood the advice provided and acknowledge the risks involved.
- The Participant affirms that they have abstained from alcohol and recreational drugs for at least 72 hours prior to the retreat and will adhere to all other required restrictions.
- The Participant acknowledges that the retreat is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or cure of any disease and that they participate voluntarily and at their own risk.
- The Participant agrees to follow all safety protocols and instructions provided by the facilitators to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
10. Confidentiality and Conduct:
- The Participant agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all personal information and experiences shared during the retreat.
- The Participant commits to adhering to a code of conduct that promotes respect, tolerance, and non-judemental behavior towards others. Aggressive behavior, unkindness, or uncaring behavior towards others will not be tolerated and may result in immediate expulsion from the retreat without notice or refund.
11. Additional Conditions for Private Ceremonies:
- If participating in a private ceremony, the Participant is advised to book an Airbnb or guesthouse. If the Participant chooses to stay in a hotel, they assume all responsibility for any issues that may arise.
12. Legal Compliance:
- The Participant understands that the use of Psilocybin may be subject to local laws and regulations. The Participant agrees to comply with all relevant legal requirements and acknowledges that the retreat organizers are not responsible for nay legal issues that may arise from their participation