Based on the ICEERS AyaSafe Model (v2.0) and adapted to Transcendent Psychology practice
1. Purpose of the Interview
The screening interview is a key part of the preparation and welcoming process to a retreat or personal process event.
Its main goal is to evaluate the participant’s suitability, ensure psychological and physical safety, and establish a relationship of trust between facilitator and participant.
This conversation allows facilitators to understand the participant’s motivation, health status, emotional context, and support network, while clarifying expectations and providing accurate information about the ayahuasca process.
2. General Structure of the Interview
Recommended duration: 20–40 minutes
| Phase | Objective | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Welcome and connection | Build rapport, explain the purpose and confidentiality (Review along participant Registration Form) | 5-10 min |
| 2. Expectations and intention | Explore motivation and adjust expectations | 5–10 min |
| 3. Health and psychological review | Identify risks or contraindications | 5–10 min |
| 4. Support network and coping resources | Evaluate emotional support and resilience | 5–10 min |
| 5. Closing and agreements | Summarize, clarify doubts, sign documents | 5–10 min |
3. Phase 1 – Welcome and Connection
Goal: Establish a climate of openness and trust.
Suggested opening:
“This interview is a confidential space to help ensure your safety and to support you better during the session. Everything you share will remain confidential and will be used only to adapt the process to your needs.”
Guiding questions:
- What motivated you to participate in this retreat or session?
- What do you know or have you heard about ayahuasca or other plant teachers?
- What do you hope to experience or gain from this work?
These questions help detect unrealistic expectations and prevent disappointment .
4. Phase 2 – Expectations and Intention
Goal: Help the participant formulate a conscious and realistic intention.
“Beyond what you hope to experience, what would you like to understand, heal, or integrate in yourself through this process?”
Encourage participants to express their intention in a short, personal sentence, such as:
“I want to understand my fear,”
“I want to reconnect with trust,”
“I want to reconcile with my past.”
The intention is a point of focus, not a goal to control the experience.
Facilitators can suggest that participants write their intention in a personal journal or preparation document .
5. Phase 3 – Health and Psychological Assessment
5.1. Physical Health
Follow the Health Questionnaire, which gathers key medical information validated by doctors.
Confirm:
- Current or past use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or MAOIs .
- Presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases (epilepsy, hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes).
- Recent surgeries, gastric bypass, or problems vomiting (risk of aspiration) .
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If in doubt, request medical clearance before approving participation.
5.2. Mental Health
The AyaSafe 3 document highlights that around 25% of people experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, so screening for vulnerabilities is essential .
Core questions:
- How have you been sleeping lately?
- Who do you talk to when you feel bad or need support?
- Have you experienced anxiety attacks, severe depression, or suicidal thoughts?
- Have you ever had sudden and intense mood swings?
- Do you often feel alert or as if others are watching you?
- Have you ever experienced confusion, disconnection from reality, or hearing voices?
Interpretation:
Persistent insomnia + social isolation = amber or red flag.
If combined with paranoid ideas or perceptual changes → high risk (Red level) → not suitable for the session.
6. Phase 4 – Support Network and Coping Resources
“Who takes care of you or supports you when you are not doing well?”
“What helps you calm down or regulate when you are overwhelmed?”
This step assesses the participant’s external support system and self-regulation capacity.
Limited support or weak coping skills may indicate the need for closer monitoring or follow-up integration sessions.
7. Phase 5 – Risk Communication and Informed Consent
Facilitators must clearly explain:
- The possible psychological and physical effects of ayahuasca (visions, emotional release, vomiting, dizziness, changes in perception).
- That ayahuasca is not a substitute for psychotherapy or medical treatment .
- That intense or unpleasant moments can occur and support will be provided at all times.
Participants then sign the Informed Consent, formalizing the ethical commitments of both sides — confidentiality, presence, mutual respect, and post-session availability.
8. Risk Classification (Green–Amber–Red Model)
| Level | Indicators | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green | No major physical or psychological risks. Stable motivation and support system. | Fit to participate. Proceed with preparation. |
| Amber | Mild anxiety, recent grief, antidepressants discontinued <3 weeks, irregular sleep. | Postpone or conduct microdosing with supervision. Reassess later. |
| Red | History of psychosis, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, active medication, major illness. | Not fit to participate. Refer to clinical or therapeutic care. |
This triage system integrates principles from AyaSafe 2, 3, and 5 as a safety net for facilitators .
9. Documentation
Each interview record should include:
- Date, name of facilitator and participant.
- Summary of physical and mental health findings.
- Declared intention.
- Assigned risk level and justification.
- Follow-up or referral plan.
Attach this to the participant’s Registration Form and Consent Form.
10. Closing and Follow-Up
End the interview by reinforcing trust and preparation:
“Thank you for your honesty. Everything you shared helps us support you better. If any change occurs in your health or emotional state before the retreat, please let us know.”
Provide the participant with educational material or links about:
- Emotional and dietary preparation.
- Grounding and self-care strategies.
- Emergency contacts and support channels.
11. Application in Transcendent Psychology Context
This adapted guide integrates the clinical ethics of psychotherapy (screening, confidentiality, informed consent) with the embodied presence of the facilitator (attunement, intuitive listening, energetic safety) — bridging modern psychology with traditional ceremonial wisdom.
It ensures a structured, transparent, and trauma-informed approach aligned with ICEERS’ Dandelion Model of Minimum Safety Standards.
