Ethical Commitment and Informed Consent for Transcendent Psychology Retreats
Introduction
The Honor Pledge & Consent is a mutual agreement between facilitators and participants.
It defines the ethical foundation of Transcendent Psychology Retreats — ensuring that every experience takes place within a safe, transparent, and respectful environment.
This document is inspired by the ICEERS Dandelion Model and adapted to the therapeutic and educational framework of Transcendent Psychology, which integrates psychology, ethics, and spiritual practice.
By reading and signing this pledge, you acknowledge your responsibility for self-care and informed participation, and you recognize the facilitators’ ethical duty to hold a safe, non-exploitative space for your process.
The Spirit of the Pledge
Our retreats are not only about plant medicine — they are about presence, trust, and integrity.
This pledge is not a legal contract alone; it is a symbolic and ethical covenant that honors the sacredness of this work and the humanity of all involved.
Together, we create a field of respect and awareness — one where each person’s freedom and safety are protected.
1. Before the Retreat
Facilitator’s Commitments
As facilitators, we pledge to:
- Provide clear and accurate information about the retreat, the plants involved, and all associated risks.
- Ensure that each participant completes a full Health & Safety Questionnai and Screening Interview.
- Review this information confidentially and ethically, referring participants to other support when needed.
- Clarify that plant ceremonies are not a substitute for psychotherapy or medical treatment, but can be complementary.
- Respect the laws, health, and dignity of every participant.
Participant’s Commitments
As a participant, I pledge to:
- Attend the retreat voluntarily and of my own free will.
- Be truthful in all medical and psychological disclosures.
- Inform facilitators of any medication, physical condition, or emotional difficulty that may affect my safety.
- Follow preparation guidelines and dietary restrictions prior to the retreat.
- Approach the experience with humility, openness, and respect for myself and others.
Review the Preparation Guide →
2. During the Retreat
Facilitator’s Commitments
We pledge to:
- Create and maintain an emotionally and physically safe environment throughout the retreat.
- Offer compassionate care and grounding when participants request or need it.
- Maintain sobriety, emotional neutrality, and confidentiality.
- Never exploit or influence participants emotionally, sexually, or financially.
- Never leave participants unattended during ceremonies or in vulnerable states.
- Intervene only to ensure safety or containment.
Participant’s Commitments
I pledge to:
- Respect the ceremonial space and all participants.
- Avoid leaving the ceremony without informing the facilitators.
- Refrain from touching, interrupting, or interfering in the process of others.
- Request support when in distress, instead of trying to manage crises alone.
- Use breathing, stillness, and trust to navigate intensity.
💡 Note: facilitators are always available during the ceremony to provide assistance in moments of difficulty.
3. After the Retreat
Facilitator’s Commitments
We pledge to:
- Maintain post-retreat availability for integration and emotional follow-up.
- Respect participant confidentiality and personal data protection.
- Encourage participants to continue their healing with integration practices and psychological support when needed.
- Document and review any incidents in a confidential and ethical manner.
Participant’s Commitments
I pledge to:
- Respect the confidentiality of all other participants.
- Communicate any adverse effects, emotional disturbances, or questions that arise after the ceremony.
- Avoid making major life decisions (relationship changes, career moves, relocation, etc.) immediately after the retreat without sufficient reflection or guidance.
- Engage in integration and self-care practices, giving the process time to unfold.
Learn more about Integration Practices →
4. Ethical Framework of Transcendent Psychology
Transcendent Psychology operates under the following ethical principles:
- Autonomy: Every person retains full agency over their participation and decisions.
- Non-Interference: Facilitators accompany, they do not interpret or impose.
- Confidentiality: All information shared remains private.
- Boundaries: No physical, sexual, emotional, or financial exploitation is tolerated.
- Integration: Every experience is followed by reflection and grounding into daily life.
This ethical model merges psychological safety, spiritual integrity, and human dignity — ensuring the work serves consciousness, not ego or power.
5. Informed Consent
About the Experience
The retreat may involve the ceremonial use of plant sacraments such as Ayahuasca, composed of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, which contain psychoactive compounds with visionary and introspective properties.
Participants understand that:
- The experience can include visions, deep emotions, memories, or cathartic release.
- Temporary discomfort, nausea, fear, or emotional pain are possible parts of the healing process.
- Integration may require time, rest, and psychological follow-up.
- Effects are temporary (usually 4–6 hours), but insights may unfold for weeks.
- There are risks of physical or psychological distress in rare cases.
Facilitators will always prioritize participant safety and intervene when necessary.
Contraindications
Participation is not recommended for individuals who:
- Are under 18 years of age
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have severe cardiovascular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions
- Take medications such as SSRIs, MAOIs, or antipsychotics
- Have recently undergone major surgery or trauma
- Have a history of psychosis or manic episodes
Participant Declaration
By signing this document, I confirm that:
- I have read and understood the information provided.
- I have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive clear answers.
- I participate voluntarily and under no external pressure.
- I release the facilitators from liability for personal decisions made after the retreat.
- I agree to uphold the ethical guidelines described above.
Signatures
Participant Name: ___________________________
Date: ____ / ____ / _______
Signature: _______________________________
Facilitator Name: ___________________________
Date: ____ / ____ / _______
Signature: _______________________________
(Digital or physical signatures are accepted. A copy of this agreement will be provided to both parties.)
After Signing
Once this form is completed, your participation is confirmed.
Please ensure you’ve completed:
After signing, you will receive preparation reminders and logistical information about your upcoming retreat.
Acknowledgements
This document is adapted from the ICEERS AyaSafe4 – Honor Pledge and Consent Form under the
Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 International License, and expanded by Transcendent Psychology to include elements of psychotherapy ethics, trauma awareness, and facilitator responsibility.
We thank ICEERS for their pioneering work in creating open-access safety frameworks for entheogenic practices.
🔗 Learn more about the ICEERS Dandelion Model →
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- Meta Title: Honor Pledge & Consent | Transcendent Psychology Retreats
- Meta Description: Review the ethical and informed consent framework for Transcendent Psychology retreats — outlining rights, responsibilities, and safety commitments for participants and facilitators.
- Focus Keywords: ayahuasca consent form, participant agreement, retreat ethics, informed consent, ICEERS model
- Schema Type: “Agreement” or “HowTo”
- Internal Links: Health Questionnaire, Guide for New Participants, Emergency Protocols, Integration Pitfalls
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| Section | Visual Style |
|---|---|
| Hero Section | Full-width header, scales of justice icon ⚖️, muted gold gradient |
| Before/During/After Columns | Three horizontal cards with icons (🌱 / 🔥 / 🌅) |
| Signature Section | Two-column form style with lines |
| CTA | Button “Download Printable Version (PDF)” |
| Footer | Small note: “Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0” |
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