Our Ibogaine support programme
Tabula Rasa Retreat, Europe’s preferred ibogaine treatment centre guarantees a unique and bespoke programme focused on different perspectives of the human being: mind, body and soul! We provide a range of treatment services for those who are suffering from dependency: holistic therapies focused on spiritual energy, groups and 1:1 counselling to work cognitive behaviour, fitness, and a balanced diet to improve physical well-being and an experienced medical team to look after your medical needs. Tabula Rasa Retreat has the ability and knowledge to support clients, and their families, at all stages of the recovery process, from withdrawal and residential treatment, to aftercare services and supporting you to become independent and drug-free for life.
THE PROGRAMME:
PRE-CARE
We work closely with our partner Ibogaine pre-treatment counsellor and recommend that clients with substance abuse issues go through at least ten pre-treatment sessions to prepare for their stay at Tabula Rasa. Ideally, our clients will carry on this work with our in-house counselling team.
Our pre treatment partner helps people use ibogaine as a tool to become more connected and comfortable in who they are, thereby removing the need to self-medicate and enabling them to modify the ways in which they navigate the world. The process is therefore not about drugs per se. Rather, it’s about connecting to one’s authentic self and living a meaningful life – whatever that may be for each individual person – and, consequently, no longer feeling the compulsion to use drugs.
IBOGAINE TREATMENT
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring plant-based alkaloid, extracted from the rootbark of the Tabernanthe Iboga shrub that grows in the forests of west Central Africa where it has a history of being used as a catalyst for rites of passage, spiritual exploration and healing by the African Bwiti culture.
The Ibogaine treatment works in two ways. The first process involves greatly reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings and increasing long-term periods of abstinence or reduced use or positive/healthier changes in use patterns. The second process involves an experience that may be considered psychotherapeutic or emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually healing. Some people report having dream-like visions. Not everybody experiences these visions, everyone has a different experience.
CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES
We want you to come to us with a commitment to self-knowledge and self-actualisation, rather than simply to detox off drugs. We work with specialist counsellors who focus on ibogaine pre-treatment support. This is followed up by group and 1:1 addiction counselling while you are with us in Portugal, and beyond.
HOLISTIC THERAPIES
Our team provides a range of holistic treatments to help you establish trust, experience self-love and build your self-esteem.
Our horses will help you to meet your inner leader through their unfailing non-verbal communication. Our specialised bodywork massage will help you to release any uncomfortable emotions during your recovery and will teach you the art of staying present during intense life situations.
Holistic massages not only release physical discomfort at times but will also help you to build a non- judgmental relationship with your body.
Breathwork (holotropic) is a unique form of therapy that focuses on the techniques of circular connected breathing to promote physical, psychological and spiritual healing. In recovery from addiction, breathwork is imperative for physical and mental well-being and to help avoid relapse.
Another enjoyable aspect of our holistic approach are our inspirational drum circles and sound therapy which will nourish and replenish the spiritual aspect of your being.
To minimalise the possibility of a relapse, we introduce you to our powerful kundalini yoga sessions. This style of yoga builds like no other on your willpower, your focus, and your ability to persevere which will be much needed tools when leaving us.
Depending on the physical condition of each client, Tabula Rasa Retreat provides several fitness sessions per week with our professional coach, Carlos Mesquita.
The food provided by us is mostly vegetarian, cooked with local products and prepared by our trained chef Sofia.
AFTERCARE AND RELAPSE PREVENTION
Towards the end of each client’s time at Tabula Rasa Retreat, a detailed and comprehensive aftercare program will be produced with the client, their counsellor and their therapy team.
Clients will be introduced to and encouraged to join our Ibogaine Recovery Movement Facebook page and participate in weekly Skype sessions with one of our facilitators. This is vital to help you keep to your recovery path. These sessions are free to attend for the rest of your life.
‘W’HOLISTIC TREATMENTS
“You yourself are time – your body, your mind, the objects around you.
Plunge into the river of time and swim, instead of standing on the banks and noting the course of the currents.” Philip Kapleau
A ‘w’holistic approach to health means taking care of the person totally, all aspects. There are five main aspects of personal health: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. So, in order to be considered “well”, it is imperative for none of these areas to be neglected.
Holistic approaches to drug and alcohol addiction can be very helpful through all stages of recovery. From detoxification to reducing stress and improving emotional, mental and physical well-being, holistic approaches can play a vital role in regaining personal balance.
For the recovering addict, holistic approaches should be accompanied by a professional treatment plan that can be effective well beyond the initial recovery phase.
Recent scientific studies have demonstrated dramatically improved success rates with the addition of holistic treatment approaches.
Part of a holistic approach to recovery includes being in nature. Finding a safe, serene, and natural environment can refresh the soul and provide the opportunity to connect to yourself.
If we want something to change in our lives, the change needs to start from within. The offered modalities at Tabula Rasa Retreat will help you to make these changes.
• Breathwork detoxifies the body on a physical and emotional level and connects you back to your true self.
• Sound and Toning are powerful tools which align your emotional and energetic body and can raise your awareness, thus having the ability to speed up your recovery.
• Dietary changes can work to change old patterns you feel familiar with which did you more harm than good.
• Kundalini Yoga helps to develop a strong nervous system to counter the desire to repeat the behaviour when it arises and to cope with strong emotions. A daily practice of some kind will develop the ´muscle ´ of willpower and self esteem.
• Equine Assisted Therapy can help you with building trusting relationships. Also, horses will mirror feelings and behaviours which you are not yet aware of.
• Meditation helps to enhance the ability to focus in general, reduces stress and brings calmness to the mind.
• Rebalancing Bodywork & Massage brings back awareness into the body and helps you to connect and understand your body in a non-judgmental way.
• Pandora Star Light treatments guide your brain into a range of beneficial states of brainwave activity to form new neural pathways.
• Kambo detoxes your body both physically and energetically to support your process in leaving the past behind.
• Psilocybin assisted therapy creates new levels of understanding who you are.
If you liked some of the offered holistic modalities, we strongly encourage you to implement one or more of them in your life, after leaving us.
Take your time to read through the different treatments in more detail below and find out more about their background.
