Women's Wisdom Awakening Retreat

Heather Lee, LCSW

Heather is one of the US’s first Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapists. Heather has been a women's wellness coach/ psychospiritual therapist and women’s retreat leader for over thirty years. She is the Founder and Director of Medicine Woman Retreats and co-founder of Wellness and Wisdom Journeys. Heather uses her depth of understanding and expertise in the soul and science of psychedelics to create magical and meaningful women's retreats internationally.

Heather is passionate about plant medicine as a powerful path for connecting with inner wisdom and greater mind/body/spirit wellness. Her cancer journey has deepened her connection to psilocybin as a medicine for the soul. She has experienced firsthand the ability of psychedelic medicine to illuminate the connection between thoughts, emotions and physical dis-ease. Heather's work has been featured by Lisa Ling on CBS as well as the Drew Barrymore Show.

Monica Ramunda, MA, LPC, LCMHC

Monica has been in the mental health field for over 30 years and in private practice for the last 23 years. She is Founder and Owner of Rocky Mountain Counseling Services and Lighthouse Counseling Services. She is a trained Ketamine Assisted Therapist with Fluence and one of the First US  Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapists. 

Monica's passions include transforming people’s lives with the assistance of psychedelics. She is a lifelong learner, hoping to inspire other women to find their passion and happiness during their 40s and beyond.  Monica finds inspiration from nature, animals, and travel. She is inspired by Grandma Moses (who shares her same birthday), who began painting at age 78 and was voted “Young Woman of the Year” at age 88. She hopes to follow in her footsteps. 

Monica was a tour guide in South America for over a year, leading tours in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Monica had the honor of leading guests to sacred sites such as the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. She experienced the beautiful traditions of the indigenous people of Peru, witnessed their ceremonies and experienced the time-honored traditions of the native indigenous tribes. Monica has a particular love of Peru and the Quechua people and culture. She now brings her background as a tour guide and experience witnessing native traditions and rituals to her retreats. Monica’s passion for travel and love of native traditions, as well as her therapy background, helping people gain insight and breakthroughs in their lives, have come together in her retreats, with the assistance of psychedelics. 

Through Monica’s journey into middle age, she has found inspiration, a wealth of knowledge and inner wisdom, and contentment. She has found new meaning as her children have transitioned into adulthood and a chance to enjoy this renaissance time of her life.  

Ideal Participants:

Women Seeking Deeper Personal Growth: The retreat is tailored for women who have already explored traditional therapies and personal growth modalities but are looking for a more profound and transformative experience. You are ready for a deep dive into your soul and psyche. 

Those Interested in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: This retreat is ideal for those who are open to and interested in the use of psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, as a therapeutic tool. It's meant for individuals who believe that traditional talk therapy has limitations and are looking for an alternative approach.

Nature Lovers: Participants who appreciate the healing power of nature and are interested in immersing themselves in a beautiful natural environment. The retreat takes place in a location with ocean views, perfect for those who find solace in nature and the ocean.

Luxury Seekers: People who enjoy luxurious accommodations and want a high-end retreat experience with top-notch amenities.

Individuals Who Value Reflective Time: The retreat is designed for those who appreciate quiet time for self-reflection and personal growth, allowing them to connect with themselves and nature

1:1 therapy or private time with the group leaders Heather or Monica. While they both offer individual therapy via private practice, this is NOT a therapy retreat. This is a GROUP retreat and all activities are in group settings. If interested in more intensive work, you can arrange this privately with the group leaders.

Transportation to/from Costa Rica.

Medical screening and evaluation are required and an additional $200 fee approval by a medical team. 

Psychedelic medicines are safe and effective and are used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. These medicines also have the wonderful effect of enhancing openness, communication and heartfelt connections. There is a long history of psychedelic medicine being used in couples therapy and to enhance the quality of relationships. Psychedelic Medicine refers to a variety of medicines including mushrooms, which have been found to have health benefits for both physical and mental health. Skilled, supported use of mushrooms can also enhance neuroplasticity and consciousness.

What Is a Supported Experience

Your guides Heather and Monica will make sure you are clinically appropriate for psychedelics with an initial interview and assessment. If you are a candidate they will connect you with the medical team and you will do a medical screening and clearance online. During the psychedelic experience day, they provide a safe and skillfully supported experience where they attend to the set and setting to maximize the benefits of your experience. They offer pre and post-retreat coaching sessions to help you integrate and benefit from your experience. Heather and Monica are experienced, skilled and professionally trained psychedelic-assisted therapists, supporting you through this journey. There will also be additional assistants and trained guides working with the team. 

Punta Islita awakens with the sunrise over Guanacaste's stunning coastline, inviting you to explore its genuine charm and deep connections. The community's wisdom, the vibrant energy of the rainforest and the pristine beaches form a path to true authenticity. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Witness the vibrant hues of macaws, watch monkeys and diverse bird species thrive among the trees, or marvel at the awe-inspiring spectacle of a turtle nesting ritual. Experience an unparalleled closeness to nature as you zipline, kayak, surf or horseback ride through this extraordinary land. Every moment here resonates with the region’s Blue Zone way of life, reflecting a harmonious balance with nature.

Punta Islita’s tiered design ensures breathtaking views from every room. Savor exquisite, locally sourced cuisine at Alma & Aura Restaurants, indulge in world-class amenities and rejuvenate with artisanal healing rituals at Nanku Spa, rooted in the traditions of the Chorotega ancestors.

Experience one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Wellness and Wisdom Journeys supports the local community, indigenous traditions, and local fauna and flora. They donate 3% of their proceeds to a local Mmacaw sanctuary onsite at Punta Islita. 

Your accommodations:

Luxurious one-bedroom suite with private bath with views of the ocean and jungle, complete with king-size bed, private plunge pool and private outdoor patio to watch the macaws and howler monkeys from your back door.

Luxurious super suite with private bath, complete with king-size bed, private Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean and private outdoor patio/terrace to enjoy beautiful Punta Islita.

The event exceeded my expectations. The entire agenda was well-organized and thoughtfully planned. There were many extras I wasn’t expecting and the people that provided the services were professionals in their fields. Heather and Monica clearly know how to make people feel safe and comfortable in this space. I highly recommend them without hesitation.
- By Leslie H for Southwest Rewilding and Reawakening Women's Midlife Wisdom Retreat on Jun 12, 2024

This experience was absolutely amazing! One I will never forget. Monica and Heather were so supportive and helpful. A special bond and connection was formed with all the women. We learned and supported each other. The retreat venue and the food were healthy and the accommodations were superb! So grateful I had this opportunity to go!
- Anonymous

This experience exceeded my high expectations. Heather and Monica created a sacred, safe space in a beautiful environment for this life-altering journey. They are highly trained, experienced psychedelic wellness professionals. Every detail of the experience had been thought out and planned for. The camaraderie they fostered in our small group setting was essential for the integration of each women's experience. I would definitely recommend!
- By Katherine W for Psychedelic Wellness and Mindful Midlife Reset Women's Retreat: on Mar 20, 2024