Ellie Holbrook

I was straight-edge sober for several years before I reintroduced psychedelic-assisted therapy back into my life.

Despite maintaining a lifestyle of abstinence and long-term recovery, working with medicine in a therapeutic context has deepened my recovery journey in ways I did not anticipate.

Sobriety gave me stability, integrity, and a more solid foundation on which to continue building my life, whereas medicine, ceremony, and ongoing integration work has given me so much more: increased depth, sustenance, love and interconnectedness, purpose, the ability to bless and release…

IMO, abstinence is was not the end-all-be-all of recovery. For me, it was deeply necessary for a time (and to be clear, I still abstain from alcohol, cannabis, street drugs, and prescriptions - even that which was not my DOC), and I owe so much of my life to those early years of my recovery journey and those promises I made to myself.

If you’re in recovery - from ANYTHING -
and you are curious about additional ways of walking the path, I would love to hear from you and continue the conversation.

Here’s to 9 years of freedom 🤍🪽

IMHO, no.

when people think of psychedelic medicine, they tend to think one of two things: healing or doing “drugs”.

and yes - these medicines can absolutely support deep healing, & they can be used recreationally. however, any seasoned traveler will also tell you that these medicines offer us so much more than just these two ends of the spectrum.

as a certified PAT, I’ve witnessed how these medicines can support in other incredibly profound ways:

neuroplasticity: psychedelics can help the brain rewire itself, creating new, more adaptive patterns of thought and behavior.

performance optimization: many high performers intentionally use journeys and microdosing to sharpen focus, regulate emotions, & enhance performance in a variety of settings.

creativity: these medicines help us access creative flow states & original insights that allow us to connect to a deeper intelligence
that seem harder to access in ordinary states of consciousness.

social connection: some medicines are considered empathogens, & can increase pro-social behavior & increased emotional states such as empathy and compassion, forgiveness, unity consciousness, & increased connection to others.

treatment of TBI and other neurological disorders: emerging research shows potential for certain medicines to reduce inflammation, stimulate neurogenesis, & improve cognition

clarity & visioning: many people come to this work not because they are in crisis, but because hope to clarify their purpose, realign with their values, or navigate life differently.

spirituality: these medicines can open us up to a deeper connection with the what feels sacred or divine & attune more acutely to their own inner guidance.

moral of the story: this path is unique to the journeyer. & under the right conditions (including proper intention, preparation, integration, and safety) they can be powerful tools for not only healing, but growth, expansion, & transformation, & enjoyment.

if you’re curious about what PAT could look like for you, reach out. it’s my greatest honor to help bridge the gap between science, spirit, & self-discovery.

I didn’t chose the meme life, the meme life chose me

and we are back !! books are open for this fall’s ayahausca retreats in Nosara, Costa Rica 🤍🌿

if you have felt the call to work with Ayahuasca, we invite you to this medicine experience in Nosara, Costa Rica November 15-24, 2025 with Anam Cara Retreats and our Shipibo Maestro and Maestra.

this All-Inclusive Retreat Package includes •

🌺 8 days/7 nights in a 5-star retreat center in Nosara, Costa Rica with shared or private casitas, or glamping tent (the glamping tent is actually so fun!)
🌿 3 medicine ceremonies in stunning sustainably built Maloca
🌺 flower baths and other ceremonial practices
🌺 transformative breathwork, yoga, sound healing, meditations, embodiment practices
•salt water infinity pool, mineral hot tub, cold plunge, infrared sauna, and optional spa services
🌺 100% organic, farm-to-table menu
🌺 jungle treks and short-drive beach access
🌺 intimate group size with 1:1 personalized support with yours truly
🌺 integration workshops, talks, and group circles throughout the retreat
🌺 1:1 and group prep and integration calls

please reach out to me directly or Neils and Francesca at [email protected] to connect further and ensure this retreat is the perfect fit for you.

WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE,
Francesca, Neils, & El

Know you’Renon for sure? Use ELHOLBROOK at checkout for a discount 🌺🌿

🌿🤍🪽

please see the website for more info and additional dates •
www.anamcarahealingretreats.com