About Us
Aestra Retreats was founded in 2022 as a collaboration of psychedelic facilitators from Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Canada. Our goals is to hone our understanding of healthy and safe uses of altered states of consciousness through skillful use of psychedelic substances, breathwork and meditation.
We are excited to integrate psychedelic journeying with complimentary healing and therapeutic modalities. Our team of facilitators is trained in the professional and safe use of psychedelics as well as therapeutic interventions using Existential Analysis (EA), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Hakomi, Breathwork and Reiki interventions.
Our goal is to introduce fellow helping professions to these revolutionary ways of working. Our mission is to help our retreat participants develop safe and healing relationships with themselves as they work to help others in their helping work.
Meet Our Facilitators
Over 1200 Guided Psychedelic Journeys
Our team of facilitators is dedicated to providing the safest possible introduction to psychedelics and other helpful altered states of mind. We are committed to welcoming helping professionals into a new form of personal development that we believe can connected each of us to our deeper sense of purpose and belonging. We're here to support your inward journey.
Co-Lead Facilitator, Somatic Therapist
Odin Pepper
Location:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Languages:
Dutch (Nederlands),
English
Modalities:
Person-Centered, Somatic, Hakomi, Reiki, Breathwork
Odin combines his extensive background in psychedelic facilitation, breathwork, reiki, somatic experiencing and Hakomi therapy to provide a deeply mindful and embodied approach to individual healing. With over 700 guided journeys under his belt, Odin offers a grounding presence and facilitates profound self-exploration, ensuring participants feel supported and empowered throughout the retreat. Odin is a former co-lead facilitator for Synthesis Institute in the Netherlands.
Co-Lead Facilitator, Spiritual Caregiver
Hanneke Meesters
Location:
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages:
Dutch (Nederlands),
English
Modalities:
Person-Centered, Reiki, Breathwork, Spiritual Care
As a co-lead facilitator with a background in emotional exploration and cultural wisdom, Hanneke brings both personal and professional expertise to her role. She has supported over 500 psychedelic retreat participants. Her approach ensures participants feel guided as they navigate personal transformations. Trained in Applied Integral Psychology and currently pursuing her master's in Spiritual Care, Hanneke helps participants articulate and process emotions, particularly in relation to sitting with discomfort, stress and recovery.
Facilitator, Existential & IFS Therapist
Graham Nelson-Zutter
Location:
Vancouver, Canada
Languages:
English,
French (Français)
Modalities:
Person-Centered, Existential Analysis, Internal Family Systems
Graham specializes in creating a safe, inclusive environment for participants to explore deeply and discover more about themself and their life's purpose. His background in Existential Analysis and Internal Family Systems (IFS) enables him to offer personalized support during one-on-one sessions and group integrations. Graham also helps with logistics and participant-focused coordination to ensure a supportive and nurturing retreat environment. Graham holds a Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy from Vancouver Island University.