Cultivating the Joy of Intimacy & Connection: A Ketamine-Assisted Retreat for Couples | April 2027

April
15
-
April
18
2027
at
Menla Retreat Center

This is a safe, structured retreat for couples led by a staff of licensed and highly experienced therapists and physicians in the beautiful Catskill Mountains at Menla Retreat and Spa.

~Meet at the intersection of science and spirituality~

This retreat is an invitation for couples to slow down and deeply celebrate the nuances of their relationship, including aspects of joy and intimacy. Together, you will learn to understand each other’s needs and navigate challenges collaboratively. At the heart of the work is what we call noble communication—clear and compassionate exchange that lays the foundation for healthy relationships. As these skills deepen, couples often discover greater connection, more joy, and a deeper sense of unity.

Ketamine is used here as a tool to explore profound existential realms and open loving communication. We see joy as a core aspect of our being—when unblocked, it enhances not only our intimacy but also our overall health and happiness. Ketamine-assisted sessions are designed to open mental, emotional, and physical channels, allowing participants to meet these parts of themselves with clarity, insight, and acceptance. Mindfulness and meditation are woven throughout the retreat, supporting the ability to regulate emotions and thoughts and to meet each moment with balance and grace.

The program deepens personal and interpersonal connection within a group setting—the group is part of the medicine. Structured, meaningful conversations and guided practices support the exploration of relationship and intimacy in a nurturing environment. No prior experience with ketamine or other psychedelic medicines is required, and every couple begins with a screening call to ensure the retreat is a good fit. Preparation and integration are woven throughout the retreat so that what emerges can be understood and carried home into everyday life.

Please note: This retreat is not a short-term residential treatment and is not suitable for anyone experiencing an acute mental health crisis or living with severe, persistent psychiatric conditions. It is also not intended as mediation for couples considering breakup or divorce.

Steps to Join:

Step 1: Complete the retreat application form. Once we receive your application, you’ll get an email with instructions for scheduling a screening call with our Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator, Jayne Gumpel, LCSW. This call will be held over Zoom.

Step 2: If both you and our team feel the retreat is a good fit, we’ll ask you to make a 50% deposit of the retreat fee (note: housing costs are not included in this fee).

Step 3: After your deposit secures your spot, you’ll receive a welcome email with important next steps, including:

  • Scheduling a medical screening appointment,
  • Booking housing at Menla Retreat Center,
  • Selecting a Pre-Retreat Preparation Group video call with other participants.

You’ll also receive access to the RetreatPortal, where you can find all of this information and more to help you prepare for the retreat.

*All deposits are non-refundable unless you cancel 60 days prior to the retreat. A $500 fee will be deducted from the deposit if you cancel at any time after the deposit is paid. Please be sure you intend to join this retreat.

Once the balance is paid (due 45 days prior to the retreat), the fees are non-refundable and a partial credit can be applied toward a future retreat.

We appreciate your understanding—many, many steps go into creating this experience for you.

Retreat Schedule

Rooms available at 4:00 PM

Medical retreat check-in: Thursday, 4:00 PM

Thursday

4:00 to 6:00 PM Medical check-in

6:00 PM Dinner

7:00 to 9:00 PM Formal start of program

Friday

7:15 AM Meditation or movement

8:15 AM Morning program and first dosing session: Meet the medicine

12:00 PM Lunch and spa break

3:30 PM Afternoon program

6:00 PM Dinner

7:00 to 9:00 PM Evening program

9:00 PM Optional gathering: play, bonfire, and more

Saturday

7:15 AM Meditation or movement

8:15 AM Integration and small groups

10:00 AM Dosing session

12:00 PM Lunch and spa break

3:30 PM Afternoon program

6:00 PM Dinner

7:00 to 9:00 PM Evening program

Sunday

8:15 AM Integration and small groups

9:00 AM Dosing session

11:00 AM Brunch all together

12:30 PM Afternoon program

3:00 PM Program closes

*All participants must commit to staying until the close of the program.

Monday (optional additional night)

  • 11:00 AM Checkout
  • Menla Spa Day

Tuition & Fees

Relationship Resources retreat fee: $1,950 per person, or $3,900 total for the couple

A 50% deposit is due upon enrollment. The remaining 50% balance is due to confirm registration. 

PLEASE NOTE: This fee does not include the cost of housing or the medical screening, which are paid separately (see details below).

Housing & Meals

Housing is not included in the retreat fee. Individual or shared (on request) accommodations are available.

Rooms range from $250 to $380 per night (final prices may be subject to change) and include delicious vegetarian meals. After acceptance, housing is paid directly to Menla through a link we provide. 

Medical Intake

The medical intake fee is $500 total for the couple, paid to your assigned medical provider through a payment link we share. If approved, the cost of medication ($70 to $87) is paid directly to the pharmacy.

Organizer/Faculty Contact Details

Jayne Gumpel, LCSW

jayne@relationshipresources.info

914.924.1509 (cell)

www.relationshipresources.info

Woodstock, New York 12498

Menla Retreat Center Contact Information

Front Desk at Menla:

frontdesk@menla.org

Or call 845-688-6897 (Extension 101)

www.menla.org

Jayne Gumpel, LCSW
David Gumpel, MA
Irina Linetskaya, MD