Screening and preparation come first
In Oregon, psilocybin services include screening and preparation before a session. These steps help determine whether the service is a good fit and give you time to understand what participation involves. They are part of the process, not an obstacle to it.
My preparation conversations cover your intentions, your questions and your practical needs.
Share relevant health information securely
Your health history and any medications are relevant, and they should be shared through the proper channels rather than casually. Please don't put medical details in a first message to me. If you'd like to give background to Tracy before we begin, the client intake form is a private way to do so. It supplements the forms Oregon requires and does not replace them.
Questions about how psilocybin interacts with a medication or condition are best taken to your prescriber or another qualified clinician.
Talk about boundaries and comfort
Think about what helps you feel at ease: how much quiet you want, what kind of support feels right, and what you'd rather not have. Consent is something we revisit throughout. You can ask for what you need and change your mind.
Hold expectations loosely
Experiences vary. Some are vivid, some are quiet, and some are uncomfortable. You may not get what you imagined. It helps to arrive curious rather than certain. Read more in what a psilocybin journey can feel like.
Plan transportation and time to rest
Plan how you'll get to and from your session, and don't plan to drive afterwards. Arranged transportation can take the pressure off. Keep your schedule clear afterwards so you have time to rest.
Sessions take place at Bendable Retreats, a licensed Oregon psilocybin service center in Bend. If you're travelling, our article on private psilocybin retreats in Bend covers what to ask before you book, and TRYP Retreats offers an overview of private psilocybin retreats in Oregon (opens in a new tab).
A simple preparation checklist
Once you've decided to go ahead, a checklist can quiet the practical worries. Over the weeks before: finish any screening and paperwork the service center asks for, speak with your prescriber about anything health-related, and book your travel and lodging if you're coming from out of town.
In the days before: protect your sleep, keep your calendar light, let one trusted person know where you'll be, and follow every instruction your service center gives you about food and drink. Those instructions come from them, and I won't substitute my own.
On the day: wear comfortable layers, bring something to write in if you like to journal, arrange your ride home, and leave a little space afterwards in your evening and the following day.
Questions to ask yourself
What would help me feel safe? Who can I call afterwards? Is there anything going on in my life right now, such as a recent loss, a big decision, or a period of poor sleep, that makes this a good or a poor moment? There are no right answers. Being honest with yourself is a form of preparation.
Questions worth asking
Ask how screening works, what preparation involves, what support is available during the session, and what happens afterwards. Then continue to psilocybin journey integration. Learn about me on the psilocybin facilitation page, or read the research and considerations. You can also read our Journal article on psilocybin preparation in Bend.