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I left a review on TripAdvisor for Spirit Vine, pointing out its founder's likely cause of death. We'll see if they post it. If so it'd certainly be worth posting warnings on all the fraudulent ayahuasca sellers posing as shamans or healing centers.
Found these warnings among the reviews.
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Cautionary Tale: Misguided Understanding of PTSD at a Plant Medicine Retreat
Review of Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center
Reviewed 15 Jan 2024
I recently attended Spiritvine, led by Sylvia, a former psychologist claiming to be an expert in trauma. Having been diagnosed with PTSD due to severe childhood abuse, including the traumatic experience of my father's suicide, I was hopeful that this retreat could offer me some healing.
During our initial meeting, where each attendee shared their reasons for being there, I mentioned my PTSD diagnosis. To my dismay, Sylvia asserted that 'everyone has PTSD,' a statement I found not only offensive but also trivializing of my personal struggles with the disorder. This generalized view contradicts the well-established criteria for PTSD diagnosis as outlined in the DSM-5 and ICD, which include specific symptoms like intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Her dismissal of these clinical standards and insistence on her own broad definition of PTSD, equating any trauma with the disorder, raised serious doubts about her understanding of the condition. When I challenged her perspective, she accused me of being closed-minded, ironically disregarding the established clinical definitions herself.
Moreover, it became apparent that I was the only attendee with severe trauma during the initial meeting where we stated why we were here. No one mentioned trauma, but according to Sylvia, they just don't know they have PTSD, but everyone absolutely does. This raised doubts about Sylvia's claims of treating trauma. It seemed she was taking on less severe cases, convincing them they have PTSD regardless of the actual reason they came, and then congratulating herself for fixing their PTSD and calling herself a "trauma expert." What a scammer. This approach is not only misleading but also potentially damaging to those, like myself, who are grappling with serious PTSD.
Furthermore, I was taken aback by her insensitive comments regarding my difficulty with eye contact, a common issue among those with severe PTSD. She was completely insensitive and blithely unaware of this being a common issue among trauma survivors, another reason why I had serious doubts about her claims to be a trauma expert.
After our argument, she stated I am not allowed to participate in the ceremony. Also they don't offer refunds at all. So if you come here and find out this is not the right fit for you, be prepared to lose the entire cost of the trip. I lost $3,150 USD. This is the only place that doesn't offer any sort of refund if you decide this place isn't the right fit for you. Another scam.
In summary, this retreat does not seem equipped to handle severe PTSD cases. Sylvia's approach, which lacks adherence to established psychological standards, could be more harmful than helpful. Those with profound trauma should seek a space where their experiences are understood and addressed with the seriousness, compassion and expertise they deserve.
UPDATE: After I posted this review I was contacted by AyaAdvisors, one of the review sites and offered a Non Disclosure Agreement contract in exchange for compensation. This is the true reason they have an undeserved 5 star rating on that platform. I am willing to lose out on $3,150 USD to WARN and EXPOSE this center and Sylvia. PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF SPIRITINVINE AND SYLVIA especially if you actually have PTSD.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Towanna A wrote a review Dec 2023
1 contribution4 helpful votes
Worst experience ever!
This was my first Ayahuasca retreat and the location is beautiful. However, my third ceremony was awful. You are in a dome shaped bungalow with 17 other people on a mattress with someone on either side of you (vomiting violently and uncontrollably) all night long. From 10:30 pm -5:30 am, you are not allowed to leave. While under the influence of Ayahuasca. Which by the way amplifies sound. It felt like every single person being sick was on a speaker right next to my ears. It ruined my trace/ experience. Which lasted for 2 1/2 hours. Then I was up all night long unable to sleep because of the sound of multiple people being sick through no fault of their own. Also, you are not allowed to wear a watch during the ceremony. So as soon as the sun came up I left without permission because I was exhausted and needed a shower and some sleep. The Advisor (Sylvia ) was upset with me for leaving early because others followed me. In my defense, I don't know what time it was. She then tried to shame me for leaving early and accused me of doing what I wanted thereby breaking the rules. So I asked other participants how they felt about the ceremony and a lot of people agreed that it was unpleasant and they did not enjoy the experience because it was intrusive and disruptive and it took away from the experience.
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