Dr. Douglas James Cook is Chairperson and Head of Neurosurgery at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Cook practises cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. His research program is focused on brain network dynamics in health, disease and recovery.
Donald leads retreat programming at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands. His clinical work focuses on healing through somatic and trauma therapies supported by neuroscience research. To guide guests in preparing and integrating their ceremonial experiences, he incorporates relational somatic psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR, acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems therapy with complementary wellness practices. He is trained and certified in psychedelic guiding, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, somatic psychedelic psychotherapy and ethical right relationship in psychedelic therapy.
Helena’s key belief for optimal mental health and emotional well-being is “the body wants to feel good and the mind wants to know.” In addition to running her private practice, Helena is a clinical supervisor and teaches at the Transformational Arts College. She specializes in trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and grief. Her clinical work focuses on neuroscientific evidence-based treatments utilizing neuro-experiential and somatic therapies as well as transpersonal psychotherapy.
Gina studied transpersonal psychotherapy at the Transformational Arts College of Spiritual and Holistic Training and is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, structural dissociation, sensorimotor psychotherapy, relational somatic psychotherapy, deep brain reorienting and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Gina co-founded the Healing Therapy Alliance in Toronto.
Natasha Senra-Pereira MSW,RSW, RP is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist supporting clients in both hospital settings and private practice for the last 18 years. She has advanced trainings in numerous modalities (IFS, EMDR, Somatic-relational) and experience in various forms of meditation and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Her work is guided by the newest research as well as her own personal healing experiences – which is detailed in the best-selling book, “Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough”. Over the last several years, her teaching and focus have been the intersectionality of psychedelics, grounded spirituality, and mental health.
A lover of the earth, kindness and music. Kayla graduated with a degree in Recreation therapy. She loves connecting with our guests and helping them in their healing journey by using her empathic intuition to carefully craft a retreat schedule, ideal for individual and group healing. Kayla will be there for you every step of the way with grace and an open heart.
Dawn Marie Simpson has been a registered massage therapist (RMT) since 2009. She has worked in multidisciplinary clinics alongside chiropractors, physiotherapists, naturopaths, and other RMTs. Dawn trained in acupuncture to enhance the ways in which she can support her clients’ wellness. She is a certified Medical Acupuncture Practitioner and now incorporates it into her massage practice. She enjoys working in holistic settings that use multiple approaches to help the body heal.
Sarah has been on a journey to provide sacred healing space for others since completing a Shiatsu apprenticeship in Japan many years ago. As an RMT, Sarah practices Craniosacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release, Shiatsu, and Reiki, and combines these with Swedish Massage, Acupuncture and Cupping as needed. Sarah is a Certified Meditation Teacher and offers Shamanic Healing Sessions that provide the opportunity for deep self-discovery and insight. Her Metis roots keep her work close to the Earth, the Spirit Guides and the Ancestors.
Kelsey is a trauma-informed coach and somatic practitioner. She helps clients overcome past challenges and traumas with a focus on listening to and healing the body. Kelsey is trained as a somatic practitioner, somatic breathwork facilitator, reiki healer and integrative health coach. She holds authentic, safe and sacred spaces for healing.
Melissa is a registered massage therapist, offering traditional Swedish massage enhanced with lymphatic movements, functional rehabilitation and intuitive energy. Also certified in applied positive psychology, she has a passion for spiritual growth and healing. Melissa enjoys nature, outdoor activities, and deepening connection through community.
Meditation helped Glenda through the toughest times in her life, and everything she has trained in since that time is to help others feel more inner peace and calm in their lives. She is an Advanced davidji Masters of Wisdom and Meditation Teacher, Qigong instructor and Reiki Master. She is certified in Yoga Nidra, and is certified as a Gentle Trauma Release© Practitioner and a Master Empowerment Coach.
Tiffany is a certified sound therapy practitioner and transformational hypnotherapist, with training in reiki and bodywork. She has hosted private and group sound baths all over Ontario, and provides a supportive and safe container for your body to do what it is naturally capable of doing – healing.
Leslie is a certified Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner, inspired by the concept of metta- loving kindness, goodwill and the wish for wellbeing and happiness of others, in which the practice is rooted. She has trained in both Canada and Thailand, which brings a synergy of traditional and modern techniques into her offerings. Her sessions can also incorporate hot herbal compress and dynamic rocking techniques.
Reiki Master practitioner Patti McColl is trained in Holy Fire® III / Usui Reiki. She is a valued part of our wellness team with her gentle approach and caring disposition. Patti delivers transformational experiences to our guests through her energy-based healing using gentle touch.
Kelly has been practicing Qigong for over 10 years. He started out using Qigong to alleviate muscle and joint pain from working labor, and it quickly became an integral part of his Kung Fu and meditation practice.
Kelly then studied Tai Chi in Halifax for a few years, and travelled to China to hone his skills further.
Working as an Arborist during the day, at night Kelly is currently studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and enjoys playing music in his spare time.
Amanda has practiced mind-body healing for more than 35 years. A certified holotropic breathwork practitioner and yoga and meditation instructor, she draws on a dynamic blend of anatomical principals, energetic wisdom, and awareness. Amanda also offers individual medical intuitive, craniosacral therapy, Tibetan acupressure, chakra therapy, polarities energy balancing, and touch for health sessions.
Over Don’s 30-year journey with plant medicine, he has studied with plant elders who carry the knowledge and sacred practices of their lineages. As a medicine carrier, he holds this knowledge with gratitude and respect, drawing on it to create ritual space during Ceremony.
Emily graduated from University of Guelph with an honour's degree in psychology and is undertaking a master’s in counselling and psychotherapy. She has a passion for somatic-based approaches to healing, wellness, and therapy. At Dimensions, Emily conducts intake sessions with guests before they embark on their retreat journey, and she supports the clinical team.
Chris was the Founder and CEO of Edgewood Health Network, the largest private network of residential/outpatient treatment providers in Canada. He led the merger and acquisition of Canada’s top three treatment centres to form Canada’s largest entity of treatment centres and outpatient clinics. Prior to his career in health care, Chris was a Partner at Bain & Company where he consulted with CEOs on driving growth and profitability across a wide variety of sectors. Chris also collaborated with Bain Capital, primarily in a Private Equity context.
Andrew is the former National Director of Edgewood Health Network, where he led 10 outpatient centres. Andrew is the former VP of GreeneStone Muskoka Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centre, and has 14 years of experience working directly for the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse Program.
Joanne is a seasoned Human Resource leader with experience across multiple sectors including, private, public and not-for-profit sectors. She helped build the MaRS Discovery District Innovation hub and more recently worked in a mission driven, high growth e-commerce company. She is passionate about helping organizations, teams and individuals realize their potential. She completed training in coaching and leadership through the Co-Active Training Institute and has had training in relational somatic therapy.
David started his career at 17 years old as a research analyst with Toronto’s K2 Investment Management Inc., where he eventually became managing partner. He then founded HGC Investment Management Inc., best known for managing over $1 billion in its HGC fund. In 2020, he founded 5D World, an impact investment firm dedicated to the progression of human consciousness.
Doug has more than 25 years of experience as a leader in the addiction and mental health space. Doug has also served in financial leadership roles within the commercial/retail real estate space, as well as in the technology start-up space with a company focused on IoT and wireless connectivity.
Melanie is a marketing and communications strategist with national and international experience positioning luxury hotel assets, developing social enterprises and safeguarding secluded destinations. She comes to Dimensions from her former executive and director roles at Fairmont Hotels, Drake Hotel Properties and the acclaimed Fogo Island Inn.
A seasoned leader, David has more than 20 years of IT leadership experience within the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, and is the Founder of an innovation committee that went on to partner with the University of Waterloo, Google and Communitech. David’s work with large-scale health providers emphasizes his commitment to security, privacy and innovation.
A retired Physician and Author, Gabor spent over three decades as a practising physician and, along the way, wrote four bestselling books published in over 25 languages. His extensive clinical experience encompasses stress and health, in-depth work with addiction, mind–body unity, child development and trauma.
Dawn holds a PhD in curriculum, teaching and learning from the University of Toronto, a Master of Education with a health specialization from OISE/the University of Toronto, and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Dawn is a Registered Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience as an Educational Consultant with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Gregory holds a bachelor’s, a master’s and a research doctorate in psychology, as well as a graduate diploma in science. He is the creator of The SuperHero Deep Transformation program in Costa Rica, which works to alter deeply held beliefs while symbiotically balancing the mind, body, spirit and emotions.
Jonathan is President and Co-owner of Stafford Developments, a diversified private property development company that carries out land development, construction and property management. Stafford has deployed over $1 billion of equity capital, with current managed assets of over $2 billion on behalf of investors.
Born in Alsace, based in Berlin, Anne Philippi is a former author and reporter at Condé Nast, working for Vanity Fair, GQ and VOGUE. She discovered psychedelic assisted therapy in 2019 and founded "The New Health Club” podcast, newsletter and brand. She created a space where people from the new psychedelic ecosystem and business could talk about the disruptive power of psychedelics. She is an expert on the European psychedelic landscape.
Anwar is a Principal and Founding Partner at the design studio DesignAgency, with locations in Toronto, Barcelona, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, specializing in creative direction and strategy, brand development and interior design. Anwar has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality space, working with boutique lifestyle brands and large multinational companies.
Robert is a Forensic Psychiatrist with a diverse practice, primarily within the field of addiction medicine. He works at CAMH, primarily with patients who carry severe and persistent mental health diagnoses. He also performs independent medical assessments and is actively involved in outreach psychiatry.
Johnathan is a Physician, Researcher, Psychedelic Therapist, Intuitive Coach, Music Therapist, Reiki Master and Biz Mentor who bases his professional and personal development on Andean–Amazonian medicinal plants.
Zarak Fatah is a highly trained ICF-certified professional coach. He is originally from Toronto, where, as a former serial entrepreneur, he owned and operated multiple successful hospitality and entertainment businesses. Over the past five years, after establishing The ALIVE Experience, a transformational travel company, he has brought more peace and joy to his life. He now resides in Costa Rica. Zarak’s life purpose is to inspire, educate, and empower people to live a fulfilled life, and this is what inspired him to collaborate with Dimensions’ growing collection of International Retreats.
Colonel (ret.) Rakesh Jetly is an internationally recognized thought leader in the areas of military and veteran mental health, suicide prevention and post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2021 he retired as the Chief of Psychiatry for the Canadian Armed Forces. His leadership extended beyond Canada as Colonel Jetly took an increasing leadership role within NATO chairing expert panels in areas such as “morality of mental health”, “leveraging technology in mental health” and “precision medicine”. His research agenda has included dozens of studies ranging from understanding the biological underpinnings of mental illness to precision/personalized medicine. Dr. Jetly has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Dr. Jetly currently holds various advisory positions and is the Chief medical Officer of Mydecine Innovation Group, overseeing development and clinical trials involving psychedelics.
David started his career at 17 years old as a research analyst with Toronto’s K2 Investment Management Inc., where he eventually became managing partner. He then founded HGC Investment Management Inc., best known for managing over $1 billion in its HGC fund. In 2020, he founded 5D World, an impact investment firm dedicated to the progression of human consciousness.
A seasoned public company CEO and Board Member with experience leading business and digital transformations across global technology solution providers, Gerrard is currently CEO of Diebold Nixdorf, with responsibility for operating revenues of approximately $4 billion and 23,000 employees across more than 60 countries.
Aaron is the Founder and President of Owl Capital Investments, a privately held real estate firm focusing on investments in sustainable land developments. Aaron is also the Founder and President of Bluebird Properties Ltd., a commercial real estate asset management company.
Chris was the Founder and CEO of Edgewood Health Network, the largest private network of residential/outpatient treatment providers in Canada. He led the merger and acquisition of Canada’s top three treatment centres to form Canada’s largest entity of treatment centres and outpatient clinics. Prior to his career in health care, Chris was a Partner at Bain & Company where he consulted with CEOs on driving growth and profitability across a wide variety of sectors. Chris also collaborated with Bain Capital, primarily in a Private Equity context.
Andrew is the former National Director of Edgewood Health Network, where he led 10 outpatient centres. Andrew is the former VP of GreeneStone Muskoka Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centre, and has 14 years of experience working directly for the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse Program.
Dimensions integrates cutting-edge developments in neuroscience and neurobiology with plant medicine to create a balanced approach to improving mental health and well-being. Research and education are fundamental to our practice and our growth. Dimensions Health Research Collaborative, a collaboration with Queen’s University, provides funding to Queen’s Health Sciences to help launch a space for research and innovation in the field of psychedelics, broadening the scope of psychedelic-assisted therapies and supporting the training and education of healthcare professionals.
Confidentiality and physical and spiritual safety are of paramount importance to our guest experience. We honour this sacred trust before, during and after your Dimensions Retreat.
Dimensions Retreats create an environment that is safe and supportive of the healing process. As a team, we work to create a welcoming atmosphere that facilitates new experiences and opportunities for authentic connections to emerge. Our physical spaces are designed to be immersive, comfortable and relaxing to optimally support psychedelic and ceremonial experiences.
We incorporate recent discoveries in epigenetics, neuroscience, polyvagal theory, attachment theory and trauma research as part of our commitment to creating safe experiences.
Dramatic changes in people’s lives depend on the convergence of three factors:
Our medical and clinical staff provide physical and psychological assessments to our guests prior to their Retreat. These assessments ensure that our guests are ready for plant medicine work in terms of both physical and mental health. Psychoeducation sessions regarding the potential psychedelic effects are provided to our guests in order to enhance their safety by psychologically preparing them for the unique effects of plant medicine. Medical professionals, registered psychotherapists and plant elders oversee plant medicine ceremonies to ensure the safety of participants on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We discuss the benefits and risks and receive informed consent from all guests prior to engaging in any therapies.
Our registered psychotherapists receive supervision from third parties. Supervision provides practitioners with regular and ongoing opportunities for in-depth reflection to work as safely, effectively and ethically as possible.
Guests at Dimensions come from all walks of life and hold various religious and spiritual beliefs. As part of our plant medicine work, we strive to create an environment that is welcoming to all our guests.
Our goal at Dimensions is to help our guests better understand themselves. At its most fundamental, spirituality describes a deeper understanding of self, others and our interconnectedness to life as a whole.
The approach we take is person-centred, with full acceptance of each guest’s beliefs. As a measure of spiritual safety, we offer guests care that is mindful of their belief systems and faith traditions. Dimensions recognizes, conveys respect for and effectively responds to the needs of each guest. We operate within a framework that is open to all guests and their spiritual orientations.
Our descriptions of psychedelic experiences are backed by empirical evidence. They are not an opinion or viewpoint, but rather based on scientific research. In our supportive and open environment, guests are encouraged to draw their own conclusions and make their own meaning from their psychedelic experiences.
Dimensions is committed to protecting your privacy. We value the trust you place in us to handle your personal information with the utmost discretion before, during and after your Dimensions Retreat experience, and we want you to be informed and comfortable with how we handle your personal information.
Our Privacy Practices set out how we collect, use, disclose, retain and protect your personal information, the rights you have and how you can contact us with any questions about our information-handling practices. We encourage you to read our Privacy Practices before submitting any personal information to us.
Our therapeutic staff comprises professionals who hold designations from recognized licensing bodies and have received extensive training on privacy protocols. Finally, our digital platform and guest services system are fully compliant with HIPAA and PHIPA privacy regulations.
We are grateful for the attention Dimensions continues to generate.
To view our recent press announcements see HERE
For media enquires please contact: [email protected]