Our Approach
Inform. Nurture. Empower.
These three words are the tenants of our philosophy at Spirit Vine
and represent our promise to each participant.
INFORM
Ayahuasca
Ceremonies
From her experiences, Silvia has developed a unique style of ayahuasca ritual that is deep, safe, comfortable and supportive. Silvia believes that the spirit of ayahuasca is the true teacher and the ceremonies at Spirit Vine are designed to optimize the ability of participants to relax deeply into their experience, connecting directly to source.
How is the tea made?
At Spirit Vine, we prepare the ayahuasca tea using only organic Banisteriopsis caapi (the vine) and Psychotria viridis (chacruna), both grown with care and intention. Our brew contains no additives and is made following traditional preparation methods that honor the plants and the lineage they come from. The process is approached with respect, prayer, and mindfulness, recognizing the tea as a sacred medicine rather than a substance.
Is there music during the ceremony?
Yes. Music is an essential part of our ceremonies. We carefully curate soundscapes that are designed to support, guide, and hold participants throughout their journey. The music helps bring awareness to what needs to be felt, released, or integrated, and it plays a meaningful role in creating a safe, intentional ceremonial container.
Will I be alone during the ceremony?
No. Our ceremonies are held in a group setting, and you will not be alone. We are present throughout the ceremony, typically with more than one facilitator, to ensure safety and support. While each participant has their own deeply personal experience, the shared ceremonial space allows for collective holding, care, and connection.
What happens on non-ceremony days?
On non-ceremony days, we offer a balance of integration workshops, guided practices, and rest. These may include inner child work, art-based exploration, meditation, yoga, and group sharing. There is also spacious time for reflection, relaxation, and connecting with nature — whether that means resting, journaling, or enjoying the surrounding land and nearby beaches.
NURTURE
Body + Mind
Ayahuasca preparation is essential and you should start as early as possible to get the most benefit from your ayahuasca experience. Certain foods increase the probability of purging, nausea, headache or increased heart rate, and in some cases may also be dangerous for your health.
Spirit Vine Retreat Center nourishes your body with fresh, local food each day and offers yoga and massages on non-ceremony days. Group sharing sessions offer communal healing and one-on-one sessions are also offered; even post-retreat for integration.
What foods & medications should I avoid?
Before you arrive, we ask you to follow an ayahuasca-friendly diet and avoid foods that can interact poorly with the medicine (ayahuasca acts as an MAOI). Our prep guidance includes avoiding things like aged/fermented foods, cured meats, excess sugar, chocolate/cocoa, alcohol, coffee, and other high-tyramine or heavy foods. We also require you to disclose medications—especially antidepressants and other contraindicated drugs—so we can confirm safety before you drink with us.
Do I have to share my experiences with the group?
Group process matters to us, and sharing circles are a regular part of our retreats because they help you process, interpret, and integrate what comes up—often with facilitator support. We’ll encourage you to participate because integration is part of the work here, but we also respect that everyone has their own pace and comfort level in a group setting.
What physical side effects are there?
Ayahuasca can be physically intense. Common effects we discuss openly include nausea and “purging” (vomiting and/or diarrhea), as well as sweating, shaking, crying, and other forms of release. Some people also experience temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure. We hold ceremony with structure and support so you can move through these effects as safely and calmly as possible.
Is there proof that ayahuasca helps process trauma?
There’s promising but still limited scientific evidence, and it depends on what you mean by “trauma.” Research and reviews report potential benefits related to depression, anxiety, emotional processing, and psychological growth, and some observational studies examine difficult memory “re-experiencing” in ceremonial settings. However, authoritative reviews note there are no clinical trials specifically proving ayahuasca treats PTSD, and at least one evidence brief concludes there’s currently no evidence to recommend it for PTSD. We frame ayahuasca as a deep process that still requires preparation, support, and integration—not a guaranteed cure.
EMPOWER
Reconnect with
Your Power
The Spirit Vine Center is a trans-denominational space that is designed to allow the participants to optimize their own inner spiritual processes and development through self reflection and integration. Silvia will work individually with each participant before and during the retreats to ensure they are ready and feel safe.
What workshops will be available?
At Spirit Vine, our workshops are designed to support preparation, insight, and integration. Depending on the retreat, these may include inner child work, emotional processing, guided reflection, art-based exploration, somatic practices, meditation, and group dialogue. Each workshop is offered with care and intention, providing tools you can continue using long after you leave. The focus is not on performance or outcomes, but on creating space for understanding, self-connection, and gentle transformation.
How will we integrate our healing?
Integration is a core part of our approach. Throughout the retreat, we create opportunities to reflect on and make sense of your experiences through sharing circles, workshops, and guided practices. We help you translate insights from ceremony into grounded awareness you can carry into daily life. Our intention is to support sustainable change, not just powerful moments, so you leave feeling more resourced, embodied, and connected rather than overwhelmed.
Is this tied to religious practices at all?
No. While ayahuasca has Indigenous and ceremonial roots that we deeply respect, Spirit Vine is not affiliated with any religion or belief system. We do not ask participants to adopt specific spiritual frameworks or worldviews. Our work is grounded in respect for the medicine, personal healing, and self-inquiry, allowing each person to interpret their experience through their own cultural, spiritual, or secular lens.
Can I create art at Spirit Vine?
Yes. Creative expression is warmly welcomed at Spirit Vine. Art is often woven into workshops or offered as an optional practice during integration time. Whether through drawing, painting, writing, or other forms of expression, creating art can be a powerful way to process experiences that are difficult to put into words. No artistic experience is required — this is about expression, not perfection.
“My method is to allow the music to guide the individual journeys of the participants, assisting only when my presence is requested directly.”
-Silvia Polivoy, Ph.D.
Guidance Before, During, & After
Silvia Polivoy, Ph.D. is the founder and lead facilitator at Spirit Vine. She will help ensure you have the most beneficial experience and is available for one-on-one therapy sessions during and after the retreat.
Trust Those Around You
Trust that each person you are surrounded by has been carefully vetted by us before they are approved to attend. Each participant agrees to certain rules while on Spirit Vine property and will be escorted off the premises if they fail to follow them.
Trust Your Environment
We’ll arrange a taxi to pick you up from the Ilheus airport where you will travel to the beautiful beach-side town of Itacare. After getting settled in for a couple of days, our shuttle will pick you up from your pousada and take you
to the remote location of the Spirit Vine Retreat Center.
Trust Yourself
You are ready for this. All of you have to do is remember that you’ve already been here.
Stay Updated
Join our mailing list to stay in the loop on the latest information from Spirit Vine and gain access to exclusive content.
Upcoming Retreats
Our Blog
Sustainability at Spirit Vine
The Spirit Vine Center was founded by Silvia Polivoy with the intention to help people, nature, and animals. This intention was ignited in her first
How to Choose an Ayahuasca Spiritual Retreat: A Practical Guide
Taking part in a spiritual retreat is a meaningful way to reconnect with yourself and find peace. The most important is to find a retreat
Benefits of a Small Group Retreat vs. a Large Group
When planning where to attend an ayahuasca retreat, one of the most important decisions is whether to join a small group or a large group.
