Ona Praderas

I was born in Barcelona, Spain but grew up in Mexico and was introduced to psychedelics in my early teens, mostly for recreational use. Back then the term “Psychedelic facilitator” did not exist but I found myself always facilitating and holding safe space for people. My most intense experience I would say came through a more mindful psilocybin experience in Oaxaca, the land of Maria Sabina’s work. I realized taking substances in a more intentional way for personal growth as well as to enhance creativity and a sense of connection was more in alignment to my purpose. 

I continued to take substances recreationally in festivals and alternative events, I also volunteered and continue to help these communities with harm reduction and safe practices.

I moved to Canada and became a mom, I found myself struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety. I learned about the MAPS protocol and used this protocol to experience relief. After noticing a shift within myself I started to help other moms and created alternative events to help others navigate through challenging experiences in altered states of consciousness.

I moved to Spain again and started to work with Synthesis Retreats in the Netherlands (a high end retreat center offering psilocybin legally for individuals). In Synthesis I had the pleasure of facilitating for larger groups and working with a fantastic group of facilitators where I learned so many skills including using my Gestalt therapy teachings working with somatic movement and art.

I have facilitated experiences for over 200 participants. Currently I work with groups facilitating for ACER Integration (Dr Rosalind Watts private community based on nature integration) and am also involved with other organizations trying to legalize the use of psychedelics in Canada. I offer individuals and groups preparation and integration sessions, plus I hold safe spaces for people wanting to experience psychedelic journeys in legal environments.

My vision for the future is one of holistic approach to substances where perhaps an experience is a catalyst for insight but there is community support to integrate and continue to experiment growth with a variety of modalities such as breathwork, dance, art, nature and other alternatives.