Testimonials

I did the healing retreat in San Miguel in 2024 after losing my 17-year-old son unexpectedly in the Fall of 2023. A friend of mine had done the retreat earlier that year and suggested it. She explained how beneficial it had been for her.

Once we met Laura and Wayne, I immediately felt like this was something that might help. I was in a dark place. I was silently suffering and wanted relief. I decided I had nothing to lose.

The healing I experienced in San Miguel was transformative. Besides the actual plant medicine journey, each day involved meditation, different experiences such as swimming in the local springs, a fire ritual, a cacao ceremony, hiking, resting, good conversation, and delicious food. Everything is done for a reason; it’s all part of the experience.

I felt extremely safe during the actual journey. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but it ended up being more than I had expected in the best possible way. I am still processing it and benefiting from the experience.

Since then, I’ve been able to get off my antidepressants and have found purpose and strength. I am so much better overall and have recommended this retreat to other friends since doing it. I am grateful to Laura and Wayne for the experience.

My experience with Laura Silverman was nothing short of extraordinary — truly one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From the very beginning, Laura and Wayne held the space with such wisdom, care, and integrity. They followed the Johns Hopkins protocol with precision and compassion, creating an environment where I felt completely safe, supported, and held every step of the way.

The preparation process was thoughtful and grounding. Laura took the time to really get to know me — my intentions, my history, and my needs. It wasn’t just about a single journey; it was about deep, intentional healing. I never once felt rushed or unseen. Every question was met with patience and clarity, and every emotion was honored.

During the session itself, I felt an incredible sense of trust — in the process, in myself, and in Laura and Wayne as guides. Their gentle presence created a sanctuary where I could fully surrender to the experience. It was beautiful, at times difficult, and utterly life-changing. I encountered parts of myself I had long forgotten or avoided, and emerged with a renewed sense of connection, purpose, and inner peace.

The integration work afterward has continued to shape my life in profound ways. Laura and Wayne didn’t disappear after the journey; they stayed connected, offered thoughtful reflections, and helped me make meaning of what unfolded. That kind of support is rare and deeply impactful.

I can say without exaggeration that this experience continues to change my life every single day. I feel more present, more aligned, and more alive than I ever have. If you are considering this path and are lucky enough to work with Laura Silverman, know that you are in the most capable, compassionate hands. It’s not just a session — it’s a sacred, life-affirming experience.

I can honestly say that choosing Laura to be my guide for my experience was the best decision for one of the most powerful and profound experiences of my life. This journey was a 70th birthday present to myself. I was trying to get beyond 20 years of caregiving for ill parents and ex-husband that had completely depleted me in order to start the next part of my life in a better state. Every step of the way, from the work I did with Laura preparing for the journey, to the actual experience and the follow up afterwards, was so intentional, so respectful, and ultimately sacred. I met with Laura via zoom three times before the journey, during which we talked about my intentions, my hopes for the experience, and my concerns. I had filled out a questionnaire and a workbook which so helped me focus on getting the most out of the journey.

Laura addressed all my concerns and taught me so much about the wisdom of the plant medicine so that I entered the day with complete trust and confidence. The night before the journey, meeting with Laura and Wayne for the drumming ceremony and the micro dose and then in the morning for a guided meditation and explanation of an altar was extremely helpful in dealing with parts of the journey. There were situations I encountered that might have been frightening, but because of the preparation I’d gotten from Laura and Wayne I was able to face them knowing I would get through them and learn from them. I was completely exhausted after the trip, having confronted so many painful things, but I was also elated and happier than I’d been in years.

Laura’s follow-up helped reinforce all that the medicine showed me and was so helpful in consolidating the parts of the experience. I remembered a lot, but so much happened it would have been impossible to remember everything. Laura’s transcript of what I said out loud during the journey was very helpful in triggering more memories of the journey. The medicine taught me how to embrace the pain of all the previous years and use it for growth.

I’m so grateful that I found Laura. Her knowledge, her intentionality, her respect for the medicine was exactly what I needed and I can’t imagine a better guide. This experience was truly life changing for me.

For me, visiting SMA was magical and transformative in and of itself. Having the loving support of Laura and Wayne during my time there was a beautiful and powerful experience. I got to visit beautiful places in the city. There is a beautiful private garden where different ceremonies take place which was amazing. Being there accelerated my healing and began to open up to an awareness and meaningful purpose that I and every human being have as we navigate through this life.

For me, finding connection to myself, to others, and the Source of Love was most transformative!

RRC

I approached my plant medicine experience with an open mind, and what unfolded was truly transformative. Laura and Wayne were critical in guiding me through every step, making me feel safe and completely taken care of. Their expertise and calming presence allowed me to let go and fully engage with the journey.

During the experience, I felt a deep connection to myself and the world around me in ways I hadn’t before. My senses heightened, and I gained newfound clarity on issues I had struggled with for years. It was like unlocking doors within myself, revealing layers of understanding, empathy, and creativity I didn’t know existed.

Since then, I’ve felt more present and at peace in my daily life. This experience gave me a profound perspective that has helped me manage stress better and has deepened my relationships. I’m grateful for the insights I gained and deeply appreciated Laura and Wayne’s support in making this journey so meaningful. It is worth noting that I am writing this 13 months after completing one journey with them and I continue to feel more at peace.

Sweetgrass Wellness provided a beautiful way for me to address my grief and trauma. Laura and Wayne were always available to patiently and compassionately answer (and re-answer) my questions from the preparation stage to the actual journey to the integration stage. The journal they provided helped me to structure my thinking, to understand what to expect and what to keep working on. They balanced the science behind this work with compassion, mindfulness, and ceremony.

Four months out from my experience, I have great peace in my mind and my body. I no longer wake us anxious, bracing for the day. I love how the journey really showed me that I am basically okay and pointed to the areas I need to be more open and honest with myself.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is feeling stuck in old stories and wants to drop old worries, doubts, and beliefs. It is amazing to no longer be living in the past.

Sweetgrass provided a comprehensive process for me to address my grief, sadness, and anxiety. The journal and Laura fully prepared me for my journey, what to expect, etc., and, most importantly, helped me focus my intentions. The journey itself was wonderful – illuminating, freeing and invigorating; it showed me that I am enough, that I can do this. After the journey, the journal and Laura helped me interpret and integrate what my journey was teaching me.

It has been over a year since my journey. I am happier, more confident and pursuing the best life I can. I too highly recommend this process to anyone who feels held back by negative feelings that they cannot seem to overcome.

Laura Silverman balances her strong medical knowledge and professionalism with an intuitive sense of caring and empathy.

Immediately following my journey with Laura Silverman, my primary symptoms of anxiety and insomnia greatly abated. Six weeks later, I continue to experience tremendous calm and a feeling of well-being. My mental acuity feels sharper as I view situations a little more deeply and clearly.

Sometimes your physical health goes sideways, and we find treatment. The unseen effect on your mental health goes untreated. Left untreated you lose yourself along the way. My anxiety and stress continued to build going through cancer diagnosis and the grueling treatments. With the support and care of Laura I found peace and happiness. I continue to use this happiness to guide me through ongoing treatments with positive mental self-care.