Meet Amy Milroy | Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider, Co-Founder of Transcendelic

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Milroy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Transcendelic was born out of a deep yearning to provide a form of healthcare that truly honors the holistic nature of healing. As a healthcare worker, I am intimately familiar with the limitations and often dehumanizing aspects of the mainstream healthcare system. It prioritizes speed over quality, reducing patients to mere numbers on a chart. This compromises patient care and wellness, and led me to a profound sense of burnout and moral injury.

The thought process behind co-founding this business with Sal was driven by a vision to bridge this gap, to create a space where healing is patient-centered, where time and care are abundantly given, and where the mind-body connection is not just acknowledged but deeply integrated into the healing process. We were inspired by the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines, having seen their profound impact in our lives and those around us. We recognized the need for a safe, legal, and compassionate setting for this type of healing to take place.

We wanted to create an environment that fosters deep healing through not only psychedelic-assisted therapy, but also through other healing practices like yoga, meditation, breathwork, and nature immersion. This holistic approach facilitates healing at a much deeper level and faster pace than conventional methods.

Our vision was also inclusive. We recognized the critical importance of making these transformative experiences accessible to as many people as possible, especially those from marginalized identities and communities who are in the greatest need and have the least access. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational to our mission. We offer sponsorships to folks with marginalized identities, socioeconomic disadvantages, and histories of trauma.

In summary, our thought process was deeply rooted in a desire to heal, to innovate within the realms of healthcare and wellness, and to create a community and space where healing is holistic, inclusive, and profound. We saw an opportunity to not only change lives, but also to contribute to a broader movement towards a more compassionate healthcare system and world.

What should our readers know about your business?
Transcendelic, at its heart, is infinitely more than just a business to me—it’s a mission and a manifestation of my deepest beliefs about healing, community, and the transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapy. We’ve built something truly special: a holistic wellness retreat that stands out by focusing on trauma-informed care, integrating a wide array of healing modalities like yoga, meditation, massage, breathwork, and of course legal psychedelic-assisted therapy in a community-oriented group setting. Our approach is comprehensive, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit, and is tailored to foster profound, life-changing experiences. What sets us apart, I believe, is our talented multidisciplinary team of psychotherapists, peer supporters, a Buddhist monk, physicians, logistical assistants, a nurse practitioner, massage therapists, and a yoga instructor. We are a team of likeminded compassionate professionals who have a genuine passion for and commitment to helping others, and an unwavering dedication to creating a safe, warm, inclusive, and inviting space that honors everyone’s journey towards healing and the roadblocks they’ve experienced from trauma and other challenges.

I am incredibly proud of the community we’ve built, the healing we’ve facilitated, and the barriers we’ve broken down to make our retreats accessible to as many people as possible. Every story of transformation, every moment of breakthrough, fills me with joy and gratitude and reaffirms our mission. Starting Transcendelic wasn’t easy; it required stepping into the unknown, learning new skills, and facing the inherent risks of founding a company, especially one centered around psychedelic-assisted therapy, which is off the beaten path in the current U.S. healthcare system. Financial hurdles have been significant, but our belief in the potential of this path to heal and transform lives keeps driving us forward. We’ve navigated these challenges through creativity, flexibility, and a relentless focus on our mission.

The journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of community, and the power of staying true to one’s values. It’s reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of psychedelics when used responsibly and with care. It has also reemphasized the critical importance of self-care and maintaining a supportive network, both personally and professionally.

I want the world to know that Transcendelic is not just a psychedelic-assisted therapy company that hosts retreats—it is a movement centered on holistic, compassionate healing. Our story is one of overcoming adversity, championing “alternative” therapies, and creating spaces where people can embark on profound journeys of discovery and healing. We’re not just working towards healing individuals; we’re striving to heal communities and, ultimately, contribute to a shift in how society approaches health and wellness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend were visiting San Diego for the week, I’d be thrilled to show them the vibrancy and beauty of this place. We might start our adventure with a morning walk at Black’s Beach, La Jolla Shores, or Torrey Pines, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Then we could have brunch, maybe at The Cottage, where the outdoor seating and local flavors convey a laid-back SoCal vibe.

We’d explore Balboa Park, not just for its lush landscapes, but also to wander through its myriad museums. The San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Us might be on our list. We’d have lunch in the park at the Prado.

We’d spend a day at the beach, lounging, swimming, and maybe surfing. We’d make sure to catch sunset over the ocean.

We’d check out The Comedy Store in La Jolla to watch comedians perform. We’d also see what live music was playing (maybe at The Holding Company), and go enjoy that.

Trips to the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park would be a fun way to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.

Throughout the week, we’d dine at local restaurants that highlight San Diego’s rich bounty, such as Juniper & Ivy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wholeheartedly dedicate this shoutout to my mom, who is the foundation of my empathy and strength. My mom’s love has always been a source of light in my life. Her unwavering belief in me has encouraged me to pursue my passions and stand firm in the face of challenges. She has always buoyed me up, even when my dreams seemed out of reach or unconventional. Her faith in my ability to make a difference in the world has been a constant source of courage and inspiration.

Watching her, I learned early on the great impact we can have by being fully present with someone, listening to and witnessing them deeply, and having true compassion for them. Her example showed me the profound impact of caring deeply, not just for those we know, but for the world at large. I am immeasurably grateful for her love and lessons, which continue to influence the work I do every day.

Website: https://www.transcendelicretreats.com

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