Dark retreat safety and contraindications

A dark retreat is a deep inner experience that can bring calm, rest and a stronger connection with yourself. At the same time, it is important to approach it responsibly and with respect for your own state of health. This type of stay is not suitable for everyone without limits.

Before starting a retreat, it is important to consider your current physical and mental condition. If in doubt, we recommend discussing everything in advance with your doctor or therapist.

When a dark retreat is not suitable

A dark retreat is generally not recommended in the following cases:

Acute mental health problems.
Psychotic illness or psychotic episodes in the past.
Severe depression, strong anxiety or panic states.
Self-harming tendencies or current suicidal thoughts.
Severe insomnia or states of marked mental instability.
Epilepsy or other neurological conditions involving seizures.
Acute infectious illness or fever.
Serious heart problems or any other serious medical condition that requires regular supervision.
Use of addictive substances, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Marked claustrophobia, unless the stay has been carefully considered and discussed in advance.

Situations that call for extra caution

In some cases a dark retreat may be possible, but an individual assessment is needed:

Taking psychiatric medication.
Ongoing psychotherapy or treatment for mental health problems.
Heightened sensitivity to solitude, silence or altered perception.
Pregnancy.
Chronic conditions that may require specific care during the stay.
Older age, or conversely a very young age.
A recent major life event, such as the death of a loved one, a break-up or burnout.

Are people afraid of the dark?

Medical contraindications are one thing, a plain fear of the dark is another. Here is what people who went into the dark with exactly that fear write in their Google reviews.

In the end it was much easier than it was in my head. There is nothing to be afraid of; whenever it starts to feel unpleasant, you can leave.
Ivana Račáková, January 2026

And the Dark…. at the Rouds’ it is soft, gentle, completely private and safe. Really, don’t be afraid of it.
Brixina, November 2025

And a message for those who are afraid of being alone: don’t worry, the best person in the world will be there with you – you yourself.
Petr Macek, March 2026

Principles of a safe stay

For the stay to go safely, it is important to follow a few basic rules:

Arrive sober and in the most stable physical and mental condition you can.
Be truthful about important information on your state of health before the stay begins.
Respect the recommended length of stay according to your experience and current condition.
If you are unsure, start with a shorter stay.
Keep open the option of contacting your guide or the staff.
Don’t be afraid to end the stay at any time if it becomes too demanding.
Expect that the stay may bring up strong emotions, memories or physical reactions.

Personal responsibility

Everyone enters a dark retreat voluntarily and in the knowledge that it is an intense form of self-discovery and rest. Openness, honesty and a willingness to listen to your body and mind are what matter. If you are not sure whether a dark retreat is right for you, it is always better to talk it through beforehand.

Advice before booking

If you have any doubts about whether a dark retreat is suitable given your physical or mental health, contact us in advance. Together we can assess whether the stay is right for you, or choose a gentler or shorter option.

Dark retreats at our centre near Kutná Hora are the subject of long-term scientific research by the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ostrava, in cooperation with the university’s Faculty of Medicine, led by Mgr. Marek Malůš, Ph.D. — a full member of the Czech Association for Psychotherapy with training accredited by the Czech Ministry of Health. The research looks at the effect of a dark retreat on cognitive function, blood pressure, heart rate variability and melatonin secretion. Find out more in the section Dark retreat research with the University of Ostrava.