This is a group with unconventional spiritual practices and centralized control. I’ve seen troubling qualities during my year there and am convinced there’s a lack of accountability.

Despite the understanding that one is to wait after a psychedelic ceremony to make big decisions, 1 member left a 12-year marriage, a decision allegedly made from a ceremony led by Jay the church leader and “shaman.” Jay admitted to entering a sexual relationship with this member within 1 month of the divorce and within 3 months of their separation. Jay continued to serve them Ayahuasca as a participant.

This appears to violate Two Birds’ own written code of ethics. He claims it doesn’t. If that’s true, then their code of ethics is flawed if it risks exploitation and allows for unethical behavior.

“Unethical” according to professional associations like the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers, etc. which set the nationwide standards based on comprehensive evidence. The consensus that this behavior is unethical is shared across all helping professions representing the most unbiased objective truth on the topic. There are also laws in some states preventing power dynamic relationships between clergy/congregants.

The reasons relationships with clients are prohibited, even between consenting adults, apply to Two Birds, whether labeled “church” or “counseling”

Some reasons cited: an inherent power differential exists in healer/client relationships. Transference is when feelings are redirected onto the healer. Clients face trauma and share very personal feelings that they may not share even with their spouse or friends to which the healer attends with empathy and without judgment. Such an environment is conducive to the development of intimacy. Healers could intentionally or unintentionally exploit this private knowledge for personal gain. Clients may become dependent on the healer for support, guidance, medicine, or the therapeutic environment. Mixing therapeutic and romantic roles can lead to loss of professional objectivity, potentially harming the client’s best interests.

The professional literature challenges the idea of true consent with such dynamics. The risk of exploitation is high and arguably unavoidable under these conditions. These associations forbid relationships with clients and discourage relationships with former clients, with the earliest allowance being 2 years after treatment, one specifying 5 years, some forever prohibiting it.

This is the consensus without mind-altering substances. Psychedelics significantly influence perception and vulnerability, demanding higher integrity and clear guidelines.

Jay is aware of this but disregards it, presumably prioritizing personal preference over research-based standards. This raises concerns about leadership impartiality and shows problems that go beyond the code of ethics.

Those who spoke up to hold Jay accountable were met with what they felt were ad hominem deflections, manipulation, and behavior summarized by the acronym DARVO. He deleted the accounts of those concerned, including an active board member. I’m amazed this worked because even if his false ad hominem character attacks were true, it in no way justifies his actions.

All that was being asked was that the code of ethics be revised to meet common standards.

There was a letter authored by former members, some of whom were in leadership roles, which addressed concerns about abuse of power and misconduct. It included links to peer-reviewed articles, explained why the professional consensus applies to Two Birds, showed how this situation violates Two Birds’ ethics, etc

Despite multiple members claiming Jay was lying, the church regulars followed suit to discredit and disregard those voicing concerns. Pretty bad for a group that preaches authentic listening.

Due to these developments, the church lost many of its senior members and half the leadership team.

This place has cost me a lot and inflicted major emotional pain. I truly believe it is unsafe.