Full Course Description

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy In-depth: In-session demonstrations and real-world insight into MDMA & more

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the recent history and results of the clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for PTSD.
Catalogue the side effects of MDMA, and possible risks and contraindications of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Design a therapeutic approach based on the MAPS Therapist Manual and the approach used in MDMA-AT clinical trials.
Debate some possible mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of psychedelics in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Evaluate at least 4 psychedelics that are currently under investigation in clinical trials, and catalogue some conditions they are being studied for.

Outline

Module 1: The origins of psychedelic-assisted therapy and why the research makes us hopeful

In this first module, you will get an in depth look at the research that started the psychedelic-assisted therapy movement. Michael shares his wealth of knowledge based on his frontline experience in the study of psychedelics and therapy. By the end of this section, you will have a thorough understanding of exactly what the studies found, where the limitations are and where the future of psychedelics research is going.

Module 2: Psychedelics-Assisted Therapy in Action: A Clinical Demonstration

Meet Nick; a Marine veteran who served two tours in Iraq and now experiences debilitating PTSD following an explosion that resulted in the death of a friend. Follow Nick’s journey through MDMA-assisted therapy as you watch videos of actual sessions. You’ll get a front row seat as you watch Nick transform from a state of anger and rage to forgiveness and peace. PLUS, you’ll hear directly from Nick as he reflects his life-changing experience with this powerful treatment modality.

Module 3: The mechanisms behind psychedelic-assisted therapy revealed; The conditions that can benefit from this treatment- it’s more than you think!

Find out even more about psychedelic-assisted therapy in this third module as Michael shares details about developments with other psychedelics including psylocibin and ayahuasca. Discover which mental health conditions have been proven to benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy and which diagnoses are currently being studied using this powerful intervention. PLUS, find out which treatment approaches can be integrated with psychedelic-assisted therapy and how approaches that utilize attachment and parts work are particularly well fit for this work.

Module 4: The most important things you need to know before using this treatment; Next steps in getting trained and what you can do now to help your clients

In module four, Michael will share unique insights into effectively utilizing psychedelics with clients. Explore topics including how to manage transference and countertransference, how touch can be used safely and ethically as a powerful tool in the therapy room and how the barrier of accessibility in psychedelics-assisted therapy. You’ll also find out how to support you clients that are coming to you now wanting to discuss their experiences with psychedelics and what you can do to get the best possible training in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Module 5: Q+A with Michael Mithoefer

Listen as Michael answers some of the most frequently asked questions he hears from therapists. You’ll learn even more about psychedelic-assisted therapy and hear his wisdom based on decades of experience in the field.

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Psychologists
Social Workers
Other Behavioral Health Professionals

Copyright : 08/04/2022

Psychedelics & Racial Justice

Psychedelics have been studied for the treatment of PTSD, depression, end-of-life anxiety, OCD, addictions, and a number of other mental health conditions. However, research studies of psychedelic psychotherapies have largely excluded people of color, leaving important questions unaddressed for these populations.

Dr. Williams will review relevant research, documenting exclusion based on the international literature. She will discuss ethnic minority mental health and how psychedelic therapies may help or hinder healing for people of color. Also discussed are next steps in ensuring that access to culturally-informed care is prioritized as several psychedelics move into late phase trials and expanded access, including the importance of culturally-informed approaches and training focused on therapy providers of color.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze how discrimination affects the mental health of people of color.
Theorize how race, ethnicity, and culture are important in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Catalogue new research pertaining to psychedelics and racialized populations.

Outline

Discrimination in access to care
Racism and Microaggressions
The specific needs of racialized people during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
The latest research on psychedelics and people of color

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Psychologists
Social Workers
Other Behavioral Health Professionals

Copyright : 07/28/2022

Psychedelics in Modern Healing

Today there’s growing interest in the use of psychedelic substances, once considered therapeutically off-limits, in the clinical treatment of PTSD, depression, addictions, and a range of other conditions.

The principles on which these healing pathways are based have been shown to be validated by psychoneuroimmunology and interpersonal neurobiology.

This workshop recording will look at the distinctive experiences of both clients and therapists that psychedelics can facilitate.

Program Information

Outline

Four Concepts of Therapeutic Psychedelic Use

Set & Setting
- Most Important Determinants: Set & Setting
- 1960’s Push for Psychedelics in Treating Mental Health Issues
Integration of Experience into One’s Life
- Psychedelic Experiences Are Not Transformative of Themselves
- Transformation Comes with Integration
Expectations vs. Experience
- Expectations Get in the Way of Experience
- Exploring What the Experience Was About
Attitude of Curiosity

Psychedelics & Pain

Belief that One Cannot Handle Pain
Embracing Your Ability to Handle Pain
Feeling in a Safe, Held Context
Connecting with Oneself

1960’s Cultural Phenomenon & Psychedelics

Vietnam War, Racism, “Don’t Trust Anyone Over 30”
Young Adult Use of Psychedelics Leads to “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” Situation
Repression of Psychedelic Research

Creation of Retreats

Focusing on Setting & Integration
Increasing Self-Awareness & Self-Processing
Creating Shared Community

Psychedelic Drugs

Ayahuasca
Ketamine
MDMA
Psilocybin
Psychedelics: The Royal Road to the Unconscious

Q&A; Introduction to Andrew Tatarski (Center for Optimal Living)

Target Audience

Psychologists
Physicians
Addiction Counselors
Counselors
Social Workers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Other Behavioral Health Professionals

Objectives

Appraise the differences among various psychedelic substances and their potential uses in a therapeutic setting.
Investigate the process of introducing and preparing for a psychedelic-based session with clients.
Assess how to integrate what has been experienced and learned in a psychedelic journey after the session.

Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration in Clinical Practice

What do you do when a client lets you know they are going to use psychedelics on their own, as part of a ceremony, spiritual practice or because they’ve heard it can help them? Is there anything you can do to help reduce harm? And what about micro-dosing, which is gaining popularity?

Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) is a transdiagnostic and transtheoretical approach that YOU as a mental health professional can take to having conversations with people who have taken psychedelics in clinical or non-clinical settings, or who are seeking help at any stage of psychedelic use. This recording will cover the core concepts of PHRI and its applications, including discussions about microdosing, responding to requests for referrals to non-licensed providers, and working with difficult experiences.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration from Psychedelic-assisted Therapy.
Determine ways to intervene with clients who are using or micro-dosing psychedelics.
Assess four theoretical pillars of the Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration model.
Integrate Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration into the larger picture of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Outline

The differences between psychedelic assisted therapies & harm reduction interventions
The Four foundations of psychedelic harm reduction interventions
A model for integration of psychedelic applications
The issue of micro-dosing among clients
When clinicians are asked for referrals to non-licensed providers
Working with difficult psychedelic experiences in psychotherapy

Target Audience

Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Psychologists
Social Workers
Other Behavioral Health Professionals