Psychedelic Training Bend Oregon
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Integration
The potential of psychedelics in the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and the betterment of well people is undeniable. Psychedelic therapy (sometimes referred to as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, or PAP) is a type of mental health practice that involves taking a psychedelic substance as part of a psychotherapeutic process.
In psychedelic therapy, the use of psychedelics is combined with talk therapy there are typically two dosing protocols: psycholytic (the micro or smaller doses) and psychedelic (the macro or larger doses). With psycholytic dosing a person can often still engage in talk therapy, whereas with psychedelic doses - the recommended approach is to be masked and listening to a curated playlist of music. This helps promote an inward journey, rather than being externally focused or distracted.
While Indigenous communities have used psychedelics (plant medicines) in healing ceremonies for centuries, psychedelic therapy is a relatively new concept in Western clinical settings. There are many ways in which it is important to do our due diligence to ensure that we maintain a reciprocity, benefit sharing, and respectful way of being in right relationship with the medicines and indigenous peoples who are the original stewards of the practice of plant medicine (psychedelic) healing work.
Why we developed this training?
The growing prominence of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health has prompted a crucial need for practitioners to have opportunities to learn more about the use of psychedelic medicines in the treatment of mental health. Psychedelics increase vulnerability as they are conscious altering substances often allowing people to become less defended. In a safe setting this can be profoundly healing but the risk of harm increases tremendously. It is our intention to offer a training experience that can help practitioners gain a more thorough understanding of the fundamentals of psychedelic facilitation and integration. But more importantly, as educators we fundamentally believe that deep learning comes from an embodiment practice in an experiential learning environment like our training retreat. The Eco-Psychedelic Therapy and Integration Training retreat offers an way to come into understanding through didactic learning, experiential learning, and learning by growing in connection with others and the power of vulnerability.
Specifically this training is not only for mental health providers but also healthcare providers such as nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and naturopath doctors. There is growing attention in mainstream media around the potential benefits of psychedelic medicines for post traumatic stress, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. With this, healthcare workers are being consulted without having any training about the use of psychedelics. This training also provides continuing education credits.
What is the Eco in Eco-psychedelic?
Psychedelics have been known to amplify biophilia (our innate affinity for nature) and our interconnection to all living things. We are passionate about eco-therapy, forest bathing, eco-psychology, and environmental justice. We believe whole wellness comes from living in and practicing from a place of being in alignment with nature. Although this will look different for everyone, there are common themes and ways to integrate the wisdom of the natural world into practice. We can learn from nature metaphor, the natural rhythms of nature such as the changes in seasons, and following the pace of the the natural world. This training was designed with all of this in mind.
What’s the difference between a psychedelic facilitator, psychedelic therapist, and healthcare provider working with psychedelic medicines?
The role of a psychedelic therapist requires being a licensed mental healthcare professional. This includes clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. Healthcare professionals can be psychedelic facilitators and prescribers of ketamine here in the US. In Oregon currently, you may also get licensed as a psilocybin facilitator without an advanced degree in mental health. However, this does not warrant the title of therapist. A facilitator is often training as a “trip sitter” where they are versed in the fundamentals of rapport building and safety - but they do not provide therapy.
In essence, a psychedelic therapist is a licensed mental health professional equipped to combine psychotherapeutic practices with guided psychedelic experiences, unlocking individuals' innate healing potential.
