Introduction to Psychedelic Therapy

This comprehensive course introduces learners to the foundational concepts, models, and practices of psychedelic therapy. Spanning seven chapters, it covers the history, science, and therapeutic application of key psychedelics such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin. Participants will gain insights into the principles of psychedelic harm reduction, preparation, integration, and ethical care while exploring diverse approaches and roles in clinical and non-clinical contexts.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the historical and contemporary context of psychedelic therapy, including key milestones in its development.

• Describe the mechanisms of action of psychedelics and how they influence subjective experiences.

• Explain the distinctions between classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, LSD) and emerging therapies (e.g., ketamine, MDMA) within the context of their therapeutic applications.

• Discuss the foundational principles of psychedelic harm reduction and integration as they relate to safe and effective therapeutic practices.

• Describe the significance of set and setting in creating a safe and effective therapeutic environment for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

• Identify key elements of the mystical experience and explain how it contributes to therapeutic outcomes in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

• Explain the ethical considerations specific to psychedelic therapy, including its differences from traditional psychotherapy.

• Analyze the role of cultural humility and strategies for addressing interracial trauma in the context of psychedelic therapy.

• Discuss the preparation process for clients engaging in psychedelic therapy, including psychoeducation and informed consent practices.

• Describe how to apply the “Ask-Tell-Ask” model for effective psychoeducation during preparation and integration.

• Identify common challenges that arise during dosing sessions and explain strategies for supporting clients through difficult experiences.

• Compare short-term and long-term integration approaches and their importance in achieving therapeutic outcomes in psychedelic therapy.

• Describe the key principles of the Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) model, including its theoretical underpinnings and core concepts.

• Explain the distinctions between preparation, assessment, and integration within the PHRI framework and how these phases support client safety and well-being.

• Identify strategies for incorporating PHRI practices into clinical and non-clinical settings to support clients navigating psychedelic experiences.

• Explain the mechanisms of action of ketamine, including its effects on the brain and body.

• Describe the subjective effects of ketamine and how they relate to therapeutic outcomes.

• Identify the clinical applications of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), including its use for treatment-resistant depression and other conditions.

• Discuss the structural and therapeutic delivery of ketamine in clinical practice, as informed by insights from clinicians.

• Evaluate strategies for incorporating ketamine into therapeutic practices while addressing safety, ethical considerations, and client preparation.

• Describe the historical and contemporary research on psilocybin, including its primary therapeutic applications.

• Explain the mechanisms of action and subjective effects of psilocybin as they relate to therapeutic outcomes.

• Identify the unique features of psilocybin-assisted therapy for conditions such as depression and terminal illness.

• Discuss the integration of psilocybin into Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) practices, with a focus on safety and client education.

• Analyze the differences between psilocybin-assisted therapy in clinical research, state models, and facilitator contexts.

• Evaluate the potential future roles of psilocybin in mental health care and its integration into broader therapeutic practices.

• Describe the historical development of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) and its applications in treating PTSD and other conditions.

• Explain the mechanisms of action and subjective effects of MDMA and how they contribute to therapeutic outcomes.

• Discuss the MDMA-AT psychotherapeutic model, including its structure and delivery in clinical trials.

• Analyze the ethical and practical considerations of implementing MDMA-assisted therapy in therapeutic practice.

• Discuss the potential future integration of MDMA-AT into mainstream mental health care and its implications for therapeutic practice.