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Working in Psychedelics: A Virtual Summit, Presented by DoubleBlind

As the psychedelic movement grows, more and more people are asking themselves: How can I get involved? What opportunities exist to work in psychedelics?

There’s also a growing number of people who work in psychedelics already and are asking themselves: How can I reach more people with my services? What are the risks of expanding what I offer? And how do I make sure I’m living my values and supporting the psychedelic movement as a whole?

Whether you want to work in psychedelics or already are, DoubleBlind’s virtual Working in Psychedelics Summit is for you.  DoubleBlind is bringing together pioneers and thought leaders across the industry to help you understand this moment in psychedelic history—and the role you want to play in it.

Register for the March 30 + 31 summit here.

Psychedelic Cannabis + Transpersonal Breathwork Retreat at Holistic TherapeutiX Center, CA

Psychedelics Today is excited to team up with Holistic TherapeutiX to present our Psychedelic Cannabis + Transpersonal Breathwork Retreats happening from Oct. 20 to 25, 2024, at the Holistic TherapeutiX Center in Agoura Hills, CA. This retreat is all about exploring deep into the self, connecting with plant medicine, and bonding with like-minded individuals.

What to expect: 

  • Connect: With the help of experienced guides, you’ll get to be part of a welcoming community where new friendships form and deep connections are nurtured.
  • Breathe + Journey: The retreat offers sessions that mix breathwork with psychedelic cannabis, aiming to expand your awareness and boost mindfulness.
  • Move + Learn: Take part in various activities like yoga, chanting, and fitness classes each day to boost your overall well-being.

Your Retreat Package Covers:

  • A 6-day, 5-night stay at the Holistic TherapeutiX Center
  • Two sessions each of Transpersonal Breathwork and Psychedelic Cannabis and Rebirthing Breathwork
  • Daily organic meals
  • Group transportation from the assigned pickup hotel to the retreat
  • Access to daily wellness activities

Keep in Mind: Your package doesn’t cover flights to LAX, hotel stays, transport outside the group’s schedule, cannabis, or travel insurance.

Where You’ll be: Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Santa Monica Mountains at the Holistic TherapeutiX Center. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxation and personal growth.

Where to stay: Consider booking a room at the Courtyard Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills or the Good Nite Inn Malibu. Participants will need to organize their own accommodation.

Nourishment: Enjoy three daily meals crafted to nourish your body and soul. They cater to various dietary needs, enhancing your transformative journey.

Ready to dive into this special experience of self-discovery, connection with nature, and others? Secure your spot by clicking on this link.

Psychedelic Cannabis + Transpersonal Breathwork Retreat at Holistic TherapeutiX Center, CA

Psychedelics Today is excited to team up with Holistic TherapeutiX to present our Psychedelic Cannabis + Transpersonal Breathwork Retreat, happening from April 28 to May 3, 2024 at the Holistic TherapeutiX Center in Agoura Hills, CA. This retreat is all about exploring deep into the self, connecting with plant medicine, and bonding with like-minded individuals.

What to expect: 

  • Connect: With the help of experienced guides, you’ll get to be part of a welcoming community where new friendships form and deep connections are nurtured.
  • Breathe + Journey: The retreat offers sessions that mix breathwork with psychedelic cannabis, aiming to expand your awareness and boost mindfulness.
  • Move + Learn: Take part in various activities like yoga, chanting, and fitness classes each day to boost your overall well-being.

Your Retreat Package Covers:

  • A 6-day, 5-night stay at the Holistic TherapeutiX Center
  • Two sessions each of Transpersonal Breathwork and Psychedelic Cannabis and Rebirthing Breathwork
  • Daily organic meals
  • Group transportation from the assigned pickup hotel to the retreat
  • Access to daily wellness activities

Keep in Mind: Your package doesn’t cover flights to LAX, hotel stays, transport outside the group’s schedule, cannabis, or travel insurance.

Where You’ll be: Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Santa Monica Mountains at the Holistic TherapeutiX Center. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxation and personal growth.

Where to stay: Consider booking a room at the Courtyard Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills or the Good Nite Inn Malibu. Participants will need to organize their own accommodation.

Nourishment: Enjoy three daily meals crafted to nourish your body and soul. They cater to various dietary needs, enhancing your transformative journey.

Ready to dive into this special experience of self-discovery, connection with nature, and others? Secure your spot by clicking on this link.

Transpersonal Breathwork Retreat at River Mountain Retreat Center, PA

Psychedelics Today is excited to share with you the details of the Transpersonal Breathwork Retreat happening from July 9-14, 2024, at the River Mountain Retreat Center in Everett, PA. 

This retreat is an opportunity for self-discovery, transformation, and forming deep connections with like-minded individuals.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Connect: Engage in a supportive group process, forge new friendships, and build deep connections with others in a safe environment, all guided by experienced facilitators.
  2. Breathe + Journey: Experience four sessions of Transpersonal Breathwork, which involve exploring consciousness expansion through integrated breathing techniques. This can lead to profound experiences and insights.
  3. Move + Learn: Participate in daily classes and activities as part of our Wholebeing Framework. This includes yoga, meditation, chanting, and more – allowing you to move and learn in a variety of ways.
  4. Nourish: Enjoy delicious, farm-to-table meals, a bee hive tour, honey tasting, and other culinary surprises throughout your stay.

Your retreat package includes:

  • 6 days/5 nights at River Mountain Retreat Center
  • 4 Breathwork sessions
  • Daily meals, honey class, and tasting
  • Guided hike, yoga, SoulCollage®, and more
  • Access to natural amenities like cedar soaking tubs
  • Group airport transfer from BWI
  • Taxes and gratuities

Please note that airfare, airport transfers outside the group schedule, and travel insurance are not included in the package.

The retreat setting is the serene River Mountain Retreat Center, surrounded by 150 acres of meadows, wetlands, and wooded hideaways. You can choose from private sleeping pods in shared cabins, fully accessorized glamping yurts, or off-grid platform tents for your stay – all designed to blend comfort with nature.

Deepen your connection to self, nature, and others. Book your spot today!

Sacred Mycology Summit: A Three Day Online Educational Gathering

Mushroom enthusiasts and cosmic explorers, get ready to embark on a fungtastic adventure through mycology, psychedelics, and permaculture, with the first-ever Sacred Mycology Summit, a free online gathering happening February 23–25, 2024!

Hosted by Fungi Academy, the Sacred Mycology Summit aims to inspire and educate fungi lovers all over the world. Together with 20+ thought leaders and citizen scientists, including Dennis McKenna and William Padilla-Brown, they will explore the realms of mycology, psychedelics, and permaculture.

Secure your FREE front-row seat to the mushroom magic now!

Exploring Conscious Creativity: Developing Authenticity in the Digital Age with Daníel Colón

Join Daníel Colón, a multidisciplinary artist, spiritual coach, Vital 2024 student, and creator of the viral platform, Color We Crazy, in this engaging online session for creative expansion. This workshop is designed to inspire and empower content creators, artists, and anyone looking to express themselves authentically in the digital world. We’ll explore the journey from seeking visibility to embracing multifaceted, authentic self-expression. Through personal storytelling, interactive discussions, and creative exercises, participants will learn how to navigate the complex landscape of social media, avoid the pitfalls of chasing viral fame, and build a meaningful community around their true passions.

Developing Cultural Awareness in Business & Practice

Join us for an in-person gathering at The Loft SF in Potrero Hill, San Francisco on January 25, featuring Psychedelics Today CO-Founder/CEO Joe Moore, Keyaira Lock, Mary Sanders, LCSW, and Dr. Ido Cohen. Keyaira Lock, Founder of Spice & Sage and the Director of Entrepreneurship at Northwestern’s Garage SF, will delve into strategies for fostering inclusivity within the psychedelic industry, sharing insights on how to make culturally informed decisions to attract diverse audiences that are often overlooked in traditional business outreach.

Following her talk, Joe Moore will engage in a fireside chat with Mary Sanders and Dr. Ido Cohen. Mary Sanders will be sharing her insights as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychedelic-assisted therapist, and a founding board member at People of Color Psychedelic CollectiveDr. Ido Cohen is a Depth Psychotherapist who also specializes in psychedelic integration. Together, they will explore the nuances of guiding clients through the healing journey from entry to integration, offering valuable perspectives for professionals in the evolving field of psychedelic wellness.

Ayahuasca Chronicles: Exploring Amazonian Traditions and Nature Connectedness with Paloma David and Sam Gandy

Join us to learn about the fascinating history of ayahuasca, from its historical roots in the Amazon to its contemporary global presence. We’ll explore its cultural and spiritual significance and how it fosters a deeper connection between humanity, nature, and consciousness. Learn about the importance of nature-relatedness in psychedelic experiences and how ayahuasca offers a path to healing our collective wounds, leading to more sustainable and harmonious relationships with the planet and each other.

Paloma David was born in Bogotá, Colombia. While pursuing her bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology at the National University of Colombia, she encountered the perplexing ayahuasca tradition in her home country. Marveled by the effects of the brew on human consciousness, she decided to continue studying ayahuasca by pursuing a Research Masters in Religious Studies at the University of Amsterdam. She has conducted fieldwork research on the contemporary uses of the brew in rainforests, capital cities, and digital settings. Her interests include psychedelic research, the promising therapeutic use of these substances, and their current use in Europe and Latin America. She is currently a Ph.D. student at Radboud University, where she researches the Shifting Perceptions of ayahuasca in Latin America.

Sam Gandy is a Ph.D. ecologist and independent researcher. He has varied experience of working within the psychedelic field, including as a past scientific assistant to the director of the Beckley Foundation and as a research assistant with the Synthesis Institute. His work has also involved science communication, including a past role as a senior science writer for Wavepaths, and he delivers talks in association with Seed Talks and occasional fungi cultivation workshops. A lifelong nature lover, he has a research interest in the capacity of psychedelics to influence human relationships with nature, and is a collaborator with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, and Onaya Science. His main work focus is within the ecological field focussing on nature recovery, working as Innovation Team Leader for environmental consultancy Ecosulis. Sam is deeply passionate about both the restoration of nature, and the restoration of human connection to it.

Psychedelic Parenthood: Why Are We Leaving Children and Adolescents Out of the Psychedelic Renaissance?

As the psychedelic movement gains momentum, its impact on individuals extends beyond personal exploration. Thousands of parents and caregivers are now weaving these experiences into their lives, seeking support for challenges like imposter syndrome and maternal guilt. While traditional cultures have long incorporated psychedelics within community life, including pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, the Western psychedelic mainstream still struggles to include families.

This presentation, drawing upon the author’s personal experience raising children in a Brazilian psychedelic context, offers 10 points for reflection on navigating this new frontier. It explores the potential and risks of psychedelic therapy for young people, social and economic considerations for psychedelic families, and the need to decolonize the field to embrace diverse perspectives. By sparking a dialogue about psychedelic parenthood, we can work towards a more inclusive and supportive Psychedelic Renaissance.

Join us for this FREE webinar hosted by Dr. Glauber Loures de Assis, Associate Director of Chacruna Latinoamérica in Brazil.

Dr. Glauber Loures de Assis has a Ph.D. in sociology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and is Research Associate at the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil. His main interests include the ayahuasca religions, new religious movements, the internationalization of the Brazilian religions, drug use in contemporary society, and psychedelic parenthood. He is the author of numerous articles and book chapters, and the co-editor of the book Women and Psychedelics: Uncovering Invisible Voices (Synergetic Press/Chacruna Institute, in press). Glauber is also an ayahuasca practitioner with 15 years of experience. He has built this practice in dialogue with his local Brazilian ayahuasca community and with the blessings of Indigenous elders and activists in Brazil. He is also the leader of Jornadas de Kura, a plant medicine center in Brazil that promotes a bridge between the ceremonial use of sacred plants and psychedelic science. He is father to 3 children and lives with his wife Jacqueline Rodrigues in Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Explore Kanna: A Legal Psychoactive Plant Ally in Turbulent Times

Dive into the world of Kanna with two prominent leaders in the field of plant medicine, Joe Moore, Founder of Psychedelics Today, and Stephanie Wang, Founder and CEO of KA Empathogenics. In this live webinar they will unveil the extraordinary benefits of Kanna, shedding light on what it is, how to work with it, and why it can be a powerful ally during these tumultuous times.

Kanna, also known as Sceletium tortuosum, has a rich history of traditional use among indigenous communities in Southern Africa. Its psychoactive properties and potential therapeutic benefits and consciousness-elevating ability have recently garnered significant attention in the world of holistic wellness and plant-based medicine.

In this enlightening conversation, Joe Moore will chat with Kanna expert Stephanie Wang about Kanna’s history, traditional use, and the science behind its unique properties. They will delve into its potential applications, in personal, therapeutic and entheogenic contexts, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable plant. Stephanie and Joe will explore the synergistic potential of Kanna and its role in facilitating emotional healing and connection, particularly in these challenging and uncertain times.

By the end of this webinar, you will:

🌱 Gain a deep understanding of Kanna, its history, and traditional uses.

🌱 Explore the potential therapeutic benefits of Kanna and the science behind it.

🌱Learn how to incorporate Kanna into your own personal growth and healing journey.

🌱Get briefed on how Kanna compares to other psychoactive and psychedelic substances, and their interactions and contraindications.

🌱Find out how to sit with Kanna ceremonially and what this sacred plant is here to teach us.

🌱 Discover how Kanna can be an invaluable ally for daily support in emotional well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.

Register now!

New Report: The Emerging Psychedelic Workforce

The most culturally significant shift around psychedelics since the 1960s is currently underway. As promising research emerges, societal attitudes shift, and governments around the globe reform drug legislation, psychedelics are poised to radically change healthcare and wellness – forever.

In recent years, many individuals have chosen to pursue a new career – or adapt a current career or practice – to include psychedelics in some form. Specialized training programs like Vital are preparing professionals to enter or enrich the workforce with psychedelic awareness, and support the healing of the world in a time of an unprecedented global mental health crisis.

And as the world watches, many are asking what the future holds for this field, what access to psychedelics will look like, how services will be delivered, and by whom.

But currently, the data on the psychedelic workforce is limited. So over 2022 and 2023, 130 current psychedelic students and past graduates of the Vital program were surveyed to understand:

  • Who will populate the future psychedelic workforce
  • How diversity will be present within the field
  • How workers will be servicing clients, businesses, and communities

The results were analyzed and packaged into a new free report, titled The Emerging Psychedelic Workforce. *Scroll down to download*

Gain insights on the emerging psychedelic workforce in this 24-page special report. Download your complimentary copy below.

Note: While Psychedelics Today acknowledges this sample of respondents does not fully capture the global sum of those engaged in psychedelic work today – including many Indigenous, ceremonial, or underground contexts of psychedelic work – we propose the findings as a reasonable representation of the future global psychedelic workforce of trained individuals.

As a fully remote global training program with many scholarship recipients, underground acceptance, and no advanced licensure requirements, Vital’s student body is highly diverse, and populated by professionals who will service a broad spectrum of communities, in a wide variety of capacities – not limited to psychedelic facilitation.

We offer these findings as a predictive snapshot of the trained psychedelic workforce, who they are, their motivations, and how they will work in the field.

Sample Insights:

  • Working with Marginalized Groups: 81.4% plan to work or are working with unspecified marginalized groups. This points towards a broad understanding and intention to cater to diverse and often underserved communities.
  • Non-Facilitation Specialties: 50.4% are interested in working in areas beyond facilitation and therapy, including media, academia, biotech, cultivation, marketing, and finance, indicating the breadth and diversity of interest in the field.
  • Incorporating into an Existing Career: 47% of students are not switching careers. Instead, they are incorporating psychedelics and altered states into their current career for the first time. This might include therapists or holistic practitioners seeking to integrate these new tools and modalities into their practice.
  • Making Money Isn’t the Goal: A staggering 98.3% of respondents indicate that making a lot of money is not their primary motivation to enter the field.
  • Aware of Risks but Unconcerned: 63.6% acknowledge potential personal and professional risks of arrest, social, family, or license implications, but are undeterred and willing to work in the field regardless. 

Download Your Complimentary Copy

Interested in reading the full report and a shareable infographic? Simply enter your information below, and we’ll send it right to your inbox.

Activated: A reMind Afterparty

Psychedelics Today is excited to participate at ACTIVATED 2023 on November 29th, from 8 PM to 1 AM, and kick off MJBizCon week at a private industry “hotel take-over” event at the newly remodeled Lexi in Las Vegas. It’s the first cannabis meets psychedelics private event following the 2023 reMind Psychedelic Business Forum.

Indulge in an evening of explorations with some incredible brands, and enjoy live music, experiential activities, a pool party, celebrity hosts, mouth-watering food, and libations at Vegas’s first cannabis-friendly hotel, The Lexi.

This event is produced by Canna Management Group, affiliated with MJ Biz Con Conference + ReMind Conference, and sponsored by PolkaDot Big Chief, Super Dope, OneUp, Fungus, TerpHogz, PSI Testing, Cannabis Capitol, Plant Media Project, and of course, Psychedelics Today.

The event is approaching quickly and spots are limited, so reserve your ticket for this exclusive event before we reach capacity! Use promo code PT50 for 50% off ticket.

Psychedelics Today Affiliate Webinar: Overview and Q&A Session

Join us for an engaging and informative webinar, where we’ll delve into the exciting world of psychedelic education and how you can harness it to benefit both yourself and the larger community. As a valued affiliate, this is your chance to learn more about the plethora of courses available in the Psychedelic Education Center and explore how you can contribute to the expansion of psychedelic knowledge while earning revenue.

Webinar Agenda:

  • Introduction to Psychedelics Today: Gain insights into the mission, vision, and values of Psychedelics Today and how you can align with our community.
  • Course Spotlight: Explore the diverse range of courses offered in the Psychedelic Education Center, designed to empower individuals with knowledge about psychedelics, mental health, therapeutic applications, and more.
  • Affiliate Program Overview: Learn about the Psychedelics Today Affiliate Program and how you can participate to generate revenue while sharing valuable educational resources.
  • Benefits of Affiliation: Discover the advantages of being a Psychedelics Today affiliate, including revenue potential and the opportunity to be featured on our prominent social media platforms.
  • Tips and Tools for Maximizing Efficiencies: Discover strategies and tools to enhance your promotion efforts, ensuring effective and efficient outreach to your audience.
  • Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our expert team and fellow affiliates, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the affiliate program and how to maximize your involvement.

Navigating Your Psychedelic Career: Networking, Community, and Self-Care

When starting a career in psychedelics, there is a whole host of things we recommend you keep in mind. We cannot stress enough the importance of building a strong, diverse professional network, and it’s equally essential to stay on top of the latest research and scientific advancements to ensure best practices.

How do you do all this while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Join Angie Leek, Vital instructor and seasoned psychedelic therapist, in exploring how prioritizing self-care is crucial, not only for their well-being but also to effectively assist others. We will also draw inspiration and guidance from Angie’s success stories as an established psychedelic professional, and provide tips on how you can further enrich your own journey.

Harmonizing the Mind and Body: Exploring Psychedelics and the Gut-Brain Axis

Dive into the fascinating intersection of psychedelics and gut health in our upcoming webinar, Harmonizing the Mind and Body: Exploring Psychedelics and the Gut-Brain Axis, hosted by Psychedelics Today.

Gain valuable insights from esteemed speakers Johanna Hilla, PhD Candidate, Coordinator of Education and Training at Vital Psychedelics Today, and JoQueta Handy, PhD, from Brilliant Blends. Delve into the intricate relationship between mental health and gut health as our experts discuss how the gut and the mind are intertwined. Discover how nurturing gut health can potentially enhance and optimize mental wellness, and even influence the outcome of psychedelic journeys.

Don’t miss this enlightening and educational discussion on a topic at the forefront of psychedelic research and wellness.

So, You’ve Become a Psychedelic-Informed Practitioner. Now what?

The mental health landscape is undergoing a sea change, in part, due to increased recognition of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a paradigm shift in the field. This new avenue for treatment offers a rare opportunity to address the root cause of trauma – all more quickly than usual approaches primarily oriented to symptoms. As this new territory unfolds, practitioners must navigate a unique set of possibilities and challenges. 

Successfully integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy into practice can include:

– Building novel skills through training programs like Vital
– Overcoming imposter syndrome
– Successfully applying training theory in the real world
– Adopting new integrative care workflows
– Attracting enough new clients to sustain one’s business

So, where should you begin? As a practitioner, preparing for these challenges and opportunities holistically will set you up for deep client impact, and personal and professional fulfillment.

Psychedelic Therapy as a Bridge Between Modern and Traditional

Overall, modern and traditional medicine traditions diverge across several vectors; there is merit to both modern and traditional approaches, and tremendous value in enabling a complementary relationship between them. Though modern medicine is capable of performing miracles in treating illness, in practice, patients in a Western context primarily seek conventional healthcare when sick. Especially in the case of U.S. healthcare, the system’s design financially rewards providers when they treat illness or injury, not when they help build a healthy lifestyle. The concept of “health” in the West is generally limited to the physical body: whether one’s heart is beating in rhythm, musculature working harmoniously, and they’re free of observable illness. U.S. health insurance companies only started covering mental healthcare broadly 15 years ago – a striking proxy for mental health’s lagging priority – and still don’t do it adequately. At the same time, modern medical innovation is grounded in research data, and only canonized following randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the gold standard of medical research, which ensures conclusions are drawn without bias. The benefit of this approach is that it safeguards the medical field from interventions that are not safe or effective.

Traditional medicines from across the world usually represent a broader and more integrative approach, equally focused on balancing the mind, body, and spirit dimensions to achieve a whole-person health outcome for an individual and community. Functionally speaking this may mean building a mindfulness and embodiment practice, immersing yourself in community, and cultivating a deep relationship with nature and beyond. Harnessing practices that move energy effectively throughout your body can build tremendous resilience, equanimity, and aliveness, which can reflect quantitatively in biomarkers too. While traditional medicine generally lacks the evidence base assembled through RCTs, its many lineages and modalities have gained significant support in recent years, accelerated by a mental health epidemic and tremendous anecdotal impact.

Psychedelic therapy represents a unique bridge between these two worlds. It has descended from long lineages of Indigenous traditions across the world, but legal access in the West will be initially limited to substances approved by the FDA and delivered by clinicians with formal credentials. Whereas traditional talk therapy often centers on distinct sessions, the psychedelic integration process is a continuous therapeutic container, and often incorporates embodied practices like breathwork, yoga, journaling, and meditation, as core agents of change in between sessions where lasting transformation happens. Clients themselves are viewed as the agents of change, empowered to take full ownership of their own healing. The medicine serves as a potent catalyst for this evolution, and the psychedelic practitioner is a space-holder and champion for the client on their journey.

Addressing Imposter Syndrome Among New Practitioners

Given these differences, coupled with traditional rigors of embarking on a major professional change, it isn’t surprising that new practitioners often experience a sense of imposter syndrome. While methods of working through imposter syndrome are well-established, there are practical approaches which new psychedelic practitioners in particular can take.

First, participating in a peer community of diverse types of practitioners can help combat feelings of “stuckness” and isolation. The psychedelic therapy space attracts providers of different backgrounds, mindsets, and worldviews – but this can feel abstract unless providers have ongoing structured opportunities to collaborate as professionals. Peer groups that meet regularly, or broader digital communities (ideally both), can help validate thinking, enrich perspectives, and make the often solitary business of holding space more collaborative and fun. In many cases collaboration can be literal: providers with different specializations often establish referral relationships that prove to be in the best interest of a client. They can also cultivate supervisory or accountability relationships, and they can overcome initial logistical friction points, like feeling comfortable with setting appropriate payment rates.

Second, providers can create structure for ongoing client communication and measurement, helping them progress from intention setting to lasting transformation.  This growth can be charted quantitatively, in the form of anxiety/depression scoring or practitioner’s own “homebrew” assessments, and qualitatively, in the form of collaboratively tracking and focusing on client progress milestones beyond their initial intention. In either case, observing client progress can give providers a sense of organization and confidence in attracting new clients in the future.

The Right Systems to Support Psychedelic Therapy Workflows

New providers stepping into this space may be frustrated with workflows that are not provider-centric and an abundance of outdated or unsupportive technology systems. A recent study by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing suggested that a third of the behavioral health workforce spends more time on admin than actually working with clients. There are many administrative functions necessary to support the modern practice: intake and scheduling, session note-taking, invoicing, and client communication, to name a few. When performed on separate systems, providers are forced to repeatedly context-switch, which depletes energy and pulls them away from their core mission: supporting client growth.

Beyond practice management’s traditional requirements, structuring the preparation and integration container across sessions may look different from traditional therapy workflows. A client’s integration work starts – it doesn’t stop – when a session with their provider ends. As such, many providers are meticulous about sharing and tracking recaps, and guidance and resources between sessions, which can include embodied practice recordings, podcasts or journaling prompts. Seasoned providers end up building out a library of resources to share with clients, as opposed to searching for them ad-hoc, but managing this ever-growing library and sharing via separate communication tools can be onerous. 

Providers creating an on-going digital container often do so across multiple mediums (email, text, Whatsapp), which can quickly become disorganized and lose most of the context; this can lead to struggles maintaining momentum with clients if they’re forced to track down different conversation threads. For clients, provider resource sharing and communication is only as effective as it is utilized, and when spread across different surfaces, clients are less likely to engage in integration resources. On the other hand, using familiar communication channels often means co-locating client communications with personal messages across the chat apps and email. This can be tempting for ease of use, but over the long run proves hard to maintain when personal and professional lives start to bleed into one another.

Existing technologies, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), unfortunately, have not evolved to support the modern client-centric dynamic so critical in this space. An EMR platform fulfills the primary capability of insurance billing and reimbursement, but even the most technologically innovative Patient Portals (the communication module of most EMRs) remain clunky, inflexible, and largely logistically-focused. They haven’t kept up with the rising modern client expectations for a simple, intuitive, and well-designed user experience they take for granted in other areas of their lives.

Attracting New Clients To Your Psychedelic Therapy Practice

We won’t bury the lede here: there is no magic bullet to building a meaningful client panel for your psychedelic-assisted therapy practice, but there are best practices you can follow. For those with the time and means, investing in an attractive website, paying for web traffic to your site, and optimizing how online searches are triaged to your site (SEO), can all be effective for growing your visibility and presence online. There’s also been a proliferation of online directories which can help generate leads, with varied success rates; there’s little downside to joining these, though from a client’s perspective it can be tough to differentiate among providers, and client routing can be opaque. Providers who anticipate a deluge of new clients should temper their expectations.

For psychedelic practitioners, client connection and trust is paramount, so successful providers often establish their own unique niche: a subset of the market with which they will uniquely resonate, and from which they will derive energy. Are you a sex therapist who does your best work helping divorced middle aged men re-discover their intimacy groove? Does your cultural heritage give you a unique perspective on de-colonization and working with intergenerational trauma? Whatever the case, expert providers own their narrative and unique perspective; it’s not bad to be clear and unapologetic in your messaging so that clients know exactly why they’re there.  Counter-intuitively, loosely appealing to everyone typically means you’re not strongly appealing to anyone. Take a stance and communicate your message confidently.

Psychedelic providers can also generate client referrals by investing in peer communities of practice (which, consequently, also benefits from providers inhabiting a specific niche and specialization). In holistic circles, providers tend to create informal “constellations” of care in support of client transformation. Clients might benefit from working variously with a psychedelic therapist, a breathwork facilitator, and a yoga therapist (as an example) to hardwire new behaviors. Optimal client care is, in part, dependent on those providers building personal relationships, understanding each other’s unique approaches, and trusting each other’s work.

Modern Solutions for Modern Practitioner Challenges

Here’s where intuitive tech comes in. Yuriy Blokhin, Founder & CEO of Homecoming shares, “We built Homecoming with the goal of equipping providers who blend both mystical and medical traditions with the tools, content, and community to do their life’s best work. What if, we thought, we could create an all-in-one platform that streamlined into a single place what you need to get best client results with how you learn and grow as professionals?“

Working in direct collaboration with psychedelic practitioners, Homecoming brings all client communication together under one roof, and co-locates it with a customizable library for providers to have everything at their fingertips to support client integration and drive impact. Communications are flexibly sent from an intuitive web dashboard or practitioner mobile app to client’s preferred inbox, whether it’s SMS, email, or a dedicated client mobile app, while letting you see all your client conversations from a single view in Homecoming, so you never “lose the thread” of conversation and can present confidently and professionally. Administrative functions like session note-taking, scheduling, and invoicing, are integrated, so you can reduce time spent away from deep client work.

Holistic practitioners who work with Homecoming are constantly learning and growing through the adoption of new modalities and techniques, which inspired development of the Homecoming content ecosystem. Leading providers across the spectrum of mystical and medical traditions have curated resources for practitioners on Homecoming to discover and further curate their libraries, and are immediately able to share their new findings with clients. The provider community, embedded in the platform, is the ideal place to connect with peers, build professional relationships, and pressure-test new approaches. The vision, Homecoming says, is to build a collaborative network of practitioner factions across different healing traditions, and to serve as an educational bridge for all providers, to the benefit of clients everywhere.

Guiding the Way Forward

As the realm of psychedelic-assisted therapy continues to unfold, practitioners find themselves at the forefront of a transformative approach to healing. For providers to navigate this new paradigm requires them to anticipate and embrace the distinct demands of the field. This means not only developing expertise in this new modality itself, but building familiarity with adjacent holistic approaches, and preparing one’s mindset and systems for a new way of supporting client impact. Psychedelic medicine will never be a panacea, but preparing providers to thrive in this new landscape is an important step in a broader expansion of consciousness and reduction of suffering.

Introduction to Psychedelic Therapy and Career Pathways

Dive deep with David Drapkin, LCSW as he explores the nuances of the budding world of psychedelic therapy.

  • Discover the Resurgence: Get an intimate look into the burgeoning field of psychedelic therapy and the transformative potentials it holds. An age-old wisdom is now weaving its way into modern therapeutic techniques, and while it can be nerve-wracking to take the plunge, it’s equally as exciting.

  • Chart Your Own Path: Curious about carving out a niche for yourself in this arena? We’ll demystify the various career trajectories that beckon. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone just stepping in, there’s a space for everyone.
  • Navigating the Tape: The world of psychedelics is as intricate legally as it is mentally. Dive into an exploration of the legal and regulatory terrains that shape this groundbreaking therapy.

A Vital Journey: Blue Osa, Costa Rica

Our Setting

Blue Osa is a gem set in the pristine jungle in the Southern Osa Peninsula, one of the earth’s most vibrant natural environments. There is no resisting the lure and awe of nature and her healing powers in this place. Around the property are places to relax and tap into nature’s exquisite beauty and healing powers. When we reconnect to nature, we also reconnect to ourselves. 

It was built from the ground up as a sustainable micro-grid that runs primarily on solar power, intending to leave the smallest footprint possible and live in harmony with the environment. As an intimate beachfront eco-resort off the beaten path, Blue Osa’s mission is to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience that nourishes their body, mind, and spirit. 

Your VITAL Journey Includes:

  • 8 days / 7 nights accommodations at Blue Osa, a private and remote eco-resort 
  • 4 Transpersonal Breathwork sessions (two as a breather, two as a sitter)
  • Three fresh farm-to-table meals a day
  • $50 gift certificate to the Blue Osa spa
  • gorgeous chemical-free pool
  • access to miles of secluded jungle beach
  • sunrise, guided birdwatching hike
  • daily yoga, intuitive movement, and CrossFit practices
  • free Wi-Fi and internet access
  • group airport transfer from PJM to Blue Osa 
  • taxes and gratuities

What’s Not Included:

  • all flights (R/T flight to SJO and R/T flight from SJO to PJM
  • spa treatments, including massage and acupuncture
  • adventures (ex. zip-line, chocolate tours, wildlife tours, surfing, horseback riding)
  • travel insurance

Pricing Depends on Acommodation Type

Twin Bed/Triple Suite

$3,325 USD

Full Bed/Triple Room

$3,850 USD

Queen Bed/Double Room

$4,550 USD

Deluxe King/Shared Suite

$4,900 USD

Psychedelics Today Affiliate Webinar: A Course Overview and Q&A Session

Join us for an engaging and informative webinar, where we’ll delve into the exciting world of psychedelic education and how you can harness it to benefit both yourself and the larger community. As a valued affiliate, this is your chance to learn more about the plethora of courses available in the Psychedelic Education Center and explore how you can contribute to the expansion of psychedelic knowledge while earning revenue.

Webinar Agenda:

  • Introduction to Psychedelics Today: Gain insights into the mission, vision, and values of Psychedelics Today and how you can align with our community.
  • Course Spotlight: Explore the diverse range of courses offered in the Psychedelic Education Center, designed to empower individuals with knowledge about psychedelics, mental health, therapeutic applications, and more.
  • Affiliate Program Overview: Learn about the Psychedelics Today Affiliate Program and how you can participate to generate revenue while sharing valuable educational resources.
  • Benefits of Affiliation: Discover the advantages of being a Psychedelics Today affiliate, including revenue potential and the opportunity to be featured on our prominent social media platforms.
  • Tips and Tools for Maximizing Efficiencies: Discover strategies and tools to enhance your promotion efforts, ensuring effective and efficient outreach to your audience.
  • Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our expert team and fellow affiliates, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the affiliate program and how to maximize your involvement.

The Ultimate Guide to Psychedelics in Australia

Australia recently achieved a world first, becoming the first country to officially recognise the medicinal and therapeutic uses of psilocybin and MDMA. While this change can seem like it’s come out of nowhere, it’s actually the result of the explosion of activity around psychedelics in Australia over the past decade. Only a short time ago, we were under the radar. Now, we’ll likely be one of the first countries where patients can receive psychedelic-assisted therapy without being part of a clinical trial.

So, whether you’re currently in Australia, or just thinking of moving here, a career in psychedelics is suddenly more of a possibility. If you’re thinking of pursuing this path in Australia, there’s lots you need to know to navigate psychedelics here. What is or isn’t legal? Who are the critical nonprofits and corporations? Which universities are pursuing psychedelic research? 

The short answer: Nowhere, except in minimal circumstances.

In most cases, classic serotonergic psychedelics are classified in the Poisons Standard as Schedule 9 – Prohibited Substances by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Ketamine slides into Schedule 8 – Controlled Substances, due to its extensive medical applications, though it’s worth noting that using it to treat depression is still considered “off-label” here. This off-label use is technically legal, but a 2015 controversy over clinics that allegedly skimped on psychiatric supervision and sent patients home to self-inject their ketamine doses has led to relatively few psychiatrists offering this service.

In February, the TGA announced that psilocybin and MDMA will be added to Schedule 8, permitting their use as Controlled Drugs, but only allowed to be prescribed by specialist psychiatrists under the following conditions: they must have approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), and they must be authorized by the TGA under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme to prescribe the substances for these conditions.

Psilocybin will be permitted only for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and MDMA will be permitted only for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This means that the therapeutic use of MDMA and psilocybin will remain illegal, unless it’s occurring under the specific circumstances the TGA decision describes. For all other uses, they will remain in Schedule 9 (Prohibited Substances). Therapy using other psychedelics such as LSD, mescaline or novel analogues will remain strictly limited to research trials.

The importation of psychedelics is tightly controlled and only allowed for approved legal research. A range of federal laws for serious drug offenses carry significant custodial sentences. For example, being convicted of trafficking or importing a “marketable quantity” (250 grams – 2 kilograms) of N,N‑Diethyltryptamine (DMT) can result in a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment and/or a fine of around $1.11 million AUD.

Most day-to-day drug law is dealt with at the state/territory level in Australia, which generally reflects federal scheduling. This means using, possessing, growing, manufacturing, and selling psychedelics is generally illegal. The one exception is found within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which recently decriminalized possession of small amounts of most drugs, including most common psychedelics. This doesn’t override federal law, and the federal government could seek to resolve any conflict in the High Court, but are unlikely to in the short term.  

Australian Psychedelic Organizations 

If you want to be across the breadth of psychedelic activity and experience in Australia, you need to start with the organizations in the field: Understanding who they are, how they relate to each other, and what communities they connect with is essential to navigating psychedelics here. 

Psychedelic Charities & Nonprofits 

Australian Psychedelic Society 

Founded in Melbourne in 2017, the Australian Psychedelic Society is a grassroots and community-led not-for-profit. Through events such as picnics, film screenings, integration circles, and workshops, they aim to provide connection, education, and harm-reduction information relevant to psychedelic communities. The Australian Psychedelic Society also advocates for drug law reform, including decriminalization, recently putting their case to the federal Joint Committee on Law Enforcement and planning a range of advocacy activities centered around upcoming elections. 

Entheogenesis Australis (EGA) 

Entheogenesis Australis is a charity using education to help grow the Australian ethnobotanical community and its gardens. EGA hosts various events around entheogenic and psychoactive plant and fungal medicines, most notably the biennial EGA Symposiums, now known as Garden States. Since 2003, they’ve been encouraging knowledge-sharing on botanical research, conservation, medicinal plants, arts, and culture. Attending EGA events is the most effective (and fun) way to connect with the key individuals and organizations in the field here. 

Mind Medicine Australia 

Mind Medicine Australia (known, somewhat confusingly, as MMA) is a charity founded to support clinical research and work towards regulatory-approved and evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. Mind Medicine Australia doesn’t advocate for the recreational or non-clinical use of psychedelics. Nor do they advocate for any changes to the law concerning non-clinical use, including decriminalization.

Through their for-profit subsidiary, Mind Medicine Institute, MMA supplies what was, until recently, Australia’s only training program around psychedelics, the Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies (CPAT). 

Psychae Institute 

The newest kid on the block, Psychae is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing new psychedelic therapies as approved medical treatments for mental disorders and other diseases, as well as supporting psychological well-being. 

Psychedelic research in Science and Medicine (PRISM) 

Psychedelic Research in Science & Medicine (PRISM) is a charity established in 2011 to undertake and support research into the applications of medicinal psychedelics and related therapies. Currently Australia’s leading psychedelic research organization, they partnered with Dr. Margaret Ross at the St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, for an end-of-life psilocybin trial, and are presently involved with Australia’s first MDMA trial

Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners

The Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP) was formed in 2023 to be Australia’s peak body for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). AMAPP is working to provide a framework for the safe, ethical, accountable, and effective introduction of PAT, focusing on achieving the best client outcomes. They are also working towards a searchable and verified register of credentialed psychedelic practitioners.

Psychedelic Companies 

New psychedelic-related companies and businesses are emerging in Australia every day. This is just a selection of some of the better-known ones. 

Enosis Therapeutics 

Through their Virtual Reality Psychedelic Psychotherapy (VRPP) protocol, Enosis aims to help therapists guide patients through all stages of their psychedelic healing journeys. Preliminary results suggest that their bespoke VR scenarios are a positive addition to the psychedelic-assisted therapy process, with hopes that these will be confirmed by future clinical trials. 

Little Green Pharma 

Perth-based Little Green Pharma is a cannabis company that’s recently moved into the psychedelic space, announcing in late 2021 that it had received a license from the Western Australian Department of Health to grow psilocybe mushrooms and supply psilocybin for researchers in Australia. It’s also pursuing psilocybin research through its subsidiary, Reset Mind Sciences.

Pyslo 

Using computational chemistry, Psylo is focused on developing next-generation therapeutic psychedelics, including short-acting and sub-perceptual substances. Partnering with UNSW and the CSIRO and having attracted considerable funding, this company is one to watch. 

Psychedelic Institute Australia

Psychedelic Institute Australia (PIA) is a new organization whose mission is to offer the highest quality psychedelic-assisted therapy training and education to therapists and clinicians in Australia. PIA was founded by a team that includes some of Australia’s foremost psychedelic researchers and clinicians, and aims to use their experience working in psychedelic clinical trials to provide theoretical and practical training for practitioners at varying levels of knowledge & development.

Australian Psychedelic Research 

A few years ago, there were barely a handful of psychedelic researchers at universities here. Australia was characterized as “falling behind” international psychedelic research. Now, it would be easier to list the places that don’t have some involvement in psychedelic research.

Notable university researchers include: Dr. Stephen Bright at Edith Cowan University, who is running our first MDMA trial and is founding member of PRISM; Dr. Paul Liknaitzky at Monash University, who is leading investigations into using psilocybin for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and involved in numerous other research projects around the efficacy of MDMA for PTSD; Dr. Vince Polito at Macquarie University who is probably our foremost microdosing researcher and has recently finished a longitudinal study of microdosing psilocybin for mild/moderate depression; and Dr. Monica Barratt at RMIT/NDARC, whose research explores the social and public health implications of digital technologies for people who use illicit and emerging psychoactive drugs.

Those are just the researchers who have a public profile and a longer history of engaging in research that’s directly related to psychedelics or psychedelic communities. In the past 2-3 years, many established psychology or psychiatry researchers around the country have quietly turned their attention to psychedelics, and are now engaging more publicly through high profile publications, large projects, or the formation of research centers. Examples of this are Swinburne University’s upcoming randomized controlled trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, led by Professor Susan Rossell, and the University of Melbourne’s formation of its Medicinal Psychedelics Research Network (MPRN).

Searching the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry for psychedelic-focussed clinical trials that are currently recruiting does not produce a huge number of results, but what is listed is illuminating, with hospitals playing a key role in these investigations across diverse areas including tolerability studies of Field Trip’s FT-104 molecule and a pilot study into psilocybin-facilitated treatment for methamphetamine use disorder.

How can I take part in psychedelic research in Australia? 

Besides word of mouth or being lucky enough to see the right ad on Facebook, you can check out the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial matching services such as HealthMatch may also be helpful. 

The Underground 

Organizations and researchers are great, but they’re not the beating heart of psychedelics in Australia. That would be the people and communities who use psychedelics, and many people involved in above-ground psychedelic activities are also long-time & active members of underground communities. 

What Psychedelics are common in Australia? 

While psychedelic use in Australia is relatively rare, it is on a steep upward trend. In 2019, 10.4% of the population had used psychedelics in their lifetime, and 1.6% had used psychedelics in the past year. That 1.6% might not sound like much, but that’s up from 1% in 2016!

The 2019 National Household Drug Survey found that the most used psychedelic in Australia is LSD, followed by psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, and mescaline. Official surveys don’t get into fine detail, but anecdotally, there’s a bit more nuance. Mushroom use splits somewhat geographically, with Psilocybe cubensis being more common in warmer areas than the native P.subaeruginosa. DMT is used as vaporized crystal, smoked as Changa, or imbibed in local Ayahuasca analogs, with Acacia often replacing Chacruna leaves as the DMT component. Peyote is rarely used, with San Pedro (Trichocereus pachanoi) or Bolivian Torch (Trichocereus brigesii) cactus being the most common sources of mescaline. 

Sure, but what’s the scene really like? 

It’s hard to generalize what psychedelic use and communities are like here. Many psychonauts are growing obscure plants and pursuing arcane knowledge, loosely bound by social media and the occasional camping trip, bush doof, or picnic in a local botanic garden. For the uninitiated, bush doofs are outdoor dance parties that emerged in Australia in the 90s and have become a significant part of the country’s alternative subculture. Typically held in remote areas of the bush, these events are often characterized by an eclectic mix of electronic music (especially psytrance), psychedelic art, and drug use. From humble and unsanctioned beginnings, the doof is now often incarnated as large outdoor multi-day dance festivals such as Rainbow Serpent and remains a cornerstone of the enduring relationship between psychedelics, rave culture, and music.

Compared to a few years ago, many more people are aware of the potential benefits of psychedelics. So, there’s a sense that this isn’t a wholly countercultural thing anymore. Anyone you meet could use or be interested in psychedelics – you never know!

People are facilitating psychedelic experiences all over the country (more, in my opinion, than there used to be.) This can be one-on-one or in groups. Many of these facilitators and guides have extensive experience and skill in serving and holding space for the people in their care. It could be smoother sailing, though. Allegations of facilitators having inappropriate relationships with ceremony participants or following unsafe dosing practices (e.g., dosing people with MDMA too soon after Ayahuasca, thus risking serotonin toxicity) are not uncommon. While most of these alleged incidents never make it to court, a Queensland man has been charged with the sexual assault of four women who had participated in his “spiritual healing” Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Community concerns around ethics and standards of care have driven engagement with international efforts such as the Ethical Psychedelic International Community (EPIC). EPIC is a group of ethicists, facilitators, and community organizers who are dedicated to creating safe and ethical psychedelic spaces, specializing in supporting and advising individuals, communities, and organizations within the psychedelic and plant medicine world who are navigating challenging ethical situations. The same concerns independently led to local community members founding the Psychedelically Aware Talking Circle Hub (PATCH.) PATCH is a space that supports people who’ve experienced harm in psychedelic contexts, and aims to leverage community discussions of harm minimisation to produce processes and resources that will allow communities to address issues around safety and ethics as they arise.

Regardless of setting, and whoever they’re with, lots of people are using psychedelics and want to talk about their experiences. There is high demand for both community-led integration circles and professional integration therapy. 

The Future of Psychedelics in Australia 

Where we go from here is difficult to predict. Australia has taken the first step towards clinical access for psychedelic-assisted therapy. How widespread and accessible will this be? That depends on patient advocates overcoming the conservative stance of the TGA, health officials, politicians, and the psychiatric establishment.

It’s pleasant to imagine that acceptance of therapeutic psychedelics will lead to broader legal reform, as medical cannabis has in much of the US. But our medical cannabis system here is much more restrictive and heavily regulated. Every single patient who is prescribed cannabis is processed through a federally administered access scheme and there are no legal walk-in dispensaries. Doctors and cannabis companies aren’t even supposed to advertise their services or products (though they regularly bend these laws.) We’ve technically had medical cannabis since 2016, and there is little indication that this will automatically lead to adult recreational legalization.

The situation isn’t all doom and gloom, though. The number of people aware of psychedelics and their potential has grown astronomically in recent years. The number of people who have had psychedelic experiences has grown just as rapidly. So, I hope we can expect political and regulatory progress to follow the social changes we’re currently experiencing.

My prediction is that non-clinical psychedelic access will be community-based, with more nonprofit psychedelic social clubs rather than neon-lit dispensaries. The medical use of psychedelics will evolve but remain heavily regulated until the medical model itself changes.

Whatever happens, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in psychedelics in Australia.

Have you been considering getting involved in the burgeoning psychedelic field in Australia? Spaces in Navigating Psychedelics for Clinicians and Wellness Practitioners: Australia are open for registration until Sept. 25. Don’t miss out on your chance to make history in Australia and enter a new paradigm of mental healthcare. Seats are limited – register here.

Bridging Dimensions: Understanding the Mystical Experience

Throughout history, mankind has been drawn to the profound realm of mystical experiences. Psychedelics have long been used to generate these experiences. Recent research suggests that when psychedelics are used to treat illnesses such as depression, addiction, or end-of-life anxiety in relation to cancer and other terminal illnesses, people who have mystical experiences during the treatment session have more positive outcomes.

Mystical experiences were fundamental to man’s religious experience in both the East and the West. They have informed speculations about the true nature of reality. The psychedelic space has been guided by the wisdom of Indigenous peoples, and central to their journey is the embracing of the mystical as used by shamans and healers.

Understanding mystical experiences can be approached in two ways:

1. Naturalistic Approach: Using science and logic to understand the inherent laws by which the universe runs. This approach might be taken by those who see the nature of the world as explainable by cause and effect relating to the laws of science.

2. Transcendent Approach: Based on the assumption of a universe run by a higher intelligence and not subject to inherent laws. A transcendental approach may be seen to be more compatible with religion and spirituality.

Core Features of the Mystical Experience

Much of the basis for this discussion of what is traditionally considered the core features of the mystical experience, comes from philosopher Walter Stace’s work Mysticism and Philosophy and philosopher and psychologist William James’ The Varieties of Religious Experience.

The core features of a mystical experience include:

1. A Non-Ordinary State of Consciousness 

A non-ordinary state of consciousness is profoundly different from the ordinary, mundane everyday experience. It generates a sense of timelessness and a loosening of the sense of relatedness to the outside world occurs — a blurring of what’s inside and what’s outside. There can be a loss of one’s sense of self — ego dissolution or ego death are commonly used terms to describe this.

Mystical experiences can occur in religious as well as non-religious circumstances, coming unbidden in the midst of everyday life. They can happen as a part of meditation, as a result of practices such as sensory deprivation, holotropic breathwork, and of course as a result of taking psychedelics.

Mystical experiences may also occur in moments of deep intimacy in relations between two people. For instance, as might take place in a psychotherapy relationship during a session. The psychoanalyst Alice Bar Ness has discussed the possibility that a mutually occurring mystical experience might be generated by the therapist and client in a psychoanalytic therapy. Recognizing this type of experience can be of great value in therapy.

2. Feeling of Connectedness

One core feature of the mystical experience has been described as that of an interconnectedness between all persons and things in the universe. Feelings of beneficence and love often but not always predominate. There is often a feeling of a deep connection to nature. In a more religious context, there can be a sense of connectedness with God or with some aspect of the Divine. William James described it as “becoming one with the Absolute.” Stace describes this form of “looking outward through the senses” as an extrovertive mystical experience.

An introvertive mystical experience, on the other hand, occurs when one looks inward, into the mind. Rather than becoming one with all that is out in the world, mystical unity occurs as a dissolution of one’s sense of personal identity. This can result in what has been described as a ‘pure consciousness experience’ in which there are no longer thoughts, memories or perceptions but yet one is still somehow aware. This state is a common goal of eastern religious meditative experience.

It should be noted that there is controversy about the existence of a pure consciousness experience. “Consciousness is always consciousness of something to a subject […]. Thus, […] there can be no experiences free of any content.” 

3. Ineffability

Mystical experiences, often described as ineffable, reflect a reality that transcends words and logic. As per William James, they are deeply emotional and cannot be transferred, and must be experienced directly. They can’t be put into words and communicated to another. Both transcendent and naturalistic viewpoints acknowledge ineffability as a crucial part of the mystical experience and despite being indescribable, humans naturally seek to express these profound emotions, leading to the creation of myth, poetry, and art.

4. Transformative Revelation

People having had these experiences have a sense of having received a deep and transformative knowledge about the most profound nature of reality. As James said, “They are states of insight into depths of truth unplumbed by the discursive intellect. They are illuminations, revelations, full of significance and importance…” The term used to describe this type of knowledge is noetic. It is important to understand the idea that the received knowledge is not obtained by use of the rational intellect or by logical thinking. Noesis rather involves a sudden, intuitive flash of insight, a revelation about the deepest truth. This is a consistent feature of some Eastern traditions—Zen ‘satori’ being one example and of course revelation is an integral feature of Abrahamic religion.

5. Paradox

Mystical experiences often entail paradox, situations where opposing statements both appear to be true and yet exclusive of one another. As an example, consider, as discussed above, that mystical experience can involve receiving a deep and transformative knowledge as a result of an encounter with the Absolute (which is paradoxically said to be ‘beyond knowing‘). Contemplation of paradox is a common feature of Eastern tradition. The Zen koan is an example. 

Some Naturalistic Approaches to Understanding the Mystical State

1. Depth Psychology

Traditionally, psychology has used a naturalistic approach in trying to understand mystical experience. This field is notably associated with Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis, despite Freud’s denial of the mystical. Depth psychology explores the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind. Speculation about the nature of the unconscious goes back well before modern-day psychology and has been addressed by every human civilization both East and West. Psychoanalysis is one form of depth psychology. It is, of course, notably associated with Sigmund Freud although, in most of his work, he denied the significance of the mystical.

The connection between mystical experience and psychoanalysis, both from a theoretical and clinical standpoint has however, been fruitfully taken up by some modern psychoanalytic thinkers.

There are a group of psychoanalysts known as the psychoanalytic mystics. One of the most prominent is Michael Eigen who regards the mystical process as a model for psychotherapeutic change.

Eigen and others have looked at traditional psychoanalytic concepts through the lens of mystical tradition. One such concept is the idea of very early infantile experience with the mother as a fundamental cause of the development of the ‘self’.

Some conceive of the infant’s experience at this stage of development of the self as including states of blissful union with the mother during nursing, alternating with feelings of terror and rage when hungry or cold or alone and then again blissful union when again cuddled and fed.

Disagreeing with early psychoanalysts who pathologize mystical experience as regression, Eigen sees these early, ‘primordial’ experiences of consciousness of self as an equivalent of the mystical experience per se.

This description of the infant’s experience has been seen by Eigen and others as “the prototype of the death-and-rebirth process.”Eigen correlates this with the recurrent mythical theme of death and rebirth as described by for example Joseph Campbell.

Alice Bar Ness has used Martin Buber’s concept of the I-Thou relationship as a basis for the idea that both therapist and client might undergo a mystical experience during a psychotherapy session. Buber considered the I-Thou relationship as a deep, meaningful experience occurring between two people such as might occur in a person’s experience of the divine. These experiences can be ineffable, noetic and transformative and so can be considered mystical. They can be utilized to great advantage in a psychedelic therapy setting where the material which arises during these moments of mystical communion can resonate with the client’s experiences which might have arisen while in the psychedelic state.

2. The Jungian Perspective

The psychedelic space has made much reference to Carl Jung’s theories, notably his concept of archetypes. There are differing views as to the exact nature of archetypes however, they are commonly seen as symbolic representations of biological instincts manifest as images occurring in dreams and fantasies. Jungian James Hillman described these images as having autonomous personalities. His  descriptions seem at times similar to the often-described psychedelic entities encountered during DMT experiences.

3. Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology

The relationship between the mind and the brain has long been discussed by philosophers and theologians. Neuroscience and cognitive psychology have tried to answer this question, also termed as “the hard problem” – can mind function be reduced to neural activity?  Seen through the lens of naturalism, it has been taken up by neuroscience and cognitive psychology using modern technology.

Neuroscientists, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), can generate images of changing brain activity during meditation and after dosing with a psychedelic substance. Cognitive science has developed a series of psychometric tools such as the Mystical Experience Questionnaire which, using mystical experience criteria as outlined by Walter Stace, can reliably determine the occurrence of these experiences in subjects involving studies of psychedelics and meditation.

Research on the neural correlates of the mystical experience explores the effect of psychedelics and meditation on neural networks in the brain. Neural networks are webs of neurons which carry out specific, information processing functions. Individual networks can be widespread or ‘large-scale’, that is, a connection between groups of neurons located within the brain at a longer distance from each other. Networks can also be more localized or ‘small-scale’, consisting of interconnected neurons which are spatially adjacent. The often-mentioned default mode network is an example of a large-scale network. Other large-scale networks include the salience network and the dorsal attention network. Together, neural networks interact in complex ways to create our experience of the world including one’s sense of self as well as the boundaries of this self. Psychedelics  break down existing connectivity within both local and large-scale networks and increase connectivity between networks not previously connected.

As a result of these changes, the brain is able to respond to stimuli in a more diverse and adaptable way. This translates into the distinctive sensory and cognitive phenomena commonly described during the psychedelic experience and may result in loss of sense of self and of one’s place in time and space – all elements of the mystical experience.

A Transcendental Approach to Understanding the Mystical State

Some Jungians and the transpersonal movement view the mystical experience as arising from higher states of consciousness and spiritual realms, not explainable by using rational, scientific concepts. In this view, “reality consists of multiple levels which mirror each other” in some way, commonly referred to as “correspondence.” Connections between these multiple levels are animated by a universal force which underlies the cosmos, also referred to as cosmic consciousness.

Correspondence between ‘multiple levels of reality’ gives rise to the idea that the universe or heavens (macrocosm) is reflected in the essential makeup of the human being (microcosm). Furthermore, this connection may influence interactions between different levels of reality. These concepts can be used to explain the core experiences and underlying nature of the mystical experiences. Additionally, they provide a “theoretical basis for astrology, alchemy and magic.”

These concepts can be illustrated by examples from the Western Esoteric tradition. For instance, the German mystic Jacob Boehme [1575-1624] describes the key to wisdom about God comes about by “looking within one’s self-consciousness, gazing upon, knowing and feeling all that formerly was [conceived of] as beyond.” Here, the mystical experience arises when contemplating the existence of the divine within – a connection between the macrocosm and the microcosm. This can be considered a form of interoceptive mystical experience. 

The writer and composer Hildegard of Bingen [1098–1179] wrote about her mystical visions throughout her life. She described a vision in which “my soul rises up high into the vault of heaven and into the changing sky and spreads itself out among different peoples, although they are far away from me in distant lands and places.”. Here is an example of exteroceptive mystical experience.

The Jewish mystic Abraham Abulafia developed a form of meditation involving repetitive utterance of Hebrew letters signifying the divine names of God. This enabled him to enter a higher state of consciousness in which souls “return to their origin which is one without duality… towards the original unity.”

Carl Jung’s [1875-1961] mystical visions are described at length in Memories, Dreams, and Reflections and in The Red Book. While Jung’s work can be seen naturalistically and transcendentally, his personal experiences are considered to be of a transcendent nature. In fact, Jung himself considered his writings to be of a transcendent nature. 

A better understanding of the mystical experience can be beneficial to the psychedelic space. While the two approaches discussed here may appear to be fundamentally incompatible, they both offer valuable insights and can complement each other.

Psychoanalysis has much to offer when seen through the lens of mysticism but also in a more straightforward consideration of its basic theory and clinical practice. As an example, psychoanalysis has long considered the problem of boundary crossings and violations as they occur in the analytic relationship. This has significant relevance to attempts at harm reduction in psychedelic therapy. 

Finally, the examples of transcendent experiences are taken from writings that are part of the Western Esoteric tradition. A greater understanding of the history of these traditions as related to mystical experience would greatly benefit the psychedelic community.


Opening Critical Periods with Psychedelics

Neuroplasticity, a term that has quickly become a buzzword in the psychedelic space and beyond, refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections or altering existing ones. Although it’s at its highest during early childhood, neuroplasticity persists throughout life and is central to our ability to learn from our experiences, adapt to new environments, and heal from our injuries.

Studies have consistently found that psychedelics significantly amplify neuroplasticity, thereby acting as potential catalysts for lasting changes in neural circuitry and behavior.

The neuroplasticity induced by psychedelics, which persists beyond the psychedelic experience itself, is thought to be central to the lasting positive benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

Recently, striking findings published in Nature have shed further light on the pro-plasticity effects of psychedelics. In brief, this study – led by Dr. Romain Nardou within the lab of Dr. Gul Dolen at Johns Hopkins University – revealed that psychedelics can re-open plasticity in certain parts of the brain in a manner that’s usually only possible in the first couple months after birth. In scientific terms, psychedelics were found to open the “social reward learning critical period”. This is a highly significant finding, with huge implications for the therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics. Let’s dive into what this all really means.

What are Critical Periods?

In order to understand the significance of opening a critical period, we need to know what a critical period is. In a nutshell, a critical period is a window of time during the development of the brain where it’s extremely receptive to specific kinds of environmental stimuli. That is, it’s a period of time in which being exposed to certain stimuli is critical for proper brain development. The development of different functions in our brains – whether it’s vision, sense of touch, or our social tendencies – have different, but typically overlapping, critical periods. During a given critical period, experiences can have a lasting – and typically irreversible – impact on particular neural circuits and, consequently, certain aspects of our perception, thinking, and/or behavior. 

Some notable examples come from the classical experiments conducted by the neuroscientists (and, later, Nobel laureates) David Hubel and Torsten Wiesel in the 1950s/60s on the development of the visual system in cats. In some ethically questionable experiments, they investigated how controlling the types of visual inputs a cat receives during early development impacts their vision perception throughout their lifetime. In particular, they raised newborn cats in a completely enclosed room where all they ever saw were vertical lines. Researchers found if this was done during a particular period of time (the critical period) the cats never developed the ability to see horizontal lines. These cats would consistently walk right into objects that featured horizontal surfaces, such as tables, and no amount of horizontal line exposure after the critical period allowed them to see horizontal lines. This illustrates how experiences that occur during a critical period early in development can lead to lasting changes in neural circuitry throughout the lifespan.

Critical Period Reopening with Psychedelics

In the Nature study with psychedelics, the researchers assessed a different kind of critical period, this time in rodents, pertaining to the ability to learn social rewards. This type of learning is assessed using the Social Conditioned Place Preference (SCPP) paradigm. SCPP is a way to measure a rodent’s natural preference for a location that has been previously associated with social interactions. In this paradigm, the rodent is placed in a cage that features two distinct rooms, and they are only exposed to social interactions with other rodent friends in one of the rooms. After this exposure, researchers put the rodent into the cage by itself and assess the proportion of time it chooses to spend in the room that they had social interactions in, relative to the one where they were always alone.

Social reward learning, therefore, refers to the extent to which an animal is able to learn to associate a specific environment with the rewarding aspects of social engagement. Interestingly, research has found that this ability is at its highest at around 20-50 days after birth in rodents, after which it steeply drops off and becomes negligible. In other words, there is a clear critical period during which positive social engagement is necessary for rodents to learn that social environments are desirable to seek out. 

As you might be anticipating by now, the Nature study found that psychedelics – including the serotonergic psychedelics psilocybin and LSD, the atypical psychedelic ibogaine, and the quasi-psychedelics ketamine and MDMA – all have the capacity to reopen this social reward learning critical period in adult mice. In fact, they restored social reward learning to an extent that matched or went beyond the maximum that occurred during their critical period.

In addition, they intriguingly found that the duration of this reopening was proportional to the length of the drug’s acute subjective effects in humans. For instance, ketamine-induced reopening only lasted for 48 hours, while it was two and three weeks for psilocybin and LSD, respectively. Ibogaine-induced critical period reopening was found to last the longest, at four weeks. For the neuropharmacology nerds out there, this raises interesting questions on how the lasting neurobiological effects of these drugs may be fine-tuned based on their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. It also has clear implications for psychedelic psychotherapy and optimal integration practices – which we will get to in a moment. Before that, there’s one more finding from this study worth highlighting.

In particular, the researchers found that this critical period reopening was mediated by increases in a specific kind of neuroplasticity called ‘metaplasticity’. Metaplasticity refers to the general ability for the brain to neuroplastically mold itself – it’s essentially the “plasticity of plasticity”. It can be contrasted with “hyperplasticity”, which refers to the targeted changes in specific sets of connections between neurons (as opposed to a generalized increased ability to do so). The study specifically found that restoring oxytocin-mediated plasticity in the reward system of the brain – in a region called the nucleus accumbens – mediated the observed re-opening. What this suggests is that psychedelics may, in certain brain regions, remove the “brakes” on adult neuroplasticity, thereby inducing a neuroplastic state similar to early childhood. As such, during the psychedelic experience, and in the days and weeks immediately after, we may have a unique ability to make deep changes to our neural circuitry and tendencies in thought and action – to an extent that was not available since childhood.

Interested in learning more about psychedelic neuroscience? Reserve your seat in Psychedelic Neuroscience Demystified: How Psychedelics Alter Consciousness and Produce Therapeutic Effects. Classes begin Oct. 4 – limited seats available.

Implications for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

The ability of psychedelics to reopen social critical periods and induce metaplastic changes has profound implications for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. It provides a neurobiological framework that could help explain the long-lasting therapeutic effects observed in the treatment of disorders such as depression and PTSD. It highlights that re-learning positive social associations may be a core part of therapy – an idea consistent with recent work highlighting how the quality of the therapist-client relationship is a core mediator of positive outcomes. It also underscores the importance of community-embedment and the quality of one’s interpersonal relationships following a psychedelic journey.

Moreover, the finding of increased metaplasticity provides direct neurobiological support for the importance of psychotherapy and other interventions following a psychedelic journey. This is because metaplasticity might allow the brain to be more able to mold itself in response to such interventions. Strictly speaking though, this remains speculative, since we do not know whether these metaplastic changes extend beyond social reward learning specifically. However, we are very much in the early stages of this research and there is so much yet to be studied and discovered.

The ability of psychedelics to reopen social critical periods and induce metaplasticity offers a compelling avenue for future research and therapeutic applications. These findings could revolutionize our understanding of how psychedelics work at a neural level and how they can be effectively incorporated into psychotherapeutic frameworks. As we continue to decipher their intricate and multifaceted neurobiological mechanisms, the horizon looks promising for the application of psychedelics in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders.

reMind Psychedelics Business Forum

Register today for the reMind Psychedelics Business Forum, a two-day conference and networking event on Nov. 28 – 29 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, in partnership with MJBizCon and Psychedelics Today. The forum brings together the entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, policymakers, and healthcare professionals at the forefront of the rapidly evolving psychedelic marketplace. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, a coffee break, and a networking reception. Use the link below or code REMPSYCTODAY for 10% off – ticket prices increase Sept. 29.

Homecoming: The Psychedelic Practitioner’s All-In-One Platform for Practice Management

Join David Drapkin and Yuriy Blokhin, CEO & Founder of Heroic Hearts Project and Homecoming, as we dive into the all-in-one client management platform that connects the way you practice with how you improve as a practitioner. Homecoming supports psychedelic coaches and therapists not just as practitioners, but as people on their own journey of growth and transformation. Join us for this one-hour webinar to learn more about their exciting and innovating new platform.

Psychedelic Retreats: The Ultimate Working Vacation

Have you been thinking about where your next trip might take you? Why not make it a journey within?

Psychedelic retreats are the ultimate working vacation: a chance to unwind, connect with the earth, and to devote time to what’s truly most important – your well-being.

Here are a few ways psychedelics retreats can help people create meaningful changes in their lives:

  1. Enhanced self-awareness: Retreat participants often come out with new insights about their behaviors, thought patterns, relationships, and past experiences.
  2. Trauma healing: when delivered in a supportive container, retreats can help people process and overcome trauma.
  3. Ego dissolution: the erosion of the ego during a powerful psychedelic experience can lead to a greater sense of unity with others and the universe, as well as a reduction in the feelings of separation or isolation.
  4. Connection with nature: Many retreats are in natural settings, which can amplify the sense of connection to the natural world.
  5. Sense of meaning and purpose: Some people come away from psychedelic retreats with a renewed sense of purpose or understanding of their place in the world.
  6. Breaking addictive patterns: Preliminary studies, especially with substances like psilocybin and ayahuasca, have indicated potential in breaking addictive behaviors, including smoking and alcohol dependence.
  7. Professional guidance: Psychedelic retreats usually provide experienced guides or facilitators who help participants navigate their experiences, making it safer and more therapeutic than using psychedelics without guidance.
  8. Structured setting: The set (mindset) and setting (environment) play crucial roles in influencing the nature of a psychedelic experience. Retreats offer a structured, safe, and supportive environment which can lead to more positive and therapeutic outcomes.
  9. Community: Sharing experiences with others in a retreat setting can create a sense of community and understanding. It can be therapeutic to process experiences with others who have gone through similar journeys.
  10. Integration: Many retreats emphasize not just the psychedelic experience itself but the importance of integrating the insights and revelations into daily life. This can lead to lasting personal growth and transformation.

But how should you choose what kind of retreat is right for you? Domestic or international? Would you prefer to start with breathwork, or dive right into a psychedelic substance? Would it be better for you to share accommodations or have solo time in a private room? There can be a lot of options to choose from, and when it comes to retreats, no one size fits all. 

That’s why we’ve created opportunities for our community to experience some of the most transformative in-person retreats on the planet, and anyone who feels called is welcome to join us. Here’s everything you need to know at-a-glance to choose the best retreat for you: 

Netherlands: Psilocybin – Sept. 6 – 11, 2023

Journey highlights/what’s included:
– 7 days/6 nights accommodation at Land van Yemaya
– 1 psychedelic journey as journeyer / 1 psychedelic journey as sitter
– 1 on 1 consultations with a facilitator before, during, and after the retreat 
– Preparation & Integration (2 group calls, support manuals)
– Daily somatic practices
– Self-inquiry and creative integration workshops
– Unique soundscapes for the journey
– Nourishing vegan meals
– Holistic practices including yoga, movement, somatic & sound work, art, and embodiment practices
– Shuttle from Amsterdam to the venue and back

What’s not included:
– All flights 
– Any transportation outside of the scheduled group transportation
– Travel insurance

Tuition:
– $3,750 – $4,050 USD w/ shared and private room options
– $45 Euros (for truffles to be purchased on arrival)

Learn more and register here.

Jamaica: Psilocybin – Sept. 20 – 25, 2023 or Sept. 28 – Oct. 3, 2023

Journey highlights/what’s included:
– 6 days/5 nights accommodation at Atman Retreat in Montego Bay
– A ​​psilocybin journey with a dose tailored to your intentions, preferences, and experience
– The opportunity to practice holding space for another member of your training group while they journey
– Comprehensive preparation and integration
– Group movement and meditation
– Abundant indoor and outdoor space at a beachfront villa, access to private beach and swimming pool
– Transport to and from Montego Bay International Airport

What’s not included:
– All flights 
– Any transportation outside of the scheduled group transportation
– Travel insurance

Tuition:
– $1,495 to $4,695 w/ comfortable accommodations including camping, quad, triple, double, and single room options.

Learn more and register here. (For Sept. 20 – 25 retreat)
Learn more and register here. (For Sept. 27 – Oct. 3 retreat)

Portugal: Transpersonal Breathwork – Oct. 21 – 27, 2023

Journey highlights/what’s included:
– 7 days/6 nights accommodation at Monte de Orada
– 4 Transpersonal Breathwork sessions (two as a breather, two as a sitter)
– 3 fresh, vegan, farm-to-table meals/day
– Access to walking trails, the biopool, floating on the irrigation canal, and the sauna
– Daily yoga, intuitive movement, and CrossFit practices
– Free wifi
– Group airport transfer from LIS (around 2 hrs.)
– Taxes and gratuities

What’s not included:
– All flights (R/T flight to LIS)
– Any transportation outside of the scheduled group transport option
– Optional massage treatments available on request
– Travel insurance (We recommend World Nomads)

Tuition:
– $2,700- $4,500 w/dorm, quad, triple, double, and single options

Learn more and register here.

Costa Rica: Transpersonal Breathwork – Jan. 6 – 13, 2024

Journey Highlights/what’s included:
– 8 days/7 nights accommodations at Blue Osa
– 4 Transpersonal Breathwork sessions (two as a breather, two as a sitter)
– 3 fresh, farm-to-table meals/day
– $50 gift certificate to the luxurious Blue Osa Spa
– Gorgeous chemical-free pool
– Access to miles of secluded jungle beach
– Daily yoga, Intuitive movement and CrossFit practices
– Free wifi and internet access
– Group airport transfer from PJM to Blue Osa (around 30 min.)
– Taxes and gratuities

What’s not included:
– All flights (R/T flight SJO and R/T flight from SJO to PIM)
– Spa treatments
– Optional adventures on free days
– Travel insurance

Tuition:
$3,325- $4,900 w/ triple, double, and King Deluxe options

Learn more and register here.

Are you feeling called to invest in yourself? We can’t wait to journey with you on an upcoming retreat. Need more info? Connect with us at info@psychedelicstoday.com.