Date of training: 2023
Experiential Psilocybin Training Program
This program is intended for therapists and medical professionals who have attended one of the theory-based training courses in psychedelic-assisted therapy and seeking first-hand, legal experience with psilocybin.
Participants will engage in a guided journey under the influence of psilocybin aimed at learning how to integrate the use of psilocybin in their clinical practices as well as gaining insight into the inner workings of the mind and facilitating deep personal insight and growth.
The program is designed with a focus on creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for participants to explore their thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Participants will also engage in a range of preparatory activities and integration sessions to maximise the benefits of the experience and support their continued growth and development.
Curriculum
1. Introduction to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
– History and context of psilocybin use in therapy
– The legal and ethical framework for psilocybin-assisted therapy
– Current research in the field
– Safety considerations
2. Pharmacology and Neurobiology of Psilocybin
– Chemical properties of psilocybin
– Mechanisms of action in the brain
– Neuroplasticity and the potential for healing
3. Screening and Preparation of Patients
– Patient assessment and selection criteria
– Pre-treatment preparation and education
– Risks and contraindications
– Legal and ethical considerations
4. Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Session Protocols
– Session set-up and preparation
– Role of the therapist and integration support
– Therapeutic methods and techniques
– Dosage and administration protocols
– Dealing with challenging experiences
5. Integration and Ongoing Care
– Integration support following treatment sessions
– Follow-up and monitoring of progress
– Long-term care and prevention of relapse
– Therapist self-care and management of countertransference
6. Experiential Learning and Practice
– Supervised practice sessions with psilocybin
– Supervised observation of psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions
– Role-playing exercises and simulated scenarios
– Case studies and group discussions
7. Ethics and Legal Issues in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
– Informed consent and patient rights
– Confidentiality and record-keeping
– Ethical dilemmas and challenges
– Collaboration with regulatory bodies and other healthcare providers
8. Conclusion and Future Directions
– Reflection and integration of learning
– Current challenges and opportunities in the field
– Future directions and emerging research