Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Navigating Complexity in Community

Course Overview

Where Do We Go from Here? 

The landscape of therapeutic use of psychedelics has undergone recent seismic shifts, including the FDA's decision to reject the application of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Mainstream media have swung from celebrating psychedelics’ potential therapeutic benefits for multiple disorders to a series of critiques of the science, therapy models, and ethics of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). 

Yet amidst the tumult, several jurisdictions have decriminalized psychedelic compounds, states have created systems for psychedelic “services” and therapy, and recreational and underground use have expanded significantly. Many clinicians are confused about this juxtaposition and wonder how to understand with context and nuance the issues raised by the FDA’s ruling and the stories in the media. They feel unsure about how to provide their patients with accurate information in a thoughtful and balanced way, even as their patients are more likely to use psychedelics, only heightening the need for clinicians to be well-informed about risks and benefits.  

This 4th annual conference on PAP will provide cutting-edge information on current issues relevant for clinicians who work with psychedelics, are interested in doing so, or have patients who are interested in or already exploring these medicines. It will focus on the complexities of psychedelic use and the importance of community in working with them. We will explore the nuances of ethics, accountability, training, support and growth—together. Our expert faculty will dive into the controversies and investigate the merits of recent supportive and critical claims. In addition, to facilitate networking and build community, we'll hold 3 breakout sessions where participants can connect directly and discuss issues with each other as well as providing time for informal interaction. 

If you have been puzzled or overwhelmed by all the developments related to PAP and want to advance your understanding of the latest issues in the field, join us in March – in person or online – to help develop this important community of clinicians. 

Who Should Attend

• Psychologists
• Specialty Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Primary Care Physicians
• Social Workers
• Counselors 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Articulate how psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is currently situated in a policy context.
• List the ethical and practical complexities of the practice of PAP.
• Summarize issues and concerns that have been expressed on the road to approval of MDMA for PTSD.
• Foster communities of practice and support among clinicians who are interested in PAP.
• Describe the unique perils for sexual boundary violations in PAP and the role of communities in supporting safety and accountability.
• Discuss how to mitigate "undue influence" and cult practices in the psychedelics field.
• Describe the benefits and limitations of situating psychedelic healing within the medical model.
• Review harm reduction strategies to employ when clients use psychedelics on their own.
• Explain the relationship between psychedelic experiences and greater self-acceptance of one's experience of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Explore the significance of psychedelics for bereavement and end of life care.
• Discuss practical and collaborative steps to creating ketamine-assisted therapeutic groups.
• Identify factors to consider when selecting a PAP training program.
• Develop strategies to manage the complexities of PAP responsibly in community.