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Introduction to Psychedelic-assisted Therapy​​

Our continuing education credited introductory psychedelic-assisted therapy training course is designed to help practicing psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals gain an understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy. 

Now accepting registrations!

Classes are open for June 2023. Don’t miss your chance to get started early – Register Now!

OUR APPROACH

Are you ready to become a leader in mental health?

This course begins by re-defining the psychiatric model from one of “chemical imbalance” to one rooted in the mind-body-spirit dynamic. With roots in contemporary medical and mental health research, this training program also provides the historical foundation from which psychedelic medicines developed. The didactic course material will cover the various psychedelic medicines currently in use, including an emphasis on psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, iboga, ayahuasca, and ketamine.

This introductory course will also explore how psychedelic-assisted therapy can be integrated into and enhance existing therapeutic modalities, such as internal family systems (IFS), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

OVERVIEW

Here's what's included in our program

OUR CURRICULUM

View the lesson plan

What is psychedelic-assisted therapy? What is the psychedelic experience? This first overview session will cover the basic elements regarding why psychedelic-assisted therapy is a unique therapeutic process that lies outside of any traditional therapy, but why it is still important to have knowledgeable and loving therapists drive the renaissance in which we find psychedelics.

Did you know the word “psychedelic” was coined right here in Canada? Join Dr. Erika Dyck as she discusses how the history of psychedelics is shaping this new psychedelic renaissance, and how we can avoid some of the pitfalls that occurred in the first wave of psychedelic therapy in the 60s and 70s. The depth of knowledge Dr. Dyck possesses in this field is second-to-none, and her understanding of Canadian psychedelic history will shape the rest of this course work.

Ibogaine is the psychoactive ingredient of Iboga, a root indigenous to Gabon in Africa. It has both traditional uses, as well as clinical applications primarily related to addiction. Through a company he operates in B.C. called Liberty Root, Trevor Millar has been using Iboga to help treat individuals, and he will be discussing this medicine’s potential and the current uses of this plant.

Mushrooms, or more specifically psilocybin (the psychoactive ingredient in mushrooms), is one of the most researched psychedelics in modern medicine. This lesson will explore psilocybin’s pharmacology, indications, and effectiveness. We will also examine current psilocybin trials and studies that are being conducted, which demonstrate its healing benefits in a variety of applications.

From banned to breakthrough: MDMA’s transformation from an illicit substance to a breakthrough treatment for PTSD.

This module will cover the applications of MDMA in psychotherapy, with a primary focus on a clinical trial that used the PTSD protocol to treat eating disorders.

Ketamine is becoming the most widely used mind-altering medicine, which has extended beyond pain management into the realm of mental health applications. There are many indications for which it is used, employing several distinct routes of administration. The benefits, challenges, and means in which it can be incorporated into a therapist’s practice will be explored in this module.

This talk will review the history of clinical use of ketamine, from anesthetic to antidepressant, as well as the latest uses that have been discovered for this old drug.

This presentation will explore the use of LSD in the context of its therapeutic potential for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders. Historical publications as well as recent anecdotal reports will be explored; both perspectives provide valuable lessons pertaining to future work with LSD.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy and wellness enhancement are both areas of immense interest relating to mental health. This module will examine these areas, offer a robust discussion on how they are linked, and how they can be combined in the pursuit of attenuating our patients’ suffering and facilitating their healing.

Numerous clinical trials have resulted in increased awareness regarding the use of psychedelics in easing end-of-life distress in patients facing terminal illnesses; these trials have been conducted across different countries and over a span of many years. Further, Canada’s recent approvals of Section 56 Exemption applications has demonstrated the profound impact that psychedelics have in producing meaningful end-of-life experiences. In this module, follow the story of one woman’s journey, as well as testimonials of key researchers.

For many years, Mark Haden has been involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy through MAPS Canada and other avenues. Through the combination of his vast experience and collaboration with other contributors, he has developed an in-depth manual for psychedelic therapists. This content will be the backbone of the evening as he shares what it takes to be a competent and effective guide for this work.

In this presentation, a model of psychedelic integration will be presented, focusing on the capacity for increased relational intimacy as a critical measure of post-psychedelic experience. One model describes how early trauma shapes negative beliefs about the self, others, and reality, which in turn generate inaccurate interpretations in adulthood. As a result of psychedelic therapy, these Core Unconscious Beliefs may be brought to conscious awareness for reconsideration and re-decision, which in turn creates space to evolve in relational intimacy.

Due to the unique nature of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the clinicians providing such a service have a specific set of needs in regards to preventing professional burnout. This module will begin by defining self-care and exploring professional burnout as it relates to psychedelic-assisted therapists, and will proceed by exploring the unique considerations for psychedelic-assisted therapy vs. traditional psychotherapy. Additionally, tools for self-care in relation to these considerations will be examined. We will conclude by providing suggestions for aftercare practices and how one can utilize community to create containment.

INSTRUCTORS

Featuring a number of leading experts

Mark Haden, VP of Clearmind Medicine, Adjunct Prof., UBC, ATMA psychedelic therapy training instructor in Canada

Mark Haden

VP of Clearmind Medicine, Adjunct Prof., UBC

Erika Dyck

Prof. & Canadian Research Chair, USask

Dr. Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC, Psychotherapist, ATMA psychedelic therapy training instructor in Canada

Saundra Jain

Adjunct Clinical Affiliate, School of Nursing, UT Austin

Ian Mitchell

Emergency Physician & Associate Clinical Prof., UBC

Devon Christie, Clinical Instructor, UBC, Family Physician, , ATMA psychedelic therapy training instructor in Canada

Devon Christie

Clinical Instructor, UBC, Family Physician

Bruce Sanguin, Clinical Fellow at CAMFT, Psychotherapist, ATMA psychedelic therapy training instructor in Canada

Bruce Sanguin

Clinical Fellow at CAMFT, Psychotherapist

Trevor Millar, Board Member, Canadian Psychedelic Association, ATMA psychedelic therapy training instructor in Canada

Trevor Millar

Board Member, Canadian Psychedelic Association

Mike Mathers, Addictions and Trauma Therapist, ATMA psychedelic therapy training instructor in Canada

Mike Mathers

Addictions and Trauma Therapist

Natalie Harder

Program Director, ATMA Journey Centers

PRICING

Affordable prices and payment plan options

Participants who complete the introductory course are eligible to enroll in our Advanced Psychedelic-assisted Therapy (PaT) Certification Program, which begins April 14, 2023. Ask us about the two course bundle discount.

Pay today · Save $300

$1497 $1197 USD

Introduction to Psychedelic-assisted Therapy

$1497

Save today

-$300

Total

$1497 $1197
3 monthly payments

$399 USD / month

3x monthly payments

$399

Total

$1197

TESTIMONIALS

Hear what our students have to say

"Great format of watching presentations ahead of time for the Q&A’s and then speaking to the amazing presenters about their experiences. Wonderful to connect with other therapists and interested individuals through breakout groups."
Maya Sloan, an ATMA psychedelic therapy training alumni
Maya Sloan
ATMA Alumni
"The richness of the experience, expertise and discussion was deeply meaningful. Thank you ATMA."
Alison Bell
ATMA Alumni
"So informative and a must if you are interested in becoming a psychedelic therapist."
Caroldean Jude, an ATMA psychedelic therapy training alumni
Caroldean Jude
ATMA Alumni
"This program has not only done a masterful job of setting the foundations for Psychedelic-assisted Therapy, but also helped connect participants with like-minded health providers and fostered a continued interest in exploring this needed healing modality at an even deeper level."
Mikael Bartholdy, an ATMA psychedelic therapy course alumni
Mikael Bartholdy
ATMA Alumni
"It’s wonderful to be on live Zoom calls with so many amazing teachers. Thank you all, so much gratitude for this space!"
Karolina Mikos
ATMA Alumni

QUESTIONS

Questions about our Introduction to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy course?

Please reach out to use if your question is not addressed on this page. We are available via phone or email.

This training is designed to help practicing social workers, counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists and medical professionals gain a basic understanding of psychedelic therapy.

Our psychedelic therapy training is designed to provide you with evidence-based tools to enhance your current practice.

We are not currently offering our introductory psychedelic therapy course in-person, however, the live weekly seminars provide valuable face-to-face community building on our digital platform. Our advanced psychedelic course will provide provides in-person experiential training.

We are unable to offer refunds after registration; however, we will work with you if personal circumstances prevent you from attending.

Our CE credits are valid in Canada.