Introduction to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PaT) Course

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 module 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 this service have unique 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.

This module will provide a general overview of ethical considerations in the delivery of psychedelic assisted therapy. Rachel Dundas, Registered Psychologist, will explore the unique consent requirements necessary in the delivery of psychedelic therapy, the current ethical codes which can guide a psychedelic therapists, and the importance of taking specific actions in the integration of psychedelic assisted into your practice.