An Introduction to Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Clinicians
April 14, 2023 | 9:00am-12:15pm PST
w/ Jason Luoma, PhD and Brian Pilecki, PhD
About The Workshop
Psychedelic assisted therapy is emerging as a highly effective form of mental health treatment. This workshop will provide health care professionals an overview of this new clinical area. First, a history of the use of psychedelics will be reviewed that includes an appreciation for their long-standing use by many indigenous cultures. Differences between the most common psychedelics will be outlined, as well as their unique psychological and physical effects. Next, the two major waves of psychedelic research will be summarized, with emphasis on more recent and rigorous clinical trials. The basic model of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy will be explained so that workshop participants will have a better sense of how this treatment works. The workshop will highlight the importance of preparation and integration, as well as how to use a harm reduction approach to provide therapeutic support to clients using psychedelics on their own. The current legal status of psychedelics will be reviewed, including Oregon’s developing a legal psilocybin-assisted therapy program. Finally, diversity issues around lack of access for underserved and non-majority populations will be explored, as well as the prevalence of cultural appropriation and colonialism in modern psychedelic medicine.
Meet Your Instructors
Jason Luoma, PhD
Jason Luoma, Ph.D. is CEO of Portland Psychotherapy in Portland, OR. His research focuses on shame, self-stigma, connection, and the application of ACT and psychedelic assisted therapy as an intervention shame and increasing self-compassion. He is currently organizing a clinical of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder that looks like it will be the first trial of psychedelic assisted therapy in the Pacific Northwest. He also recently organized a special section on psychedelic assisted therapy and contextual behavioral science. He is also an internationally recognized trainer in ACT, former chair of the ACT training committee, and past president of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. He has over 50 publications including co-authoring two books: Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Values in Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life. His work on shame and compassion can be read at www.actwithcompassion.com.
Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.
Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Brian also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, psychedelics, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health problems.
AUDIENCE
The workshop is aimed at health care professionals who are new to psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, as well as those interested in an up-to-date review of the current legal, research, and clinical developments related to psychedelics.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Participants will be able to describe the theory and practice of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.
- Participants will be able to summarize research findings and current legal status of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.
- Participants will be able to describe the role of psychotherapy in preparation for and integration of psychedelic experiences.
REGISTRATION
Registration is online. Presentations will be recorded and sent to anyone who registers for the event.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority given to those who would add diverse and under represented voices to our field. To submit an application, please click here.
CE CREDITS
Portland Psychology Clinic, Research & Training Center is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Portland Psychotherapy, Clinic, Research & Training Center maintains responsibility for all programs and content.
This workshop grants 3 CE credits for therapists with the purchase of Professionals with CE Certificate ticket and live attendance of the entire workshop. Credit will not be given for only watching the recording.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS: We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made by participants more than two weeks before the training event. For cancellations within two weeks of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. Alternately, participants may elect to apply 100% of their tuition to a future training event. No refunds will be given after training events.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS: Please contact us if you need accommodations to enable you to fully participate in the workshop. We will work with you and do our best to find a way to ensure your participation.
