COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this workshop, we focus on special topics in clinical work and the development of ketamine– and other psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies.

Themes and topics to be presented include: the principles and practices of depth psychotherapy; developmental psychology and attachment dynamics; understanding the relationship between key neurodevelopmental processes, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and healing/integration from a Jungian theoretical perspective.

In addition, the workshop focuses on challenges and opportunities in maximizing the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness through the effective use of the therapeutic relationship; working with challenging experiences in treatment, and, the effective integration of spirituality and spiritual explorations as an essential element of the therapy, and integration and recovery process through an understanding of Jung’s concept of the “transcendent function.”

This training workshop integrates diverse clinical theories, traditions, and philosophies offering participants an increasing wide-angle lens on the evolving field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, grounding it in clinical wisdom, safety and psychodynamic/archetypal theory and practices.

Teachings are appropriate for healthcare professionals as well as the general public. Healthcare professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe three elements of the theoretical approaches of Winnicott, and elements as they may relate to the practice of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
2. Describe the relationship between therapist-client attunement and psychological change in psychedelic-assisted therapy and how it differs from traditional forms of psychotherapy.
3. List two common psycho-spiritual themes that often arise in the practice of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
4. List two forms of support that the therapist can offer to clients having a challenging experience in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
5. Describe one way that conflict emerging in the psychedelic-psychotherapy session can lead to learning and growth.
6. Describe 3 different examples of symbolic representation of The Encounter with Self that may occur and inform ketamine assisted psychotherapy.