Module 1

Preparing for the Psychedelic Journey

Module Description

Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) utilizes harm reduction psychotherapy (Tatarsky, 2007) and psychedelic-assisted therapy frameworks to assist clients in their psychedelic journey. This workshop reflects current best practices for PHRI and psychedelic-assisted therapy informed by several approaches including, but not limited to, harm reduction, mindfulness-based and somatic therapies, and experiential learning.

In this module, we will learn about how to approach assessment and preparation from a harm reduction perspective. We will also learn about intention setting and a brief history of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Module Description

Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) utilizes harm reduction psychotherapy (Tatarsky, 2007) and psychedelic-assisted therapy frameworks to assist clients in their psychedelic journey. This workshop reflects current best practices for PHRI and psychedelic-assisted therapy informed by several approaches including, but not limited, to harm reduction, mindfulness-based and somatic therapies, and experiential learning.

In this module, we will learn about how to approach assessment and preparation from a harm reduction perspective. We will also learn about intention setting and a brief history of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Apply a harm reduction approach to the assessment of a client’s preparedness and eligibility for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • Justify the importance of set and setting within the arc of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • Apply a harm reduction approach to preparation
  • Explain the importance of adopting a trauma- and violence-informed care approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • Describe key frameworks that can be used to help clients set an intention for their psychedelic journey.
  • Explain the need to promote cultural safety and humility.
  • Outline key events in the history of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • List the principal medicines used for psychedelic-assisted therapy, their historical usage, and a brief overview of the medicine’s subjective effects.

References

Tatarsky, A. (2007). Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems. Jason Aronson.