What happens when we take extremely diluted doses of LSD and/or psilocybin? Everything – or nothing, depending on who you ask. Peppered with real cases of people who have tried microdosing, this module outlines the dosage protocols, critiques the studies currently available on this new way of taking psychedelics, and summarizes their findings. The proposed mechanisms of action of microdosing will be explained, along with safety considerations and drug-drug interactions.

MDMA was used in the 1980’s as a psychotherapeutic lubricant, but was outlawed in the United States in 1985. Why? After reviewing the history of this unique molecule, we will dissect its pharmacology to understand just why it pairs so well with counseling. The results of recent studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be presented, along with a video clip from an actual session recorded during one of the studies. (Get your tissues ready, it’s a tear jerker.) We will then take a look at MDMA-assisted psychotherapy’s potential in the context of couples therapy, in helping those on the Autism spectrum overcome social anxiety, and in supporting those with anxiety or depression associated with a life-threatening illness. MDMA’s side effect profile will be reviewed, along with its drug-drug interactions and other notes on safety.

While conventional medicine seeks to treat addiction by interrupting the chemistry of drug tolerance and dependency, psychedelics work largely by addressing the traumas and wounds at the core of an individual’s substance use. After reviewing a new framework for understanding addiction as a type of maladaptive physiology, we will examine the studies covering the use of psychedelic medicines in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (alcoholism), smoking, and other substance use disorders (including crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiates). More detail will be offered on ayahuasca and ibogaine. The safety, risks, and contraindications for these medicines will also be reviewed, and basic psychedelic “troubleshooting” tips will be offered.

How on earth did ketamine, an anesthesia drug, come to be used for psychiatric purposes? We will review the history of this unique molecule, examine its known mechanisms of action, and explore the theories of how and why it treats depression. After juxtaposing SSRIs with ketamine, we will learn about the several different paradigms for administering the drug, from small microdoses to large psychedelic doses and everything in between. Whether taken as an IV infusion, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, lozenge, capsule, nasal spray, or rectal suppository, ketamine is the old-but-new drug that may help with several mood disorders. This module will also include some cases from real patients, along with pointers on ketamine safety and suggestions on why the drug may not work in certain types of cases.

Supporting somebody on psychedelics is quite different than facilitating a regular therapy session. In this module, we will learn about “trip sitting” basics, from flight instructions to set-and-setting. Tips for handling common situations during psychedelic sessions will be offered, along with suggestions on how to maximize the potential for healing and minimize the risk of a “bad trip”. Guidelines for designing a healing space, using directive and non-directive interventions, and supporting clients in difficult moments will be explained. The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy will also be introduced. We will then look closely at the importance of integration work and consider recommendations for how often clients should take psychedelics to achieve their health goals.

A psychedelic substance is but one part of the healing experience, and you will get to experience some of the other important elements of a session in this optional module. After setting an intention, we will listen to a curated music playlist and feel just how beautiful music can be the wind in our sails. Prompts for reflecting upon and integrating the experience will also be offered. You will need a journal, pen, quiet setting, eye mask, and headphones for this 30-minute module.