Psychedelic Therapy Training:
Essential Skills for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Clinical Skills intensive workshop in Byron Bay
Hybrid: Online and In-person
Next training: July 20-24, 2026
Why the need for Psychedelic Therapy training?
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rescheduled MDMA and psilocybin as Schedule 8 Controlled Medicines from the 1st of July 2023 following increasing emerging evidence that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy are effective at treating PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. In doing so, Australia has become the first country in the world to recognise these drugs as medicines. To ensure the safe use of these treatments in the community, proper training is considered essential.
Two Phase 3 Randomised Controlled Trials have examined MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The results showed that between 67% and 71% of participants receiving MDMA-assisted therapy no longer met the criteria for PTSD, compared to 32% of participants who received a placebo. These and other studies have used the MAPS MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy Manual.
As for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder, while multiple clinical trials have been conducted, Phase 3 trials haven't been published yet. Unlike MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, the psychotherapy methods in these studies haven't been standardized, with different treatment manuals being used. However, these manuals generally follow a similar structure: preparation, administration, and integration.
Research shows evidence for the effectiveness for MDMA and Psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Introducing PIA’s Bespoke Training Model
Learning Processes and Program Goal
There are 3 basic processes involved in developing new therapist skills: acquiring theoretical knowledge (declarative information), learning procedural skills, and engaging in reflective practice. PIA’s Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Essential Skills program addresses all 3 elements.
Theoretical/didactic knowledge will be acquired through pre-course online learning and a limited amount of didactic content during the workshop. However, the primary focus of PIA’s Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Essential Skills program will be on Skills Training, acquired through a mix of pairs and group role-plays, demonstration, self-experiential learning and reflective practice.
Participants during a breathwork session at our training in February 2024, Byron Bay.
Our goal is that after 5 days, you will be ready to take your first steps as a psychedelic-assisted therapist - with clinical supervision and a strong self-reflective practice, alongside an experienced and legally qualified co-therapist.
To view the entire list of learning outcomes and more detailed information about the course please download the course brochure below
Meet the Training Team
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Renee Harvey
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Dr. Stephen Bright
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A/ Professor Petra Skeffington
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Diego Pinzon
Eligibility Requirements
Our program is now open for those who aim to work as main therapists/facilitators and those who wish to train as assistant facilitators.
For assistant facilitators:
Current or provisional registration with the regulatory body of your profession (AHPRA, PACFA, ACA or others).
Fundamental knowledge in psychedelic substances.
For main therapists/facilitators:
Current registration with the regulatory body of your profession (AHPRA, PACFA).
Experienced therapists with minimum 3 years of professional practice experience including psychotherapy experience.
Foundational knowledge of psychedelic substances and their effects.
Continuing Professional Development
Earn 35 CPD hours towards your ongoing professional requirements.
Dates, Location and Trainers
July 20-24, 2026.
Byron Bay Community Centre, NSW.
Trainers for this workshop: Renee Harvey, Stephen Bright, Petra Skeffington, Diego Pinzon.
Cost
Early price $4295 AUD until April 1st. $4695 AUD full price.
This cost does NOT include accommodation.
Enrollment process
Please fill out the Application form.
You will be required to pay a $200 AUD deposit (refundable) to secure your place.
Once you have been accepted into the program you will need to pay the remainder of the cost.
Cancellation Policy
Please read our Cancellation Policy here.
*Some of the training sessions may be conducted online
Apply now by filling out this form:
Is this an accredited qualification? What qualification will I receive from this program?
We don't call our program a Certificate since this could be misleading. In Australia, a Certificate is a recognised qualification provided by a Registered Training Organization (RTO). Since psychedelic-assisted therapy is not yet a regulated field with established training standards, there are currently no RTO-recognised certificates available in the practical application and know-how of this specialty.
At present, there is no official body accrediting psychedelic-assisted therapy training in Australia. This is a crucial point that's often misunderstood. No professional organisation currently regulates psychedelic therapy training, which means no program in Australia—including ours—can offer an official or ‘accredited’ qualification in psychedelic therapy.
What we can say is that as per TGA guidelines, treating teams need to include a lead therapist that has undergone a psychedelic therapist training program. And currently, practitioners who have undertaken our prior trainings are working as psychedelic therapists in treating teams alongside Authorised Prescribers regulated by the TGA. As such, we are pleased to note that there is sufficient precedent of our training as an accepted program.
What We Provide:
We provide a certificate of completion and focus on what truly matters: high-quality, evidence-based training from highly experienced practitioners. Our course focuses on practical skills, the ethics and safety of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and our program is recognized and accepted in both clinical trials and private practice settings.
When the field is unregulated and no official qualification exists, in-person instructor experience and training quality matter far more than terminology. We encourage you to evaluate any program based on these factors rather than the language used to describe credentials.
It's essential for anyone considering becoming a psychedelic-assisted therapist to already possess a strong foundation and significant experience as a therapist. This program does not accept individuals without this prerequisite. Additionally, completion of a 5-day training program does not make you a highly competent psychedelic-assisted therapist; that level of competence requires further clinical experience, ongoing supervision, and self-reflective practice. The program's goal is to prepare you to take your initial steps as a psychedelic-assisted therapist after the 5-day training, with the expectation that you will have clinical supervision and a strong self-reflective practice in place.