Psychedelic Therapy Training:

Essential Skills for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Clinical Skills intensive workshop in Melbourne
Hybrid: Online and In-person

June 24 - 28

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.

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.

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.

Course Content

The fundamentals of psychedelic-assisted therapy are commonly described through "Set and Setting." However, the PIA program introduces two additional "S" categories: Skills Training and Self-Reflection, making it a four-part framework.

Setting: Creating a safe and well-managed environment for clients is crucial in psychedelic-assisted therapy. During the workshop, participants will learn how to set up the therapy space, use music effectively, employ safety equipment and strategies, monitor the client's physical well-being, and ensure their comfort.

Set: The mental state of the client is central to the success of psychedelic therapy. Throughout the program, great emphasis is placed on enhancing the client's mental state by preparing them adequately and guiding them through the administration and integration sessions.

psychedelic therapy core components australia

Skills Training: Building on the trainees' existing therapeutic skills, the program focuses on specific skills relevant to psychedelic-assisted therapy, which are used in preparation, administration, and integration. Participants will be coached by trainers and engage in practical exercises. This includes addressing challenges that may arise during administration sessions, like managing agitated clients or dealing with boundary issues. Integration skills, such as handling challenging experiences and connecting with other therapeutic approaches, will also be covered.

Self-Reflection: Personal practice is essential for therapists to achieve the best results for their clients, especially in the unique context of psychedelic therapy. Therefore, the program places a significant emphasis on self-reflective practice. Trainees will reflect on various aspects, including working in a co-therapy partnership, navigating non-ordinary states of consciousness, managing clients with particularly difficult experiences, and integrating psychedelic therapy skills into their existing clinical practice. This self-reflective component aims to help therapists continually improve their abilities in this specialized field.

Only professionals with trauma-informed backgrounds will be accepted into this workshop.

Psychedelic assisted therapy may involve clients re-experiencing  traumatic material during the sessions, clinicians doing this work need to be trauma-informed.  They should be able to manage decompensation which may occur, and  to understand this in the context of the client’s history and presenting difficulties.  Part of this training covers the use of therapeutic touch and safety issues, which are particularly relevant for clients who have experienced physical or sexual abuse.  Working with co-therapists, ongoing supervision and self-care are stressed. 

Course Structure:

  • This course is delivered through a blended Hybrid modality: In-person and Online.

  • Participants will gain access to the online portion of the course 1 month prior to the in-person workshop.

  • The in-person component is 5 days long. Typically 9am to 5pm.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, trainees will be able to

1. Create and manage a safe and secure environment for the client.

2. Demonstrate the skills and personal qualities to prepare clients effectively for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

3. Demonstrate the skills and qualities to facilitate administration sessions in a flexible, adaptive way that meets the needs of the client - including dealing with a variety of challenges that may arise

4. Demonstrate the skills and qualities to enable clients to integrate their experiences into their lives

5. Reflect on their personal experiences of the program, and how these learnings may enhance their personal and professional development, and future psychedelic-assisted therapy practice.

… And more!

To view the entire list of learning outcomes and more detailed information about the course please download the course brochure.

Download the full course brochure below:

Eligibility Requirements

  • 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

Dates, Location and Trainers

  • June 24-28.

  • Melbourne. Abbotsford Convent.

  • Trainers for this workshop: Renee Harvey, Stephen Bright, Petra Skeffington.

Cost

  • $4200 AUD including GST.

  • This cost does NOT include accommodation.

Enrollment process

  1. Please fill out the Expression Of Interest form.

  2. You will be required to pay a $200 AUD deposit (refundable) to secure your place.

  3. Once you have been accepted into the program you will need to pay the remainder of the cost.

Cancellation Policy

Apply now by filling out this form:

Meet the Training Team

  • Renee Harvey

  • Dr. Stephen Bright

  • A/ Professor Petra Skeffington

  • James Bennett-Levy