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Intro to Psychedelics
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Event Date: 6/1/2019 - 6/1/2019

Event Overview

Introduction to Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Research and Future Implications

Saturday, June 1st, 2019, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Colorado Christian University, Leprino Hall, Room 106, 8787 W. Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226

A resurgence of research on psychedelics for common mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addictions, is rapidly shifting emerging practices in mental health care. Illicit substances, including MDMA and psilocybin, have received breakthrough treatment status from the Food and Drug Administration, with MDMA expected to be available by prescription as early as 2021. Certain plant medicines, such as ayahuasca and ibogaine, have ample anecdotal evidence supporting their therapeutic value and are being investigated in clinical trials. Ketamine is already being offered in clinics across the country for depression. Opportunities for therapists and counselors to offer their skills within a new practice model of psychedelic-assisted therapy will increase exponentially over the next decade.

This one-day training for counseling professionals 1) examines the history of therapeutic and recreational uses of psychedelics, 2) summarizes the emerging research on psychedelics for a range of conditions, 3) evaluates the uses, effects, and risks of the most common psychedelic substances, and 4) discusses the shifting paradigms that psychedelics have brought to psychiatry and the mental health field. Importantly, counselors will be introduced to legal and ethical professional roles and tips for engaging with clients in this emerging area of practice. This training is for counselors, therapists, or any helping professional who wants to develop a firmer knowledge base on psychedelics for their ongoing professional competence.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will be made available for those in attendance which are good for state licensure requirements.

Please note our Refund/Return Policy: Refunds will be honored within 14 calendar days of the registration date and include a $25 admin fee. Please allow 12-14 business days for processing. No refunds will be given outside the 14 days or after June 1st, 2019. Registrations are non-transferable.

 To learn more about the host sponsorship of Colorado Christian University, click here.

Schedule

Schedule

Morning session (9:30am-12:15pm)

  • Define common terms and a framework for discussing different types of psychoactive substances (lecture/discussion)
  • Collaboratively reconstruct the history of therapeutic and recreational uses of psychedelics and of psychoactive drugs used in mental health/psychiatry (interactive/experiential)
  • Summarize key findings from major studies on psychedelics for common conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addictions (lecture/discussion/videos)

Afternoon session (1:00pm-4:30pm)

  • Explore the uses, effects, and risks of the most common psychedelic substances, including MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and other plant-derived medicines (ayahuasca, kambo, DMT). Understand common social uses and harm reduction tips. (interactive round table discussions with guest experts)
  • Discuss the shifting paradigms that psychedelics have brought to mental health and psychiatry; Problematize the questions: What is medicine? How do we know? (lecture/discussion/activity)
  • Explore appropriate roles, activities, and tools for counselors and therapists (lecture/discussion)

Coffee, fruit, granola provided in the morning; fruit/snacks provided in the afternoon
45-minute break for lunch

Speaker Bio

Speaker Bio

Dr. Shannon Hughes, MSW, PhD

Dr. Shannon Hughes teaches, consults, and conducts research on how we use drugs and medicines in our society today. She is a community organizer and leader in articulating the shifting paradigms around our relationships with Self and medicines/drugs. She has developed and delivered education and training to professional social workers, counselors, and researchers, and to young people trying to make sense of their distress and struggles. Dr. Hughes earned her doctorate in Social Work in 2010 and is an Assistant Professor in Social Work at Colorado State University and in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health.

Dr. Rob Colbert, MA, PhD

Dr. Rob Colbert earned his Masters degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University and his doctorate at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Dr. Colbert's research explores the experiences of adult couples who use MDMA recreationally and the perceived benefits of MDMA use on their relationships. The cognitive-relational model of MDMA use that emerged from this research suggests that individuals can make healthful choices about their drug use in recreational contexts and experience sustained benefits to relationships in their lives. Dr. Colbert is part of the therapist training for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy organized by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. In his private practice as a therapist, Dr. Colbert specializes in working with young adults, non-ordinary states of consciousness such as hearing voices or having visions, and psychedelic integration.