Workshop Program

Introductory Workshop on Psychedelic Therapies

17 and 18 November 2021

This Introductory Workshop for Psychedelic Therapies will run over two days prior to the International Summit on Psychedelic Therapies for Mental Illness. This will be a first-of-its kind opportunity in Australia for those wanting to gain direct insight and training into this approach from international therapists in the field.

The workshop will introduce participants to various approaches in psychedelic treatment for mental illness. The workshop is led by Nigel Denning, Dr Tra-ill Dowie with world-leading therapist trainer Dr Bill Richards (USA) from Johns Hopkins University. It is for anyone with an interest in the topic and who is considering further development of their current therapeutic skills or who are eager to gain a detailed understanding of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of mental illness.

Wednesday 17th November 2021
9:00am (AEDT)	Welcome to Country and Psychedelic video with music Meditation and Introduction to Teachers, outline for the 2 days, housekeeping MMA Cycle Video
9:15	Our contemporary mental healthcare system, our mental health emergency and psychedelic-assisted therapies as an important new direction
9:45	Overview of Psychedelics Pre-history History Practices for achieving altered states of consciousness (anthropology)
11:20 – 11:20	MORNING TEA BREAK
11:20	Overview of Psychedelics (continued) The different substances and effects MMA’s focus on psilocybin and MDMA assisted therapies
12.00	Small group discussions
12:45	Feedback, Questions and Reflections
1:00 – 2:00	LUNCH BREAK
2:00 – 4:00	Psychedelic-assisted therapy The Potentials of PAT in contemporary mental health Major trial models Explore the tensions between empirical scientific research and subjective experience Mind Medicine model Potential risks and pitfalls
4:00 – 4:20	AFTERNOON TEA BREAK
4:20	Reflection on Day – Discussion Groups and Q & A

Thursday 18th November
9:00 – 9:15 (AEDT)	Meditation/Reflection
9:15	Bill Richards – Core Competencies for Psychedelic Therapists Rapidly establishing trust: the being of the therapist Therapeutic processes, cognitive frameworks and languages Fundamental experiential knowledge & its enhancement The art of facilitating rather than imposing/directing Principles of “navigating in internal worlds” Attunement to and definition of the varieties of psychedelic experiences Ethics and self-care
11:15	MORNING TEA BREAK
11:30	Bill Richards and Tania de Jong AM – The Power of Music with Psychedelics Appreciate structural components in music and their importance in ensuring safety and promoting efficacy. Understand the potential limitations of personal musical preferences and the breadth of available options. Comprehend music as a language and as a source of inspiration and support within consciousness.
12:30 – 1:30	LUNCH BREAK
1:30	Integration And Metacognitive Skills Phase one Phase two Phase three Session video – Example roleplay extract Demonstration
2:30	Discussion Groups on Integration – Personal experience, thoughts and reflection
3:15	Questions and discussions
4:00 – 4:20	AFTERNOON TEA BREAK
4:20	The Future – Certificate in Psychedelic Therapy Professional Development Program Discussion about MMA Certificate (incl handout brochure and registration details and special offer) Qualifications required, Accreditation certificate/CPD Details about the program and time involved Call to Action to register if not already done so + special offer Q&A
5:00	Final Closing Comments and Meditation

Learn more about the workshop