A contemplative practice retreat for clinicians to experience the therapeutic use and integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Description
This 5-day experiential retreat is designed for therapists who practice psychedelic integration or psychedelic-assisted therapy, or are training to do so. Experiential training is a component of training in which therapists experience the transformative process of the given modality themselves, and apply their insights to their own lives and to their professional work with others. Experiential training is a key training experience for therapists who wish to engage with clients who have used psychedelics or facilitate psychedelic experiences. At this retreat, contemplative practices will be used to practice accessing and integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness in the same way one would approach psychedelic experiences.
We will be in a comfortable and safe haven to convene and practice engaging with and integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness into the larger fabric of our lives as we would assist our clients in doing. Together we will cultivate and practice working with non-drug contemplative practices using similar methods to those we use with psychedelic medicines. Writing, music, and creative expression are on the agenda in order to explore and extend our personal understanding of integration of non-ordinary states.
The retreat space facilitates our focus on self-care and learning together. We will learn and practice the skills and process of Noble Communication and effective inquiry. Each day will offer morning yoga and meditation and time to enjoy the natural surroundings. There will be a day of silence for cultivating reflection and insight. The merging of Eastern contemplative practices with Western psychotherapeutic modalities will be considered during evening talks and discussions. Participants will be invited to look deeply at how a variety of contemplative practices relate to psychedelic integration work, and can be used in conjunction psychedelics or on their own to benefit the integration process.
This program fulfills the practicum requirement for students in the Psilocybin-assisted Therapy Certificate Program, and the retreat requirement for students in the Postgraduate Certificate in Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) programs.
Note: This program does not teach psychedelic-assisted therapy, does not include the administration of any psychedelic compound, and does not suggest or support the self-administration of any psychedelic compound during the retreat.
Learning Objectives
Explain 3 ways mindfulness-based and other non-drug non-ordinary state of consciousness (NOSC) practices can be of assistance to client/patients in preparation for psychedelic experiences.
Describe one way that harm reduction techniques for preparing “set” with a client/patient can be individualized to each client/patient’s unique background and risk factors.
Describe harm reduction techniques for preparing “setting” that best support the client/patient’s desired outcome of psychedelic or other NOSC experience.
Describe the relationship between community guidelines, ethics codes, and/or regulations and the set and setting in which a psychedelic or other NOSC experience takes place.
Provide examples of the ways community guidelines, ethics codes and/or regulations directly impact the set and setting in which a psychedelic and other NOSC experience takes place.
Describe three aspects of Noble Listening useful in Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration.
Lead a brief mindfulness based intervention as a means of beginning or transitioning psychotherapy settings.
Explain the use of reflection to communicate understanding and encouragement to continue discussing NOSC experiences.
Explain the practice of Inquiry with regards to NOSC Experience.
Facilitate present moment exploration through asking “open” questions during Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration sessions.
Demonstrate a Personal Values Card Sort with a client/patient in the context of Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration or Psychedelic-assisted Therapy.
Describe consent process for the use of touch, in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy, with clients/patients.
Explain the use of non-verbal communication tools as a way of demonstrating understanding and finding meaning.
Describe the “State to Trait” model and related mindfulness research as it pertains to integration of psychedelic experiences.
Demonstrate the use of the 5 senses in explorations of NOSC experiences with clients/patients.
Explain the role of therapist/facilitator’s personal NOSC practice in informing clinical practice.
The Experiential Retreat was wildly intense and an incredibly meaningful part of the certificate program. It was facilitated and organized expertly. It was one of the most loving and enriching experiences of my life.
This retreat was a fantastic experience. The instructors were kind and knowledgeable. IT was a great opportunity to meet others in this community and create strong relationships. The classes and practices are truly helping me to become a better facilitator and a better person.
Fluence did an excellent job using mindfulness training to support a NOSC experience. Highly trained and knowledgeable staff created a safe space for the inner exploration of vulnerable parts. I feel my skills greatly improved when it comes to psilocybin facilitation. It’s been wonderful to be part of the growing psychedelic community which Fluence fosters beautifully.
I’m sold that this retreat is a meaningful, important training component for psychedelic assisted therapy practitioners. It helped me build my personal meditation practice as well as consider a broader range of ways I can support clients, AND a fabulous sense of community and connection was forged with classmates.
