Foundations of Psychedelic Therapy

The Foundations of Psychedelic Therapy course is a 12-week reading and study group designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts, models, and ideas central to psychedelic therapy. Participants will explore the psychological processes involved in psychedelic therapy, including the impact of creativity, music, and therapeutic relationships.

The course also covers applying these theories to various forms of psychedelic use, including microdosing and full-dose experiences. It explores traditional and contemporary dialogues within the field of psychology, including the role of ayahuasca shamanism.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to describe the central components of improvement in depressive disorders seen with psychedelic therapy, use direct subjective experiences to work with substance use, and list ways in which psychedelic therapy can help individuals recover from existential distress caused by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They will also be able to explain the components of psychological rigidity and flexibility, critique the concept of creativity and microdosing, and analyze recent research on psychedelics and creativity.

This course was given each quarter and qualifies for 15 continuing education (CE) hours.