Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy:
Exploring the new research and relevance of
psychedelic drug studies as aids in the treatment of mental health
Led by: Catherine Lowry, LCSW-C and Elissa Levine, LCSW-C
CEUs: Category 1 | 2 CEUs
In a variety of clinical research settings, there is renewed interest, some say a renaissance, in investigations and ideas about the use of controlled, supervised psychedelic substances for treating mental health concerns. Psychedelic drugs, in combination with psychotherapy and counseling, are being evaluated for resistant issues of addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, end of life fear, and other clinical issues. This workshop explores:
- The history of psychedelic therapeutic use;
- Past and current research studies;
- The general neurobiology of psychedelics;
- The current legal situation;
- The design and effectiveness of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.
Included in the discussion will be an interview with a patient who participated in one of the Johns Hopkins clinical trials using psilocybin for cancer patients, describing their personal experience. The target audience is anyone interested in learning about this burgeoning therapeutic modality.
Participants will explore the history, current research, general neurobiology, and potential clinical uses of psychedelics, as well as learn the current structure of psychedelic assisted therapy that is modeled in clinical studies.
Learning objectives:
- Place the current medical use of psychedelic drugs in context with their previous history of use
- Clarify the current legal landscape regarding psychedelic use in psychotherapy
- Increase awareness of current research results of the effectiveness of the therapeutic use of psychedelics
- Review the general neurobiological action of psychedelics
- Understand the concept of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, including concepts such as “set and setting, “preparation, session, and integration”, and the role of the therapist.
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