Understanding Psychedelics (Self-paced)
Fundamental psychedelic education for clinicians and therapists
Understanding Psychedelics (Self-Paced) online course
This comprehensive online course offers a deep dive into the history, science, and therapeutic potential of psychedelics, equipping you with the foundational knowledge and practical tools to understand this emerging area of mental health care.
Through engaging modules and expert-led instruction, you’ll uncover the historical roots and resurgence of psychedelic research, explore altered states of consciousness, and delve into the methodologies shaping modern psychedelic therapy.
What You’ll Learn:
- Differentiate between key psychedelic substances and their unique effects.
- Explore pivotal moments in psychedelic history, from its mid-20th-century rise to today’s research renaissance.
- Assess suitability and contraindications for individuals seeking psychedelic therapy.
- Explore insights from transpersonal psychology and key thinkers like Grof, Jung, and Maslow.
- The core principles and methodologies that define psychedelic therapy, including a deep dive into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Course Highlights:
- Module 1 introduces the world of psychedelics with a historical lens and a breakdown of major substances.
- Module 2 explores the evolution of psychedelic research, spotlighting past breakthroughs and future directions.
- Module 3 explores preparation, risk, safety and an in-depth exploration of Harm Reduction.
- Module 4 uncovers the dynamics of altered states, integrating insights from leading pioneers like William James, Carl Jung, and Stanislav Grof.
- Module 5 dives into psychedelic therapy, including real-world methodologies like MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to critically evaluate psychedelic therapy and its potential applications in psychological practice, positioning you at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in mental health care.
Special Offer:
Enroll now and enjoy an exclusive partnership benefit: Take $400 OFF Psychedelic Institute Australia’s 'Essential Skills for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy' course.
Course Curriculum Outline:
Module 1 - Introduction to Psychedelics: This module acquaints students with the world of psychedelics through a historical overview, exploration of key substances, and the origins of the term "psychedelics."
Module 2 - Psychedelic Research: Past, Present and Future: Delving from the 50s and 60s to modern times, this module reviews the evolution of psychedelic research. It will discuss current advancements and lay the groundwork for potential future research directions.
Module 3 - Preparation, Risk and Safety: This module explores essential knowledge on the different risks associated to psychedelics under different contexts. I will explore explore Harm Reduction in depth.
Module 4 - The Psychedelic Experience & Transpersonal Psychology: Unveiling the intricacies of altered states of consciousness, this week delves into the dimensions of psychedelic experiences. This module explores transpersonal psychology and the contributions of William James, Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow, Roberto Assagioli and Stanislav Grof.
Module 5 - Psychedelic Therapy: Module four delves into the workings of psychedelic therapy. It will explore the structure and methodologies employed within this therapeutic approach, shedding light on its unique modus operandi by exploring MDMA psychotherapy.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Completion of this course provides 4 CPD hours approved by the Australian Psychological Society.
Learning Objectives
- Name the main categories of psychedelic substances.
- Identify key events and figures of psychedelic history in western civilization.
- Name the main research areas of the 50’s and 60's.
- Summarise the main research findings of contemporary research.
- Students will be able to identify general physical, behavioral and psychological contraindications for those wanting to access psychedelic therapy.
- Students will be able to assess the general suitability for someone needing access to psychedelic therapy.
- Describe Grof's model of the psyche and use it to assist in understanding a participant’s psychedelic experience.
- Explain the key components and dimensions of altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics.
- Describe the fundamental principles and methodologies that underlie psychedelic therapy.
- Evaluate the potential benefits and risks associated with psychedelic therapy.
What is the time commitment?
Five modules at your own pace. Each module has a minimum course content of 0.75 hours per week.
Your Live Instructors
Renee Harvey M.A. Clin.Psych.
Renee Harvey is a highly experienced clinical psychologist who relocated from the UK to Australia to develop training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). She has many years of experience as a lecturer, trainer, clinician and service developer within the mental health field. Her ideas on PAP training are featured in a recently published book chapter (Harvey, 2021) and in various talks and podcasts.
Prior to relocation, Renee was an Honorary Research Fellow and assistant guide in the Imperial College London trial researching psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. She also facilitated the development of psychedelic interest groups and established and ran a psychedelic Integration Circle in Brighton.
Renee has worked as an assistant therapist on the psilocybin trials at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, aimed at the alleviation of depression and anxiety associated with life-threatening illnesses. She is also on the Clinical Advisory Board of Reset Mind Sciences, providing therapist training for their psychedelic research program. She also has a private practice in Melbourne with an emphasis on providing psychedelic integration.
Renee is also currently providing intensive clinical training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for other research teams across Australia, as well as providing supervision to trial therapists and contributing to developing research protocols. She also provides introductory courses in collaboration with Psychedelics Today. She is also currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia.
Diego Pinzon M.A.
Originating from Colombia and now deeply ingrained in the Australian psychedelic scene, Diego brings an international perspective and deep commitment to the field of psychedelic therapy. After moving to Australia in 2008, his dedication led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Canberra, followed by a Masters in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia University in California.
Diego has navigated the psychedelic landscape through significant roles in the non-profit sector and the esteemed Psychae Institute. His contributions to Australia's groundbreaking psilocybin trial for end-of-life depression and anxiety at St. Vincent’s Melbourne underline his commitment to this transformative field.
Always eager to delve deeper into the world of psychedelic education, Diego was among the first in Australia to complete the 12-month training program, Vital, from Psychedelics Today. Now, he harnesses his expertise as an instructor and coordinator for the program, guiding and inspiring the next generation of psychedelic facilitators.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Diego is a passionate practitioner of martial arts, swimming, and meditation, reflecting his holistic view of health and well-being. His keen interest in Somatic and Transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy embodies his belief in a comprehensive approach to mental health.
Join Diego as he unravels the mysteries of the human mind, drawing on his extensive research experience and commitment to transformative healing practices in the realm of psychotherapy. Be part of this exciting journey into the frontiers of consciousness, guided by an expert who embodies the spirit of exploration and transformation.
Martin Williams Ph.D.
Martin Williams, PhD is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, and Adjunct in Computational Neuroscience at the Turner Institute at Monash. Martin’s research background is in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and he is Executive Director of Psychedelic Research in Science & Medicine (PRISM) and Vice-President of Entheogenesis Australis (EGA).
Martin is a co-investigator on a number of Australian clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, including the St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne study of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in palliative care; the Monash PsiConnect neuroimaging study of psilocybin with mindfulness meditation; the Swinburne PsiloDep pilot study and 3PAP RCT of 2- vs 3-dose psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression; and several other studies of psilocybin, MDMA and other psychedelics for the treatment of a range of mental health conditions.
Martin has been an articulate advocate for psychedelic medical research and the evidence-based clinical translation of psychedelic-assisted therapies for almost twenty years. He has co-authored several academic papers providing an Australian perspective on the subject, including a recent influential Perspectives paper in Frontiers in Psychiatry, and is co-editor of an upcoming special topic issue of Frontiers, Beyond Psilocybin: Exploring the Clinical Potential of Novel and Alternative Psychedelics . He presents regularly at conferences and symposia, and is a frequent commentator on psychedelic research and governance in Australian print and broadcast media.
Petra Skeffington Ph.D.
Associate Professor Petra Skeffington is a Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice, and an academic at Murdoch University in Perth. Her research and clinical expertise centres on psychological trauma and recovery, including resilience to trauma, prevention of post-trauma pathologies, and innovative approaches to treating psychological trauma. A/Prof Skeffington was one of the first Australians to achieve MAPS certification for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in early 2023, is a lead therapist on a clinical trial investigating MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, and is part of the therapy team on a clinical trial investigating Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Dr. Stephen Bright
Dr. Stephen Bright is a clinically-trained psychologist who has worked in the field for more than 20 years. He has been the chief principal investigator of multisite clinical trials and has published research on psychedelics, microdosing, psychometrics and drug policy. Currently, Stephen is principal investigator on a trial investigating MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an associate investigator of a trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression for which he is also the lead therapist. Stephen supervisors PhD and Masters students’ research at Edith Cowan University, where he teaches counselling skills and psychopharmacology. Dr Bright has given expert testimony to parliamentary inquest and court hearings. He was awarded Edith Cowan University’s Most Prolific Conversation Author in 2018 and 2019. In his spare time, Steve enjoys kite surfing along Perth’s beaches.
Pricing Note:
Please note that the pricing options are in AUD and not USD.