Psychedelics as a Path to Freedom
A New Frontier for Mental Health Treatment
with Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John
and 13 Essential Voices in Psychedelics & Mental Health
Hello,ย
Everyone has questions about psychedelics right now. Especially therapists.
Are they legal?
Are they safe?
Are they effective (and if so, for what conditions)?
Look, psychedelic therapy is mushrooming (pun intended). We know you don't have time to attend lengthy conferences or sift through countless articles to find answers.
You need information geared to mental health professionals, not the general public.
We've got you covered.
Introducing our all-new online course, Psychedelics as a Path to Freedom: A New Frontier for Mental Health Treatment, with Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John.
One voice cannot do this topic justice.
That's why Dr. Vimalasara Mason-John (they/them) wanted to bring together a diverse group of voices in one virtual space. Their goal was to ask all the questions that are on therapists' minds.
And that is just what we've done. Join Vimalasara and these influential guests:
- Gabor Matรฉ, Ph.D., author of The Myth of Normal, founder of Compassionate Inquiry, addiction expert
- Carl Hart, Ph.D., neuroscientist, decriminalization activist, and educator on drug abuse and addiction
- Dr. Victor Hugo Rojas, Bolivian shaman and psychiatrist
- Ifetayo Harvey, writer, advocate, and founder of the POC (People of Color) Psychedelic Collective
- Dick Schwartz, Ph.D., founder of Internal Family Systems
- Jack Kornfield, Ph.D., Buddhist monk and founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society
- Frank Anderson, MD, psychiatrist and therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and dissociation
- Marcina Hale, LMFT, therapist certified in psychedelic work and filmmaker/Executive Producer of Fantastic Fungi
- Adriana Kertzer, JD, co-founder of Plant Medicine Law Group
- Robert Jappie, pioneer in the area of Cannabis Law and Life Sciences Regulation in the UK and Europe
- Amit Elan, founder of Kiyumรญ, a, psychedelic-assisted retreat center in the Netherlands
- Lisa Wessing, facilitator for psychedelic therapy and traditional healing practices
- Neil Markey, former U.S. Army Captain and survivor of PTSD
If you are ready to…
…explore the many options that psychedelic therapy has to offer
…become well-informed about the benefits of psychedelic therapy, especially for addiction and trauma recovery
…stay up-to-date on the conversations your colleagues are having about psychedelic therapy
…get answers to all your questions in one place
Then join us now for Psychedelics as a Path to Freedom: A New Frontier for Mental Health Treatment.
Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, M.A.
Academy of Therapy Wisdom
Your masterclass in 11 conversations:
Watch on demand!
Psychedelics: Developing New Frontiers for Self Transformation with Dr. Gabor Matรฉ
In this enlightening conversation Vimalasara speaks with best-selling author and expert Dr. Gabor Matรฉ about psychedelic substances and their potential role in mental health and healing. Their discussion covers why talk therapy is not enough, how psychedelics can be particularly effective for people with addictions or trauma, the potential benefits of microdosing, and the crucial importance of integration following a psychedelic experience.
Vimalasara and Gabor critically examine the often-oversimplified narrative that psychedelics could "save the world," highlighting the complex, systemic issues at play.
Dr. Gabor Mateฬ is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in thirty languages, including The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture and the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker.
From Biases to Liberation: Challenging Societies' Drug Narratives with Dr. Carl Hart
Vimalasara and Carl Hart, neuropsychopharmacologist and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Columbia University, take an exploration into society's narrative on drugs. Hart challenges the prevailing belief that drugs destroyed the Black and Brown communities, providing data that contradicts this narrative. He highlights the biases, historical drug laws, inconsistent narratives, and changing language used to categorize drugs, and the impact of that on our collective consciousness about drugs. Carl asks listeners to re-evaluate their assumptions about drug use versus addiction, questioning the data on the opioid crisis and highlighting the focus on drugs rather than addressing mental health issues.
The conversation turns to the topic of psychedelics and their classification, and why some drugs - like PCP - are excluded from the psychedelic community, and the lack of inclusion and support for Black and Brown populations within the community. Listen to this conversation to challenge your preconceived notions about drugs, expand your understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding substance use, and understand the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to drug policy.
Dr. Carl Hart is a neuroscientist, researcher, activist, and educator whose work is focused on drug abuse and drug addiction. He is a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, and specializes in the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs in humans. Dr. Hart is an advocate for the legalization of recreational drugs and the author of Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear.
An Indigenous Perspective of Plant Medicine with Dr. Victor Hugo Rojas - translated by Warren McCaig
Step into the intersection of shamanism and psychiatry as Vimalasara meets with Dr. Victor Hugo Rojas and interpreter Warren McCaig, founders of Bloom, an organization dedicated to creating access to plant medicine treatment for terminal illnesses.
They discuss the differences between traditional shamanism and modern psychiatric practices. Dr. Rojas outlines the historic role of shamans, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a respectful relationship with medicinal plants and recognizing humans as spiritual beings with multiple dimensions. He explains the role of ritual and ceremony in healing, and advises modern therapists to anchor psychedelic-assisted therapy in that context. This conversation compels the listener to integrate spirituality in their work, expand holistic approaches to well-being, and prepare for the reclassification of psychedelic substances in the West.
Dr. Vรญctor H. Rojas is a psychiatrist, university professor, and researcher. He is passionate about exploring new ways to address mental disorders and contributing to the advancement of psychiatry by learning traditional medicine in his home country of Bolivia. His goal is to provide a comprehensive and humane approach to the new psychiatry, combining pharmacological therapy with psychotherapeutic therapy, addressing the spiritual dimension.
The POC Community and Psychedelics with Ifetayo Harvey
Join Vimalasara and Ifetayo Havery, founder of People of Color Psychedelic Collective, as they talk about the intersection of psychedelics, race, and trauma within marginalized communities. Vimalasara and Ifetayo explore the reasons why the psychedelic community is predominantly white, including unconscious biases and the impact of the war on drugs on marginalized communities. They discuss the lack of attention given to issues of race and inclusion, and the role of psychedelics in addressing trauma and the challenges faced by the black community in dealing with systemic racism.
Vimalasara and Ifetayo outline what is needed as the field of psychedelics moves forward: an understanding of the historical and systemic factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in the psychedelic community; including the unique perspectives, experiences, and needs of BIPOC individuals in the psychedelic space; education and support for nonprofits and therapists working with marginalized groups; the importance of building a safe container, acknowledging cultural appropriation and power dynamics, and addressing the gaps and challenges faced by the BIPOC community in accessing psychedelic therapy; the historical and traditional uses of plant medicine by BIPOC and the importance of reclaiming that lineage.
Ifetayo Harvey is a writer, advocate and speaker.She is the founder of the POC Psychedelic Collective and a student of Somatic Sex Education. She speaks and writes on issues related to parental incarceration and the war on drugs. Her POC Psychedelic Collective has built a platform for folks of color to learn about and create community around psychedelics.
Parts Work Under the Influence of Psychedelics with Dick Schwartz, Ph.D.
Vimalasara and Dick Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems, delve deep into the interplay between therapy, psychedelics, and spiritual growth. Their dialogue offers you a unique opportunity to learn about the therapeutic benefits - and possible risks - of integrating psychedelics into parts work and therapy, with a focus on ketamine-assisted therapy. Throughout the conversation, Vimalasara and Dick emphasize the importance of self-work for facilitators and preparation for participants.
Dick Schwartz, Ph.D., is the founder of Internal Family Systems. He began his career as a systemic family therapist and an academic. Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems (IFS) in response to clients' descriptions of various parts within themselves. A featured speaker for national professional organizations, Dr. Schwartz has published many books, including You Are the One You've Been Waiting For, and over fifty articles about IFS.
Can Psychedelics be a Pathway to Spiritual Awakening? with Jack Kornfield, Ph.D.
Vimalasara and Jack Kornfield, Buddhist monk and founder of the Insight Meditation Society, discuss how Buddhism - the oldest therapeutic and recovery program - works with the mind to cultivate well-being and happiness. They compare the Buddhist practices of mindfulness and compassion to the transformative potential of psychedelics to open the heart, explore consciousness, and facilitate liberation. Viewing psychedelics as one of the spiritual languages and sacred medicines that can help individuals reconnect with something greater, they imagine how the integration of psychedelic experiences and Buddhist practices can inspire and help individuals embody the qualities of love and liberation.
Jack Kornfield, Ph.D., is an author and Buddhist monk who trained in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He taught mindfulness meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers in the Western Insight tradition. He is a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
The Complexities of Psychedelics Treatment with Dr. Frank Anderson
Vimalasara and Frank Anderson, MD, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of trauma, explore the pluses and minuses of psychedelics, weighing their potential benefits, risks, and challenges in treating trauma. Frank shares his personal interest and journey with psychedelics, his experience working with trauma patients, psychopharmacology, and the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding therapists using psychedelics while working with clients who are also using psychedelics. Frank focuses on the importance of empathy and resonance with clients' experiences, rather than requiring therapists to have personal experience with psychedelics to be a "better therapist."
Vimalasara and Frank discuss the need for more research to determine which psychedelics will be more useful for specific symptoms, and the range of experiences depending on individuals' systems or people with a history of substance abuse. They outline what therapists need to keep up with the evolving nature of the field and compare their concerns to the issues surrounding the use of AI. Responsible use will help advance accessibility while maintaining integrity and ethical standards. They emphasize caution and compassion as key factors in the future of psychedelics.
Frank Anderson, MD, is both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He specializes in the treatment of trauma and dissociation and is passionate about teaching brain-based psychotherapy and integrating current neuroscience knowledge with the IFS model of therapy. Dr. Anderson is a Lead Trainer at the IFS Institute with Richard Schwartz and maintains a long affiliation with, and trains for, Bessel van der Kolk's Trauma Center. Dr. Anderson is the author of Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems, and co-author of Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual.
A New Way of Looking at Mental Health with Marcina Hale
In this conversation, Vimalasara and Marcina Hale, LMFT and founder of Reconsider, discuss the role of narrative and nature to transform modern cultural dilemmas. Touching on issues plaguing childhood, parenting, the mental health system, healthcare workers, veterans, and the opioid and fentanyl epidemics, they share how conversations - often facilitated by psychedelic use - are the only way to shift embedded narratives, facilitate connection, and see new ways of relating and being.
Marcina stresses the importance of reconsidering psychedelics as uniquely suited to open people to opportunities and insights. In a country where psychedelics are criminalized and "unsafe," while one has easy access to alcohol and guns, are psychedelics really the vilified substances they've been made out to be, or are they an effective tool for transformation?
Marcina Hale, LMFT, is a therapist and filmmaker. She studied psychology at Ohio University, Media at Long Island University, and Systems Therapy (Marriage and Family) at Fairfield University. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and also CIIS and MAPS certified in psychedelic work. Marcina has facilitated conversations and workshops internationally and across the US for Reconsider, whose mission is to bridge the medical and mystical, the sacred and scientific, to address today's mental health and collective challenges by advancing the integration of transformational medicines, including psychedelics. She is an Executive Producer of Fantastic Fungi, and producer of Disturbing the Peace.
Navigating Legal Complexities: Considerations for Mental Health Professionals with Adriana Kertzer & Robert Jappie
Join Vimalasara, Adriana Kertzer, the founder of Plant Medicine Law Group, and Robert Jappie, lawyer and partner of European law firm Field Fisher, as they discuss the legal considerations for mental health professionals working with psychedelics. They provide valuable insights on navigating the legal complexities of the field and weigh the risks and benefits of integrating psychedelics into clinical practice. Adriana clarifies the legality of psychedelic substances in North America, the UK, and Europe, and discusses the implications of different legal statuses for both users and professionals. They address the legal aspects of trip-sitting, referrals, administration, coaching, and integration work with psychedelics, as well as offer guidance on monitoring legal changes in their respective regions. This conversation equips mental health professionals with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal landscape when working with psychedelics.
Adriana Kertzer, J.D., is the co-founder of Plant Medicine Law Group, the first fully female legal firm dedicated to equitable and legal access to plant medicine by helping companies in the psychedelic and cannabis industries successfully launch, fund, and scale their business. Adriana is the author of the series Rebranding Pot. She is passionate about Jewish psychedelic culture, leads the interfaith working group Faith+Delics, and founded JewWhoTokes, an Instagram account that explores relationships with cannabis and psychedelics in the Jewish community.
Robert Jappie is a Partner in Fieldfisher's Regulatory Group in the UK, specializing in Life Sciences Regulation for the UK and Europe. He is a pioneer in the area of Cannabis Law and is recognised as a leading legal expert in progressive areas of regulation, such as medical cannabis, CBD consumer products, and food-technology. Robert advises and represents companies on regulatory matters such as mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. He is currently appointed as UK/European counsel to several international cannabis companies.
Disclaimer: The information provided during this webinar does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Instead, all information made available during this discussion are for general informational purposes only. Given this webinar is being recorded on June 28, 2023, content shared in this recording may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Individuals watching this webinar should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No audience member of this webinar should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this webinar without first seeking legal advice from counsel in their relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein - and your interpretation of it - is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. The purchase of this webinar or this webinar series, use of, and access to, this webinar or any of the resources mentioned do not create an attorney-client relationship between the viewer and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms or their respective employers.
Plants As Wise Teachers: Connecting Indigenous Practices with Western Culture in Psychedelic Medicine with Amit Elan & Lisa Wessing
Vimalasara engages in a deep dive with Amit and Lisa, founders of Kiyumi, an organization which runs legal plant medicine retreats in the Netherlands. Lisa and Amit discuss viewing plants as wise teachers to help us remember, connect, and participate in the give and take of being alive. They compare the practices of indigenous people and Westerners using plant medicines, and explore what's behind the increasing trend of plant medicines in the West. Join these three as they explore the various psychedelic medicines in use, and the potential toxicity of plant medicines.
Amit and Lisa also share their perspectives on allopathic and salutogenic approaches to health and wellness, endorsing a multidisciplinary approach including community, creativity, somatics, and connection with nature. Gain valuable knowledge about the historical and cultural significance of plant medicine practices, and the potential benefits and risks associated with their use, and how you can better understand and support your clients in this evolving field.
Amit Elan is the founder of Kiyumรญ, an integrative, psychedelic-assisted retreat center located in the Netherlands. Kiyumi bridges science-based, trauma-informed modalities with ancient plant medicine traditions to create safe spaces where the well-being of the self can be explored and where personal and social transformation may occur. Amit is co-director of Altered, a conference exploring psychedelic research and consciousness in Berlin. Amit has worked as a facilitator with different legal psilocybin-assisted retreat organizations including the Psychedelic Society UK, and led many diverse group processes and workshops focused towards the LGBTQI+ community.
Lisa Wessing has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and is a facilitator at Kiyumi. Lisa's experience includes assisting in psychedelic therapy and providing support to people dealing with different issues from depression to addiction. Her background is in harm reduction and trip sitting, having aided in the creation of the only harm reduction project in Mexico. She integrates traditional healing and ritual with song, gratitude, and service in her work.
From War to Wellness: PTSD and Psychedelics with Neil Markey
Vimalasara and Neil Markey, former U.S. Army Captain and founder of Beckley Retreats, discuss his experiences of trauma and moral injury inflicted on him by serving in Iraq. Neil describes his journey from patriotism to disillusionment, the emotional toll it took on his psyche and relationships, and the combination of talk therapy, medication, meditation, and psychedelics he relied on to regain a sense of well-being. Neil emphasizes that trauma is stored in the body and subconscious, so talk therapy will never completely touch it. He stresses the need for holistic approaches that include meditation, nature, diet, and lifestyle, and how he incorporates holistic techniques into the long-form retreats he offers.
Neil Markey is a former mathematician and Army Captain. He served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, afterwards suffering from depression and PTSD. This led him to alternative well-being practices and marked the start of a profound healing journey with mindfulness and psychedelics. Neil credits meditation and plant therapy with saving his life. As co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, Neil is passionate about sharing the science-backed benefits of psychedelics in conjunction with the contemplative practices that support holistic well-being.
Psychedelics as a Path to Freedom
A New Frontier for Mental Health Treatment
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Meet Your Presenter
Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, M.A.
Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, M.A. (hon.doc) is a public speaker, coach, author, recovery specialist, and master trainer in the field of conflict transformation, leadership, and mindfulness. They have been practicing mindfulness for over 30 years and are one of the leading African-descent voices in the field of mindfulness and addiction, training professionals working worldwide in the field of addiction. Vimalasara is the co-founder of Eight Step Recovery, an alternative to the 12-step program for addiction, and Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR).
Vimalassara is also an award-winning author of ten books including Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha's Teachings to Overcome Addiction, and Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma, I Am Still Your Negro: An Homage to James Baldwin, and Afrikan Wisdom: New Voices Talk Black Liberation, Buddhism, and Beyond.
Hear what folks who have
learned from Vimalasara have to say…
"Vimalasara Mason-John is one of the most profound teachers of our time."
"[Vimalasara] leads [their] studies with love, compassion and lived experience. [Their] teachings will change the way you see and treat yourself and other living beings."
- Ani Mac, addictions professional
"...a genuine person with joyful wisdom extracted from profound suffering."
"Valerie Mason-John is a human in deep recovery, Buddhist teacher, writer, performance artist.... the lasting impression is that of striking presence."
- Dr. Gabor Mate, author of Compassionate Inquiry
"Valerie Mason-John knows…"
"...trauma from the inside out, and also the practices that can heal and free our hearts."
- Tara Brach, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
"An empowering experience on many levels."
"I was lucky enough to attend [this] course with Vimalasara. An empowering experience on many levels."
- Dr Neil Stephenson, medical doctor and director of addiction clinic in Norway
"Gave us a great insight, on both a practical and theoretical level."
"This fascinating course led by Vimalasara gave us a great insight, on both a practical and theoretical level, of the various ways in which mindfulness techniques can be used to help others recover from addiction - and more importantly stay in recovery. I would highly recommend it to any professional working in the healthcare or substance misuse field."
- Liam Watson, MSc, BSc (hons), PGDip
Disclaimer
Most psychedelic substances are classified as Schedule 1 controlled substances in the United States under federal and/or state laws. Manufacturing, supplying, possessing, or using Schedule 1 substances may be punishable by imprisonment and/or fines.ย
Academy of Therapy Wisdom (ATW) does not encourage or condone the use of these substances where it is against the law. Nothing contained in this website nor in any of our courses is intended to assist in any way with violation of any applicable law. We believe that offering responsible information is imperative to keeping clients safe. Given that psychedelics continue to be used illegally by people around the world, the educational information on this website encourages safe use and integration of psychedelic medicines, if these substances are to be used at all.
Content, products, therapies, or services described on our website, in marketing materials, or in our courses are for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as medical advice by any person. The material is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate, rehabilitate, or cure any disease or medical or psychological health condition, or apply medical, mental health or human development principles.ย
Any statements or claims about the possible benefits conferred by any process, services, or product referenced in these materials have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration unless otherwise expressly indicated (e.g. certain limited findings from FDA-approved clinical trials). Any results described on this website do not guarantee a similar outcome.ย
Using psychedelics is not without risk.
Psychedelics can potentially produce extremely uncomfortable, frightening, confusing, painful and psychologically destabilizing experiences. Psychedelic substances can cause long lasting changes to personality and cognition. Individuals can also possess undiagnosed genetic, developmental, neurological, endocrinological, or traumagenic conditions that negatively interact with the psychedelic chemical and experience. Due to the nature of psychedelic experience, some individuals must not use psychedelics.
Opinions, comments, and/or statements made on this page/in this course by course presenters or guest experts are not necessarily shared by ATW or those parties, nor have they been evaluated or approved by the FDA, medical or psychiatric associations, or any other federal, state, local or private agency unless otherwise expressly indicated (e.g. certain limited findings from FDA-approved clinical trials, or the relevant regulatory agency).
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