Integrating psychedelics into therapeutic work: webinar replay

Selected transcript excerpts

These short excerpts are lightly edited from the recording's captions. Watch the full replay for context.

Veronika Gold on the client as the expert

19:05

The big shift in this paradigm is that the client is the expert. We have the information, but ultimately it's a collaboration.

Kosu Boudreau on intake

20:30

It really highlights for me the importance of a very thoughtful and thorough intake process.

Kosu Boudreau on the group

26:03

Most of our participants say that connecting with a like-minded community, with people willing to enter into connection with vulnerability and intention, is almost as profound as the psilocybin itself.

Kosu Boudreau on integration

29:15

This is where people return to their lives, discover what's new, and discover where changes may need to be made.

Questions this replay answers

Who might a retreat setting suit, compared with a clinic?

Kosu describes clinics with direct medical oversight as a better fit for people with higher medical risk or who want close one-to-one supervision. A retreat may suit people who are comfortable in a group and want more space, nature and community. Either way, she starts with a careful conversation about medical history, medications, support system and values.

What are common reasons someone may not be suitable?

Veronika lists heart, liver or kidney disease as flags for closer review, some medications, and a history of manic episodes, psychotic disorders or some personality disorders. Read who should not attend a psilocybin retreat.

How does a Beckley Retreats program support clients before and after?

Four weeks of preparation through an app and group calls, integration days between the two sessions on retreat, and six weeks of integration support afterwards, at a time when people are most open to change.

Where can therapists learn more?

Visit the Therapist Resource Hub for the therapist practicum, partner program and resources for talking with clients.

Questions to reflect on

• Which of your clients have asked about psychedelics, and how did you respond?
• What would you want to know before referring a client to a retreat?
• How could you support a client's integration afterwards?

Related conversations

Psilocybin retreats for therapists: Q&A · Moral injury · All webinars and replays