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Expanded ACT for Psychedelic-assisted Therapy: Integrating trauma-focused ‘parts’ work with systemic change

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Online/Virtual
On
World Region
Europe
Country
Online/Virtual
State/Province
England
Language
English
Website
https://psychflex.co.uk/expanded-act-for-psychedelic-assisted-therapy/
Presenter
Henry Whitfield with support from colleagues Dr. Robert Krause and Dr. Larry Leeman

A two + five day training experience to learn a new integral model of psychedelic-assisted therapy on the Catalonian coast

In a stunning retreat haven, we offer training and experience of a new ACT-informed, integral model for deepening and extending the possibilities of psychedelic therapy.

This training offers an integrated approach of ACT processes, ‘parts work’ (IFS), shame work (FAP) and a titrated exposure for trauma (Traumatic Incident Reduction-TIR). The processes behind two or more of these approaches can often be integrated into a very simple single instruction for the participant at any stage of psychedelic-assisted therapy. These interventions are tailored to a wide range of psychedelic therapy challenges to enable a trauma-focussed ACT-consistent approach to systemic change, as described in the recent Spectrum of Selves paper (see https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727572/full). This new integrated approach is informed with high-density data collected from over 50 participants for a study designed to reduce relapse and deepen gains in psychedelic-assisted therapy (publications forthcoming). This training highlights what we know has been helpful in producing stable psychedelic therapy gains (post 6-12 months). It integrates ‘parts’ work from three approaches that use ‘parts’: IFS, ACT and Traumatic Incident Reduction) using Contextual Behavioural Science as a core theoretical modal. This enables a versatile, multi-modal framework, including a broad pallet of six degrees of directive/non-directiveness. Using such a pallet context-sensitively enables a solution to the directive/non-directive debate in psychedelic therapy and beyond.

 

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TIR offers a precise imaginal exposure methodology with supporting repetitive focusing protocols that can be adapted to amplify all ACT processes such as: awareness of the cues and motivations for any behaviour, values in context, directing presence/undivided awareness to any inner experience, intensifying client-led willingness to face challenging feelings, defusion/disentangling from any unhelpful habitual thinking, awareness of the function of any self-story or role.

ACT brings the overarching framework of evolutionary and behavioural science principles, as well as a shortcut to accessing hidden fears. Within this framework, TIR and IFS offer additional ‘vehicles’ for implementing Contextual Behavioural Science principles thoroughly and compassionately.

You will learn multiple interventions that align precisely with the Spectrum of Selves (see link above), adapted throughout the three phases of Psychedelic-assisted therapy. Treatment planning will also include an approach to assessing and disrupting the client’s ‘network’ of interacting symptoms.

Programme overview 

Days 1-2 (online Sept 12-13th*, 1 pm – 9 pm GMT): Engineering a new psychedelic therapy of the future. TIR for re-accessing and processing psychedelic experiences and related traumatic memories. Other online options for this session may be available. 

Invitation to exchange sessions with peers before arriving in Spain.

In Catalonia, Spain (22-27th) Arrive 6 pm for dinner on 22nd, leave by 6pm on 27th.

Days 3-4:  ACT and the Spectrum of Selves – from shame to the ‘reverse compass’ for accessing our deeper fears, exploring the voices and behaviours of our different parts. Understanding the ACT core processes from a ‘parts’ point of view.

Day 5: Inner work aligned with outer systemic behaviour change. Getting ready to bring the barriers into the work.

Days 6-7: Practicum of ACT expanded with trauma and parts work through the three phases of psychedelic therapy. Your chance to practice with feedback the protocols and principles that you personally need the most feedback on.

Following monthly supervision included for 3months – to enable you to integrate into your practice what you learn together in person.

With insight and support from

Rob Krause was a co-therapist and co-facilitator during the development of this approach, gave input on peak states to the Spectrum of Selves paper and will share his perspectives and as well as his professional and research experience with psychedelics

Larry Leeman gave input on archetypes to the Spectrum of Selves paper and will continue to share his perspectives from his training in Hakomi mindful somatic psychotherapy, internal family systems level one training for psychedelic therapy, and as MDMA therapist (MAPS trained).

 

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The curriculum includes:

  • A 150 page bound manual to support you during and after the training.
  • ACT-informed Parts work to address inner conflict between your different selves
  • A protocol for differentiating between healthy and unhealthy self-story/narcissism
  • A protocol for processing intense psychedelic experiences and re-accessing perspectives and insights from the trip.
  • Expanding and reinforcing new behavioural repertoires that flow from newly gained perspectives – seamlessly interconnecting the three phases of psychedelic therapy.
  • Overcoming complex/long-term trauma (often more accessible post psychedelic)
  • Two thirds of a certificated training in TIR, a structured approach to Trauma/PTSD comparable to EMDR in its thoroughness, yet more precise and consistent with mindfulness and ACT. If you wish to become qualified with the full certificate in TIR, this can be done with one additional day training (available online on request).
  • Working Somato-cognitively – reawakening feeling in the body
  • Mapping and reinforcing systemic change.
  • Predictors of long-lasting benefits in psychedelic therapy and how to implement them.
  • ‘Inner healing intelligence’ versus varying degrees of person-centredness/ active-directiveness (and when to do which)
  • Parts work for malevolent and benevolent parts/entities
  • A defusion protocol for when the mind gets in the way during a dosing session.
  • Shame work as a shortcut to our deeper self-concept issues
  • Perspective switching exercise for transcending the polarities of the mind
  • Behaviour change coaching for increasing alignment in a person’s life.

For a taster – see Henry’s recent Breaking Convention 2023 presentation here: https://youtu.be/7PjiTJhTJjc 

 

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