A two + five day training experience to learn a new integral model of psychedelic-assisted therapy on the Catalonian coast
View of the sea from the grounds of the retreat/training venue in Catalonia, Spain
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 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.
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 approach, adapted throughout the three phases of Psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Schedule:
Days 1-2 (online Feb 13-14th*, 1 pm – 9 pm GMT): Engineering a new psychedelic therapy of the future with an interoperable tool set. TIR for re-accessing and processing psychedelic experiences and related traumatic memories.
Invitation to exchange sessions with peers before arriving in Spain.
In Catalonia, Spain (1-6th March) Arrive 6 pm for dinner on 1st March, leave by 6pm on 6th. All meals and accommodation included.
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. For a taster of this see this invited speaker conference presentation: https://youtu.be/7PjiTJhTJjc
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.
Monthly supervision included for 3months
Internship programme and mentoring also available.
The curriculum includes:
- A 150 page bound manual to support you during and after the training.
- A checklist for tailoring your personal training needs.
- A process-focussed approach to treatment planning, aimed at addressing key nodes in a person’s network of interacting symptoms. How might centrality and accessibility of a network symptom offer a way forward?
- ‘Multiple-function’ interventions that apply multiple models in a single action.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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 (informed with Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP))
- Perspective switching exercise for transcending the polarities of the mind
- Behaviour change coaching for increasing alignment in a person’s life.
