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Get certified and
master the big trip
The compounds
A deep dive into the classic compounds and their impact
The science
What the research says about small and large doses
Trip-sitting
Tactics for guiding others based on best practices
Master the foundations
A 7-part course on consciousness exploration and trip-sitting
What happens when we take extremely diluted doses of LSD and/or psilocybin? Everything – or nothing, depending on who you ask. Peppered with real cases of people who have tried microdosing, this module outlines the dosage protocols, critiques the studies currently available on this new way of taking psychedelics, and summarizes their findings. The proposed mechanisms of action of microdosing will be explained, along with safety considerations and drug-drug interactions.
We will learn about “trip sitting” basics, from flight instructions to set-and-setting. This will include tips for handling common situations and suggestions for how to maximize healing and minimize the risk of a “bad trip.” Guidelines for designing a healing space, using directive and non-directive interventions, and supporting clients in difficult moments will be explained. The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy will be introduced, in addition to a deep dive into integration work and dosage guidelines.
We examine the pharmacology of the “classic psychedelics,” namely psilocybin (the active constituent in “magic mushrooms”) and LSD-25 (also known as “acid”). The effects of these medicines on brain function, chemistry, and neuronal firing will be reviewed, and the concepts of the default mode network (DMN), brain entropy, and child consciousness will be introduced. We will also take a closer look at the role of mystical experiences, and what spirituality has to do with psychological and physiological healing.
We will review the history of ketamine, examine its known mechanisms of action, and explore how & why it treats depression. After juxtaposing SSRIs with ketamine, we will learn about the several different paradigms for administering the drug, from small microdoses to large psychedelic doses and everything in between. Whether taken as an IV infusion, intramuscular injection, capsule, or nasal spray, ketamine is the old-but-new drug that may help with several mood disorders. This module will include cases from real patients
MDMA was used in the 1980’s as a psychotherapeutic lubricant, but was outlawed in the United States in 1985. We will dissect its history and pharmacology to understand why it pairs so well with counseling. The results of recent studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be presented, along with a video clip from an actual session recorded during one of the studies. We will then take a look at MDMA-assisted psychotherapy’s potential in the context of couples therapy, in helping those on the Autism spectrum overcome social anxiety, and in supporting those with anxiety or depression associated with a life-threatening illness. MDMA’s side effect profile will be reviewed, along with its drug-drug interactions.
While conventional medicine seeks to treat addiction by interrupting the chemistry of drug tolerance and dependency, psychedelics work largely by addressing the traumas and wounds at the core of an individual’s substance use. After reviewing a new framework for understanding addiction as a type of maladaptive physiology, we will examine the use of psychedelic medicines in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (alcoholism), smoking, and other substance use disorders (including crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiates). More detail will be offered on ayahuasca and ibogaine. The safety, risks, and contraindications for these medicines will also be reviewed, and basic psychedelic “troubleshooting” tips will be offered.
A psychedelic substance is but one part of the healing experience, and you will get to experience some of the other important elements of a session in this optional module. After setting an intention, we will listen to a curated music playlist and feel how beautiful music can be the wind in our sails. Prompts for reflecting upon and integrating the experience will also be offered. You will need a journal, pen, quiet setting, eye mask, and headphones for this 30-minute module.
Dr. Erica Zelfand
Family doctor and course instructor
She is a licensed family doctor specializing in integrative mental health and functional medicine. Dr. Zelfand is a ketamine prescriber, facilitator of therapeutic consciousness-exploration, acclaimed international speaker, and medical writer. She also trained in empathogen-assisted psychotherapy through MAPS. Dr. Zelfand is a lead educator in the nation’s first licensed mushroom facilitator training program, a volunteer medical lead, and a workshop facilitator
"Psy Science" inspired and enlightened me so deeply that I decided to make an entire career shift
— Elyse, Durango, CO
This course is a fantastic way for practitioners to learn about psychedelic-assisted therapy
— Jeff, Vancouver
It was both intellectually exciting & emotionally inspiring
— Heidi, Portland
4 free courses
Tap an image below to view a session
Bundle "Psy Science" with first-hand experience
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5-night guided mushroom retreat with Dr. Erica (3 ceremonies)
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8 CE credit hours of video training
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Psilo Psolo PDF & the Mushrooms & music PDF
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Support with growing and sourcing
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Connect with like-minded individuals
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Course slides