Psychedelic Experiential Learning Program

Fall/Winter Cohort ‘25-26

Psychedelic Experiential Learning Program

We gather in sacred community to walk the path of the psychedelic practitioner, together. This program is not just a course—it is an invitation into a shared journey of transformation. To embark on this path is to embrace a dual calling: the personal call to growth and healing, and the deeper call to hold space for others as they traverse profound inner landscapes. Each one of us comes here with a story, a desire to serve, and a yearning to understand. Together, we will learn in ways that touch the heart, awaken the spirit, and deepen our connection to the transformative power of psychedelics.

Our classes mirror the arc of the psychedelic journey itself: grounding in stillness, expanding into curiosity, diving into depth, and emerging with insight. With intention and care, each session begins with sacred practices—be it breathwork, meditation, or mindful connection—and flows into explorations of topics and ideas that can help us grow both as individuals and practitioners. This rhythm is designed not merely to provide knowledge but to cultivate embodiment, presence, and the capacity to hold space in the profoundly transformative realms psychedelics open to us.

We approach this work with reverence, honoring not just the wisdom of the substances we study but the inner wisdom each of us carries. True learning flourishes when personal growth is rooted in communal support, and this cohort is designed to nurture both.

Schedule

The Fall/Winter Cohort will run for 18 weeks, November through March, with weekly sessions alternating between classroom-based learning and open discussions for reflection and integration. Breaks are built into the program to honor holidays and the cycles of rest essential to deep learning.

Below is a snapshot of the curriculum, thoughtfully crafted to balance structure with spaciousness for exploration. While not exhaustive, this outline reflects the themes and flow of our shared journey. Once enrolled, participants will receive the complete curriculum and reading list.

Class Descriptions

Class #1: Introduction

Topics Covered:
Our opening session is a sacred space to establish connection—with ourselves, with each other, and with the shared intention that underpins this journey. Together, we will explore:

• The arc of the course and its philosophies

• Foundational history and principles of psychedelic guiding

• Setting intentions for personal and collective growth throughout the program

Reading/Resources:

• The Psychedelic Experience by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Richard Alpert

Class #2: The Substances, Dosing, Interactions, Sourcing, and Testing

Topics Covered:
We will be joined by a guest from the medical field who brings expertise on the science behind psychedelics. Topics include:

• How different substances interact with the body and mind

• Dosing strategies, stacking methods, and serving techniques

• Best practices for sourcing ethically and testing for safety

This session integrates the practical with the scientific, providing participants with grounded approaches to working responsibly with these powerful medicines.

Reading/Resources Suggestions:

• Scientific papers exploring the pharmacology and safety of common substances (a list of suggested articles will be shared with the cohort)

• Interaction charts and resources for working with clients on SSRIs and other medications

Class #3: Structuring the Ceremony and Developing Facilitation Style, Tools & Gifts

Topics Covered:
A deeply exploratory class focused on the sacred art of ceremony and the unique gifts that each practitioner brings to their facilitation style. Discussions include:

• The intentional use of ceremonial tools and sacred objects

• Insights into "set and setting" as the architectural framework of safe and transformative journeys

• Embodying authenticity, attunement to participant needs, and trust in one's intuitive guidance

Reading/Resources:

• The Way of the Psychonaut by Stanislav Grof

Class #4: Intake and Screening

Topics Covered:
This session highlights the essential skill of intake and screening to ensure that participants are ready for their journeys. We will cover:

• How to assess physical, mental, and emotional readiness

• Identifying contraindications and red flags

• Strengthening active listening and fostering trust to create safe and supportive pathways for transformation

Reading/Resources Suggestions:

• The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide by James Fadiman

• Intake and screening templates from trusted psychedelic organizations (to be shared during the session)

Class #5: Preparation

Topics Covered:
Preparation is foundational to every transformative experience. In this session, we will discuss:

• Supporting participants in setting meaningful intentions and framing their expectations

• Introducing practices for emotional regulation, such as mindfulness, journaling, and ritual development

• Crafting frameworks for guiding participants safely across challenging psychological and spiritual terrain

Reading/Resources Suggestions:

• Preparing for Your Session guide from MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

• Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson

Class #6: Integration

Topics Covered:
True growth unfolds in the integration of insights gained during the journey into everyday life. This class will focus on:

• Supporting participants in processing spiritual, emotional, and psychological revelations

• Tools for weaving psychedelic insights into lasting behavioral and relational change

• Rituals and practices to sustain transformation long-term

Reading/Resources Suggestions:

• After the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield

• Articles on post-experience integration practices from modern psychedelic research

Class #7: Informed Consent, Safety, and Psychedelic First-Aid

Topics Covered:
This session focuses deeply on ethics, safety, and the practitioner's role in holding compassionate space. Topics include:

• Honoring participants’ autonomy through informed consent

• Designing systems that prioritize physical, emotional, and spiritual safety

• Techniques for navigating “rough waters,” including trauma activation and panic responses

Reading/Resources:

• Singing to the Plants by Stephan V. Beyer

Class #8: Ethical Practices and Systems of Support

Topics Covered:
The work of psychedelic practitioners invites us to walk alongside participants through tender landscapes of healing. This class will focus on:

• Developing systems of community, support and. accountability in this work

• Ethical considerations and honoring the sacred responsibilities of holding space

• Deepening humility, compassion, and respect for boundaries within transformative settings

Reading/Resources:

• The Ethical Psychedelic Guide by James Fadiman, Ph.D.

Class #9: Closing Circle

Topics Covered:
Our final gathering is a space to reflect, share, and honor the journey we've cultivated as a community. Participants are invited to express final thoughts or insights and celebrate the completion of our time together with gratitude and ritual.

Reading/Resources:

• No assigned reading

Final Thoughts

This cohort is not just an opportunity to learn—it is a sacred container for transformation, collaboration, and growth. Whether you're stepping onto the path as a new practitioner or deepening your understanding, this experience is designed to honor where you are while supporting your evolution—not just in skill, but in heart and spirit.

May what we cultivate as a community ripple outward, touching the lives and journeys of all whom we serve.