Abstract

As the field of psychedelic therapy is gaining more attention as a promising approach for mental health treatment, a growing number of mental health professionals is seeking to become specialized in this form of therapy. This panel discussion explores the journey to becoming a psychedelic therapist through the lens of the MIND Foundation’s Augmented Psychotherapy Training (APT) program. The panel will consist of a diverse group of current APT participants and APT alumni, all of whom are mental health professionals with various backgrounds. By sharing their personal experiences and insights, they will provide first-person perspectives on their journey towards becoming psychedelic therapists. 

Topics include: 

· Knowledge and Skills: The panellists will explore the unique knowledge and skills required for practicing effective psychedelic therapy in a legal, safe, and evidence-based framework. They will delve into the multidisciplinary nature of this field, discussing relevant academic backgrounds, therapeutic training, and the integration of psychedelic-assisted modalities into existing therapeutic frameworks. 

· Obstacles and Difficulties: Challenges such as stigma, legal/ethical considerations, regulatory constraints, and limited specialized training will be addressed, with panellists sharing insights on navigating and overcoming these barriers. 

· The Role of Self-Experience: The importance and limits of personal experiences with altered states of consciousness on the path towards becoming a psychedelic therapist, including opportunities as well as challenges, will be explored. 

Questions and contributions from the audience are welcome.