This course bridges the vast knowledge and wisdom of Buddhist contemplative practice traditions to the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Description
Working from both traditional texts and those written by modern meditation researchers, the course covers a range of topics and experience types, looks at how experiences have been met and understood through application of Buddhist psychology, and what psychedelic therapy providers might apply to work with psychedelics. The course includes study of best practices developed in research on trauma-sensitive mindfulness, self-compassion training programs, and difficult or “dark night” experiences in meditation. Participants will be invited to engage in contemplative practices throughout the course for an experiential learning component.
Learning Objectives
Assess their own competency with various mindfulness techniques.
Describe a range of meditation techniques and how these support the growth of core competencies as a psychedelic therapist.
Prepare a set of techniques to suggest to clients and explain why they may be of benefit for moving through the psychedelic experience.
Compare modern mindfulness and Buddhism and demonstrate a basic understanding of key distinctions and similarities.
Discuss ways that Buddhism and therapy converge and diverge on core goals and methods.
Critique the notion that Buddhism and psychedelics are compatible, understanding important potential clashes and synergies.
Explain why self-compassion and compassion practices are helpful both to clients and therapists.
Describe best practices developed in research on trauma-sensitive mindfulness, self-compassion training programs, and difficult or “dark night” experiences in meditation and understand how these connect to challenging psychedelic experiences.
Discuss how psychedelics and Buddhism have both been decontextualized from cultures they’ve traditionally been embedded in and demonstrate an understanding of the risks and opportunities that this decontextualization presents.
Create a plan for continued study and practice of secular and or Buddhist practices for themselves.
Prepare themselves for the rigors of sitting for a client by selecting techniques for their own embodied study of various meditation techniques.
Select practices that are appropriate for preparing a client based on that client’s goals, intentions, and worldview.
I found the class Buddhism and Psychedelics a wonderful way to understand the synergy between the two modalities in maintaining awareness by tapping into a higher consciousness. This class was a great vehicle for understanding the Buddhist meditation and psychedelics to achieve awareness of “now” without having judgement.
I really enjoyed the Buddhism and Psychedelic Therapy course. It’s clear David and Adi are steeped in Buddhist study and practice, and well versed in all things psychedelics. Given this, they were able to weave these two themes together using thought provoking articles and reflective questions posed prior to each class, thereby creating an atmosphere for rich discussion and inquiry. I would highly recommend this course!