Presented by Valerie Beltrán, LMFT
Includes 2 CE credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and LCSWs. Continental breakfast will be served at 9:30 AM for in person attendees. The presentation will begin at 10 AM. This event will be in person and live online. A recording will be made available to all registrants for 3 months. For those who can't attend live, CE credit is available by watching the recording and passing a test.
An introduction to psychedelics for clinicians who don’t want to do a full Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) training, but want to be psychedelically-informed. Be better equipped to answer questions clients might ask about safety, efficacy, contraindications, and use-cases for psychedelics including (but not limited to):
- Psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms)
- MDMA (aka ecstasy or Molly)
- LSD (aka acid)
- Ketamine
Psychedelics are becoming more and more mainstream, with frequent local and national news coverage, popular books and documentaries (eg. How to Change your Mind by Michael Pollan & Fantastic Fungi), and generous funding for research studies. States like Oregon and Colorado are decriminalizing some psychedelics. The FDA considered approving MDMA at the federal level (this was rejected in August 2024; we’ll discuss why, and what this means for PAT).
In this training, you’ll get an overview of:
- History and the current state of PAT
- Legality (recreationally and therapeutically), including the difference between decriminalization, legalization, and medicalization
- Basic principles of PAT, and how it’s different from regular therapy
- Therapeutic modalities that often work best with PAT (eg. Somatic therapy & Internal Family Systems)
- Situations when psychedelics might not be appropriate for a client (eg. If they’re taking medications that are contraindicated like an SSRI, lithium, benzodiazepines, etc; or if they have a history of psychosis or manic episodes)
- Where to refer clients who want PAT
- Recommended trainings for therapists who want to increase their skills/understanding
- Recommended trainings for laypeople (such as clients) who want to learn how to hold space for a friend/partner who wants to use a psychedelic
This is for therapists who want to be better prepared for client questions like:
- Is it safe? Legal? Effective?
- Which psychedelic should I take? How much? What about microdosing?
- Can I take it alone? Recreationally?
- What if I’m taking an SSRI/benzodiazepine/herbal supplement/etc?
Program Goal
Clinicians attending will gain an understanding of their own strengths when a client is faced with a cancer diagnosis, become more aware of their own personal and professional triggers, as well as integrate appropriate skills the client can use in times of stress.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
-
Explain the difference between legalization, medicalization, and decriminalization
- Identify medications, physical conditions, and psychological disorders that are contraindicated or are potential risks for psychedelic use
- Identify at least 2 resources to refer to clients seeking PAT
- Identify at least 2 trainings for therapists/guides wanting to learn PAT
- Explain the difference between microdosing and a therapeutic or recreational dose
About the Presenter
Valerie Beltrán, LMFT, is the Director of Outreach for the Zendo Project, a nonprofit that provides psychedelic care at festivals, as well as a psychedelic therapist and supervisor. She completed CIIS’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy & Research program in 2019, is a core instructor in the Psychedelics Today Vital psychedelic certification program, and has been a supervisor at Alchemy Therapy since 2020, a sliding scale clinic that offers psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy to underserved communities in the Bay Area. Valerie was formerly the Head of Operations for the conscious tech startup Consciousness Hacking, a trauma trainer and consultant with WestEd, and an Academic advisor at JFKU. Valerie offers consultation and online courses for licensed therapists and unlicensed psychedelic guides. Valerie's website: https://www.therapywithvalerie.com/
This is an introductory level course.
TARGET AUDIENCE: LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs
If you miss any of the presentation, you will not be eligible for the CEUs. This course meets the qualifications of 2 continuing education credit for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. SCV-CAMFT is a CAMFT-approved Continuing Education Provider (CEPA 052466).
The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speaker and not, necessarily, of SCV-CAMFT. SCV-CAMFT can not be held liable for any damages arising from recommendations or advice given by our speakers or any actions or decisions arising out of the content of this presentation. Presentations at SCV-CAMFT events do not constitute an endorsement of the vendor or speaker's views, products or services.
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