Psychedelic Peer Support Workshop
Wilkinsburg, 1300 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
July 15, 2018
Topics include: physical, mental, and emotional effects of psychedelics; factors that contribute to a difficult experience; Zendo Project’s four principles of psychedelic support; tools, techniques, and protocols; sitter self-care; assisting the integration of a psychedelic journey; ethical guidelines for psychedelic peer counseling.
Context
This year, millions of people will use psychedelics outside of supervised medical contexts, many of them for the first time. Difficult psychedelic experiences can be frightening, but also potentially among the most valuable experiences someone can have.
Audience
Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the general public. Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients.
Support
What can you do to help someone having a difficult psychedelic experience? What techniques are available for helping transform a potentially traumatic situation into a positive or even therapeutic one? What role has MAPS and the Zendo Project played at festivals, and what take-home messages are available for others interested in psychedelic harm reduction?
Learning Objectives
Describe and provide examples for the four principles of psychedelic harm reduction. Explain the unique needs and of a person having a difficult psychedelic experience, including contributing factors such as trauma, set, and setting. Identify resources for triage, safety, and integration. Integrate self-care practices for harm reduction providers
This Workshop will Sell Out
Our venue is limited to 75 seats. If sold out before the day of the event, we will indicate that status here on this webpage and not sell any additional tickets at the door.
Workshop Venue
Wilkinsburg
1300 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
About the Workshop
This training is designed for those who are interested in learning how to assist in difficult psychedelic experiences. We demonstrate that safe, productive psychedelic experiences are possible without the need for law enforcement-based prohibitionist policies.
This is also an opportunity to connect with your community in an immersive workshop complete with role playing, exercises for grounding and connection, and the opportunity to meet and develop relationship with your local community.
Developed for peer counselors, educators, mental health clinicians, event producers, and individuals who are interested in volunteering for harm reduction organizations like the Zendo Project, creating their own grassroot peer support, or helping others in psychedelic challenge.
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Download and Share Flyer
If you’d like to download, print, or share the flyer for this event, you can access the PDF by clicking below or on the flyer image.
Workshop Presenters and Biographies
Sara Gael Giron
Zendo Project Director
After receiving her Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, Sara began working with MAPS in 2012, coordinating psychedelic harm reduction services at festivals and events worldwide with the Zendo Project. Sara was an Intern Therapist for the recently completed MAPS Phase 2 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, CO. She maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Sara believes that developing a comprehensive understanding of psychedelic medicines through research and education is essential for the health and well being of individuals, communities, and the planet.
Ryan Beauregard
Zendo Project Manager
Ryan received his B.A. in Psychology from Claremont McKenna College, and spent 10 years mentoring at-risk teens and families through wilderness survival skills and nature connection. His passion for community connection, the environment, and intrapersonal healing continued with his involvement in permaculture, natural building, and ancestral grief rituals.
As a volunteer with the Zendo Project since 2013, Ryan has had the opportunity to connect and expand the scope of psychedelic harm reduction in communities and festivals all over the globe. As the Zendo Project Manager, he integrates his skills in psychology, design and and community engagement. When he isn’t on the road with the Zendo Project, Ryan can be found at his home in Boulder, CO enjoying the great outdoors, experimenting with sustainable technology, and designing websites, logos and sacred geometry art.
Questions?
In our attempt to provide all the relevant information about these workshops, we know that some details may go overlooked. If there are specific questions or curiosities you have about this training, please write to us in the adjacent form and we’ll do our best to answer your inquiry.