Introduction to Practicing Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
An introduction to the practice of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, including its core principles and use of multiple therapeutic models
Overview
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy was developed in the 1950s and practiced legally until the 1970s and 1980s with MDMA. After decades limited to a small number of “underground” therapists, FDA-approved phase-3 trials of MDMA-and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy herald a “psychedelic renaissance”, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is already legal.
In this presentation, Dr. Jim Hopper shares how he came to this psychotherapy approach, and clinical pearls learned from practicing MDMA-assisted therapy in the research setting and KAP in private practice. This includes an overall approach of being non-directive and grounded in supporting clients to access their own “inner healing intelligence,” a concept referring to the mind and brain’s innate healing capacity, just as our body can innately heal wounds to the skin, bruises to muscles, etc.; comparison of elements of MDMA- vs. ketamine-assisted sessions; descriptions of how elements of several therapy models, including imaginal exposure, cognitive restructuring, and somatic processing, spontaneously emerge during medicine-assisted sessions and the “integration” process; and the differences between low-dose psycholytic and high-dose psychedelic work. There is also discussion about obtaining training and practicing as a unique person and therapist.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Articulate the core principles of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP)
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Name aspects of multiple therapeutic models that can emerge spontaneously in medicine-assisted sessions of PAP
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Compare and contrast elements of MDMA-assisted vs. ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
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Explain how multiple therapeutic models can be flexibly utilized in the PAP integration process
Curriculum
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Introduction
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Introduction to Practicing Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
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Conclusion
About this course
- $30.00
- 1.5 hours of video content
Faculty Instructor
Jim Hopper, PhD is an independent consultant and Teaching Associate in Psychology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and consultant to the Outpatient Addictions Service of the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA). For over 25 years, Dr. Hopper’s research and consulting work has focused on the psychological and biological effects of child abuse, sexual assault, and other traumatic experiences. As a clinician, Dr. Hopper works with traumatized adults. From 2018 to 2023, he was a therapist at the Boston site of the FDA-approved and MAPS-sponsored phase 3 trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. He also provides ketamine- assisted psychotherapy in private practice and co-directs a CHA/HMS conference on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Hopper consults and teaches nationally and internationally to clinicians as well as investigators, prosecutors, judges, and other professionals.
Continuing Education
Psychologists: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 1.5 continuing education credits.
Social Workers: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an Approved Provider #0038 of continuing education for licensed social workers. This course offers 1.5 contact hours. Social workers from other states should check with their individual board to confirm credit reciprocity with NY.
Counselors: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5444. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course meets the requirements for 1.50 continuing education hours, and is also applicable for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Counseling/Allied Mental Health accreditation for 1.50 credits.
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