Summary of Private Practice Startup Podcast - Episode 359: Psychedelics 101: Promoting Healing & Reducing Harm in the Psychedelic Space

Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Guest: Callie England, LMSW
Release Date: August 24, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 359 of the Private Practice Startup Podcast, hosts Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux explore the emerging role of psychedelics in therapy. Their guest, Callie England, an LMSW and expert in experiential therapy, shares her journey, insights, and best practices for integrating psychedelics into mental health practices safely and effectively.

Callie England's Journey into Psychedelic Therapy

Callie England opens the discussion by recounting her personal battle with chronic pain, specifically chronic migraines, which plagued her for nearly a decade.

"I was having 28 pain days per month... discovering yoga and plant medicines was a breakthrough for me."
— Callie England [04:08]

Desperate for relief, Callie turned to unconventional methods, including ayahuasca—a plant medicine she had never heard of before. Despite initial hesitations and legal challenges, her experience with ayahuasca led to a dramatic reduction in her pain, transforming her life and inspiring her to become a proponent of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

"It was my miracle story."
— Callie England [07:25]

The Importance of Comprehensive Training

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the necessity for thorough training and certification for therapists interested in incorporating psychedelics into their practice.

"The critical importance of learning both standard therapy and understanding psychedelics and their mechanism of action."
— Callie England [09:53]

Callie warns against the proliferation of short, inadequate training programs, emphasizing that effective psychedelic therapy requires at least a one-year training program to ensure therapists are well-equipped to handle the complexities involved.

"I wouldn't trust a short program. You need at least a one-year minimum program."
— Callie England [12:27]

Safety and Harm Reduction in Psychedelic Therapy

Safety is paramount in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Callie discusses the potential risks associated with improper use of psychedelics and the importance of harm reduction strategies.

"You have to ensure that the facilitator only includes two ingredients in the ayahuasca brew and not adding something else."
— Callie England [26:43]

She highlights the dangers of mixing ayahuasca with certain medications, such as antidepressants, which can lead to lethal interactions. Callie underscores the necessity for strict adherence to guidelines and thorough vetting of both facilitators and participants to mitigate these risks.

"Mixing ayahuasca with most antidepressants has the potential to be lethal."
— Callie England [26:43]

Integration of Psychedelic Experiences

Integration—the process of assimilating the insights gained from a psychedelic experience into daily life—is crucial for achieving lasting therapeutic benefits. Callie outlines her structured approach to integration therapy.

"Nobody leaves until they're fully back in their bodies... creating that support, encouraging them to slow down and do some integration practices."
— Callie England [32:24]

Her methodology includes preparatory meetings, dietary guidelines, the psychedelic experience itself, and post-experience integration sessions. This comprehensive process ensures that clients can effectively translate their experiences into meaningful personal changes.

Offering Psychedelic-Assisted Counseling

Callie explains how she organizes her services to comply with legal regulations, maintaining a clear separation between her therapy practice and psychedelic facilitation.

"If I have therapy clients, I'm sticking with the straight and narrow of therapy that is legal in my state. I'm providing a retreat in a separate business."
— Callie England [32:59]

Her approach involves preparatory individual meetings, small group retreats for the psychedelic experience, and subsequent integration sessions. This structure not only adheres to legal constraints but also fosters a safe and supportive environment for clients.

Best Practices for Therapists and Clients

Callie offers actionable advice for both therapists and clients navigating the psychedelic therapy landscape:

For Therapists:

• Thorough Training: Invest in comprehensive training programs to build a solid foundation in both traditional therapy and psychedelic mechanisms.
• Collaborative Networks: Build relationships with qualified facilitators to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
• Ethical Practices: Maintain clear boundaries and uphold ethical standards to protect both therapists and clients.

For Clients:

• Vetting Therapists: Clients should ask detailed questions about a therapist's training, personal experience with psychedelics, and approach to integration.
• Safety First: Ensure that facilitators adhere to safety protocols and that any use of psychedelics is conducted in a controlled, legal environment.
• Ongoing Support: Utilize integration resources to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the psychedelic experience.

Conclusion and Resources

Callie concludes the episode by directing listeners to additional resources for further learning and support in psychedelic integration therapy.

"You can reach out directly if you would like consultation on how you can support clients in their psychedelic integration."
— Callie England [39:18]

Listeners are encouraged to visit Callie's website for downloadable materials and further guidance on integrating psychedelic experiences into therapeutic practice.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the responsible use of psychedelics in therapy, emphasizing the importance of proper training, safety, and integration to promote healing while minimizing harm. Callie England's insights offer valuable guidance for mental health professionals seeking to incorporate these powerful tools into their practice.