Plant medicines often exist in two or more worlds – rooted in traditional ceremonial contexts while also emerging as cutting-edge treatments in clinical and therapeutic settings. As interest in psychedelic plant medicines grows in mainstream culture, critical ethical questions are also surfacing. How can practitioners and facilitators navigate the rich landscape of psychedelic experience with respect and reverence? What does it mean to ethically blend traditional spiritual practices with contemporary therapeutic approaches? What is the role of community in experiencing and integrating sacred plants?
Geared toward anyone interested in psychedelic facilitation, guiding or sitting, from spiritual practitioners to psychotherapists and clinicians, sessions will explore topics including the role and responsibilities of facilitators, trauma and psychedelic healing, harm reduction and psychedelic facilitation, psychedelic care and ethics, the role of ritual and music in psychedelic facilitation, and fundamental psychology for psychedelic facilitators.
Learn more about the Student Learning Objectives and Information on Continuing Education Credits for Health Professionals in Chacruna's Website.
Course Curriculum
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Syllabus
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Announcement About Safety
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Introduction Class
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Student Agreement Form
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About this course
- The format of the classes is hybrid, including a pre-recorded 1-hour lecture for students to watch on their own time and a 1.5-hour live Q&A and discussion session on Zoom with the professor. Coming into the discussion classes, students are expected to have watched the recordings and read the readings which are listed in the syllabus.
TESTIMONIALS
“As a strong supporter of psychedelic medicine, I want to do all that I can to assist people who are interested in journeying. I believe people should be as informed as possible, before deciding to do this kind of deep work with plants or other psychedelics. While it is true that this is only one perspective on spiritual plant medicine journeys, it is heartfelt. Because my journeys were so rich, I have reflected, learned, and relearned from my experiences for many years. And this class has urged me to revisit my past journeys through the class lectures, discussions, and this essay. I am very grateful for all my classmates, teachers, and my journey experiences”
“After participating in the recent course Foundations of Plant Medicine Facilitation, Integration & Ethics, I have come to deeply appreciate the critical role that the Chacruna Institute can play in legitimizing and supporting emerging retreat organizers. As someone operating at the intersection of plant medicine, psychedelics, and therapeutic and ceremonial practices, this course has offered invaluable insights. More importantly, it solidified my belief that Chacruna is uniquely positioned to co-create and uphold the gold standard for best practices in this growing field”
“The course was an enriching and deeply insightful experience. The instructors brought a wealth of knowledge, blending academic research with cultural wisdom in a way that felt both respectful and illuminating. I appreciated the thoughtful discussions on indigenous traditions, ethical engagement, and the role of sacred plants in healing and spirituality. This course provided me with a broader understanding of these practices and their significance, leaving me with valuable insights to integrate into my own path”
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FAQ
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Does this course certificate me as a psychedelic facilitator?
This course does not make participants religious leaders, shamans or facilitators, but gives tools for them to navigate their context of use. Completing this course and receiving a certificate does not imply that Chacruna vouches for the conduct of participants outside the course nor does it guarantee an ethical and safe approach by institutions in their daily practices.
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What is the format of the classes?
The format of the classes is hybrid, including a pre-recorded 1-hour lecture for students to watch on their own time and a 1.5-hour live Q&A and discussion session on Zoom with the professor. Coming into the discussion classes, students are expected to have watched the recordings and read the readings which are listed in the syllabus.
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What are the general requirements for the course?
We ask that each student present at least 80% of participation throughout the course, whether it be by having your camera on for the whole class, actively listening, taking notes, providing questions/comments, etc. We also ask that each student read the readings for each class before they take place.
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How much interaction is there with the professors?
You will have the opportunity to ask questions to each professor in each of the discussion classes. The live 1.5 hour Q&A discussion part of the classes are an essential focus of the courses, with a very intimate and safe-space environment to explore any questions that might arise.
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Chacruna Students Collective
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