13-Week Intensive Program

Curriculum

A comprehensive journey through the art and science of culturally-informed psychedelic therapy

Program Schedule

Course Sessions: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Discussion Groups: Sundays, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM EST

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Week1

Foundations: History & Context - Pre colonial concepts of mental health and the interactions of the "Psychedelic"

Explore the rich history of psychedelic use across African, Indigenous, and diaspora cultures. Understand how colonialism disrupted these traditions and the movement to reclaim them.

Topics Covered

Pre-colonial psychedelic traditionsImpact of the War on Drugs on communities of colorThe psychedelic renaissance: Who's included?

Learning Objectives

  • Articulate the historical relationship between communities of color and plant medicines
  • Identify systemic barriers to psychedelic access
Week2

Decolonizing Therapeutic Frameworks

Haints, Huantings, and memories PTSE confronting generational trauma and breaking the cycle

Topics Covered

Limitations of individualistic therapy modelsIntegrating spirituality and ancestorsCommunity as medicine

Learning Objectives

  • Critique mainstream therapeutic approaches through a decolonial lens
  • Design culturally-responsive session frameworks
Week3

Neuroscience of Psychedelics

The science and safety: understanding the chemistry and biology behind psychedelic therapy

Topics Covered

Neuroplasticity and psychedelicsDefault mode network disruptionTrauma, the brain, and healing

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the neurobiological mechanisms of major psychedelics
  • Connect brain science to therapeutic outcomes
Week4

Psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, Cannabis and Ketamine: Actions and Alchemy

Explore the pharmacology, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications of the primary psychedelics and empathogens used in clinical practice. Understand how each substance interacts with the brain and body, and how their unique alchemy shapes the healing experience.

Topics Covered

Psilocybin: 5-HT2A agonism and neuroplasticityMDMA: Empathogenic effects and PTSD treatmentLSD: Pharmacology and historical contextCannabis and the endocannabinoid systemKetamine: NMDA antagonism and rapid antidepressant effects

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the mechanism of action for each major psychedelic and empathogen
  • Differentiate the therapeutic applications and contraindications of each substance
Week5

Preparation & Set/Setting

Master the art of preparing clients for psychedelic experiences. Create safe, culturally-resonant environments that support deep healing work.

Topics Covered

Screening and assessmentCulturally-informed consent processesCreating sacred space

Learning Objectives

  • Conduct thorough preparation sessions
  • Adapt set and setting for diverse cultural contexts
Week6

The Therapeutic Session

Learn to guide psychedelic sessions with skill, presence, and cultural attunement. Handle challenging experiences with grace and wisdom.

Topics Covered

Therapeutic presence and attunementWorking with difficult materialIncorporating ritual and ceremony

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate competency in session facilitation
  • Respond appropriately to various session dynamics
Week7

Integration: Where Healing Takes Root

Integration is where transformation becomes lasting change. Develop robust frameworks for helping clients make meaning and implement insights.

Topics Covered

Integration models and timelinesCommunity-based integration practicesSupporting ongoing transformation

Learning Objectives

  • Design personalized integration protocols
  • Facilitate group integration experiences
Week8

Racial Trauma & Collective Healing

Address the unique trauma carried by communities of color. Explore how psychedelics can support healing from intergenerational and racial trauma.

Topics Covered

Understanding racial traumaEpigenetics and inherited traumaPsychedelics for collective wounds

Learning Objectives

  • Identify manifestations of racial trauma
  • Develop treatment approaches for collective healing
Week9

Ethics, Boundaries & Power

Navigate the complex ethical terrain of psychedelic therapy. Examine power dynamics, consent, and maintaining integrity in vulnerable spaces.

Topics Covered

Ethical frameworks for psychedelic workPower dynamics and cultural competencyPreventing harm and exploitation

Learning Objectives

  • Apply ethical principles to challenging scenarios
  • Recognize and address power imbalances
Week10

Legal Landscape & Advocacy

Understand current laws, emerging policy changes, and how to advocate for equitable access to psychedelic medicine.

Topics Covered

Current legal status and changesDrug policy and racial justiceAdvocacy and community organizing

Learning Objectives

  • Navigate legal considerations in practice
  • Engage in effective advocacy work
Week11

Special Populations & Considerations

Develop specialized knowledge for working with diverse populations including LGBTQ+ individuals, elders, and those with complex trauma histories.

Topics Covered

Working with marginalized communitiesContraindications and special considerationsAdapting approaches for different needs

Learning Objectives

  • Modify treatment for specific populations
  • Recognize when psychedelic therapy may not be appropriate
Week12

Building Your Practice

Practical guidance for establishing yourself as a culturally-informed psychedelic therapist. Business, marketing, and sustainability.

Topics Covered

Practice models and settingsBuilding community partnershipsSustainable self-care practices

Learning Objectives

  • Create a viable practice plan
  • Develop ongoing professional development strategies
Week13

Integration & Graduation

Synthesize your learning, complete final assessments, and join the community of New Griots committed to transforming mental health.

Topics Covered

Final practicum reviewPeer consultation and feedbackCommitment and next steps

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate comprehensive competency
  • Articulate your unique contribution to the field

Ready to Begin This Transformative Journey?

Express your interest and take the first step toward becoming a culturally-informed psychedelic therapist.