Preparation for Psychedelic Medicine and Harm-Reduction
The Art of Readiness: Practical Preparatory Practices for Psychedelic Medicine and Harm Reduction
with Dr. Adele Lafrance
CE credits provided
January 30th, 2026 • 8am - 3pm MT / 10am - 5pm ET
This virtual training is intended for therapists and facilitators supporting those preparing for a psychedelic medicine experience, and with a focus on psilocybin, MDMA and ayahuasca (though many skills transfer across medicines/settings).
Drawing on trauma-informed and process-experiential frameworks, including emotion theory, participants will explore a robust approach to preparation with the goals of:
1. optimizing outcomes and reducing the risk of unnecessary suffering,
2. supporting agency and self-efficacy in the process, including in navigating various medicine experiences
3. minimizing the necessity for more intensive post-session integration support
With emphasis on skills-based learning, Adele will guide participants through lecture, demonstrations, and experiential practice to deepen their proficiency in preparing individuals for psychedelic experiences. We will examine the art of tuning into pre-session anxieties and concerns, leveraging these insights to create personalized care protocols that honor each participant’s unique needs. The curriculum also incorporates practical tools for process-experiential dose determination, and collaborative set and setting design. Attention will also be paid to the support system’s needs for transfer of care if relevant. To further support the journeyer’ sense of agency, the workshop will teach practical techniques – to teach to journeyers - so that they can work with the medicine, and specifically when engaging with visions, emotions, and physical sensations that may arise during altered states of consciousness.
Summary of key workshop components, time permitting:
· Harnessing pre-session concerns as wisdom to inform individualized care plans
· Trauma-informed strategies for dose determination and risk mitigation
· Co-facilitator preparation to strengthen the therapeutic container
· Resourcing and grounding – psychological, spiritual and social support systems
· Teaching practical navigation skills for engaging with what arises – whether positive or challenging
This training will equip facilitators with adaptable strategies that can be tailored to participants' needs, whether they are new to psychedelic medicine or more experienced with altered states in the service of healing and growth.
*In addition to theory and practical learning opportunities, participants will be provided with several new handouts to support their work, and without limit of reproduction / personal use.*
This training welcomes practitioners from varied backgrounds. Basics of psychedelic compounds and psychedelic therapy models will not be covered to privilege practical theory and skill development. Participation can be active or passive. This training will not be recorded.
$215 USD
(discount rate available for those with financial insecurity using code: DISCOUNT10 or DISCOUNT15; discounts also available for groups of 5 or more)