I/A Clinical Skills in Psychedelic Medicine
4-day in-person training with Dr. Adele Lafrance
Intermediate and Advanced Clinical Skills in Psychedelic Medicine
September 15, 16, 17 & 18, 2025
9am - 4pm PT
25 CE credit hours
Abbotsford, British Columbia (outside of Vancouver BC)
The details:
This small group, IN-PERSON training is a highly practical, skills-based and experiential opportunity for practitioners of psychedelic medicine. A maximum of 16 clinicians/therapists will be enrolled. Throughout the week, theory and skills that relate to medicine work, including dosing sessions, will be taught via lecture, video and/or demonstration, as well as via experiential practice in dyads/triads. Though other medicines will be discussed, dosing skills will focus primarily on their application with psilocybin and MDMA, Practitioners who complete this 4-day training will receive a Certificate of Completion for "Intermediate and Advanced Clinical Skills in Psychedelic Medicine" from Emotion Science LLC, as well as 25 continued education credits.
The following are examples of somatic, emotion-focused and relational topics to be covered, time permitting:
- Process-experiential determination of dose
- Responding to resistance (beyond the breath)
- Responding to challenging emotional states, including rage and hate
- Responding to sexual energy
- Harnessing the energy of love within and in the space between
- Responding to ruptures
- Supporting re-enactments and communicating boundaries
- Working with in-session facilitator blocks (judgements, emotions, behaviors)
- Engaging in self-care in-session
- Preparing the system for transfer of care
- Other topics upon request
In addition, participants will: be supported to identify and respond to concerns during screening; review pre-dosing preparation activities; review dosing day pre-protocol; and review resources to support integration - both post-dose integration of the psychedelic experience and in the context of psychotherapeutic integration.
Participants will be provided with many resources/tools/documents to support their practice with no reproduction limits and in editable format to revise as desired for their future use. They will also be supported to create and practice individualized scripts to promote skill development and fluency. On two occasions during the training, participants will be invited to share one or two of their favorite personal practices/tools/techniques with their peers (optional).
This training is not appropriate for total beginners / newcomers to medicine work. Basics of psychedelic medicine will not be covered to leave time and space for intermediate and advanced theory, discussion and skill development. Prior knowledge/training and experience is a prerequisite, with various options re: how it is acquired. There is no medicine use during this 4-day course.
The location:
Gathering Retreat Centre is nestled on a large private farm in the heart of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. It is a warm and inviting space that features a natural backdrop of old trees and grasslands, with ample parking available. It is located minutes from the Abbotsford International Airport, and about 55 minutes drive from the Vancouver International Airport (approximately $80 CAD Uber ride). Participants who wish to coordinate ride-sharing will be provided with one another's contact information to coordinate.
The investment:
Full payment is due upon registration. Cost: $2100 USD / $2850 CAD. Payment can be made in the currency of your choice (USD/CAD) through e-transfer, Zelle or Paypal (Paypal fees apply). Payment information will be provided once registered (button below). Partial scholarships are available for up to 5 participants with financial need. Contact connect@mentalhealthfoundations.ca to make arrangements prior to registering.
Note: Beverages, snacks, lunch and dinner are included in the cost and will be available each training day. Most dietary needs can be accommodated but please inform us of your specific needs when registering. Shared accommodations and breakfast on-site can also be reserved for an additional cost of $100 CAD/night/person - additional information re: optional lodging below.
The optional lodging (extra):
Should you choose the on-site lodging ($100 CAD/night/person including breakfast), you are invited to arrive anytime after 6:30pm on Sunday September 14. Upon arrival, you will be checked in to your room by the hosts at the retreat centre. Lodging is retreat style, with shared rooms (2-4 beds per room) and bathrooms. There is space for up to 12 participants. Bedding and towels are provided. Breakfast, tea and coffee is offered with lodging each morning (with snacks, lunch and dinner included in your training days). Check-out is Thursday September 18 after dinner. For more information and to book lodging, please contact Gathering Retreat Centre at heather@gatheringgroups.ca. During your stay, the staff at the retreat centre will be your point of contact for all lodging/breakfast related needs. To see a virtual tour of the retreat centre, click here.
The agreement:
Prior to proceeding with registration and payment, please review these statements to ensure understanding and agreement:
1. I am a student, clinician or therapist with foundational training in ethics and professional practice. This includes medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, clinical counsellors, nurse practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, dietitians and other registered health and mental health professionals. This also includes students working towards registration. Some exceptions will be made for legacy providers.
2. I have foundational knowledge/training that relates to medicine work (psilocybin and/or MDMA) - formal or self-taught, including in the domains of neuroscience and physiology (topics not covered during the training).
3. I have prior experience in observing, self-experiencing or facilitating medicine work with therapeutic / psycho-spiritual intent (psilocybin and/or MDMA).
4. I understand the practical and experiential nature of this course which includes practice and role-play.
5. I understand there is no medicine use during these 4-days of learning to ensure a grounded learning container. I also understand this 4-day training is an educational forum and there is no expectation of bringing one's personal material to the experiential exercises, though participants can should they feel comfortable and sufficiently resourced.
6. I understand the refund policy below.
Making payment:
Payment can be made in the currency of your choice ( $1850 USD / $2650 CAD) through e-transfer, Zelle or Paypal (Paypal fees apply). Confirmation of registration and payment will be provided within 48 hours of receipt of full payment. If you are making payment in a name other than the one used to register, please send us an email at connect@mentalhealthfoundations.ca to let us know. Payment information details will be provided once registered (button below).
Reminder: partial scholarships are available for up to 5 participants with financial need. Contact connect@mentalhealthfoundations.ca to make arrangements prior to registering.
Refund policy:
A 70% refund will be provided up to 45 days prior to the training event (July 25th, 2025). After that time, a 25% refund will be provided only if a replacement participant enrols.