While significant attention has been paid to the intersection of mind-body-spirit in the context of medicine work, the role of relationships in the healing process requires increased attention. This is especially relevant when those we serve are part of relational systems - whether they are adolescents or adults.

Family members and/or close others can be engaged in meaningful ways during the preparation, treatment, and integration phases to optimize outcomes for all affected. Providing a supportive other with an active role in the process can also decrease the likelihood of dynamics that can contribute to the maintenance of problematic patterns in the dyad or system, especially as the healing work disrupts old patterns. In fact, if not handled skillfully by the clinician, these disruptions can lead to serious distress for those affected, including relational breakdown in some cases.

This workshop will introduce the ethical, neurobiological, and psychological considerations for family involvement in psychedelic-assisted therapies. Drawing from Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and systems theory, simple yet effective interventions will be presented to optimize outcomes and to minimize relational distress. Clinical anecdotes from research studies will also be shared to illustrate how other engagement can decrease therapy-interfering attitudes and behaviors, facilitate powerful shared experiences, and leverage opportunities to heal and grow in the context of one’s closest relationships, the most fertile ground of all.

Continuing Education (CE) credits are provided through the Canadian Psychological Association.

Slide handouts will be provided to workshop attendees. The workshop will not be recorded.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss three models of family-oriented psychedelic healing.
   
2. Practice two strategies to minimize the potential for systemic distress.
3. Discuss the risks and benefits of current systemic protocols.