Anna Charbonneau, PhD

I provide support for preparation and integration of experiences involving expanded states of consciousness (therapeutic use of psilocybin, LSD, or spontaneous awakenings, near death experiences, other extraordinary states). These experiences can provide tremendous opportunities for growth and healing, especially when guided with caring, competent support. In 2016 I had a spontaneous experience that was powerful and incredibly transformative. At the time, I had no framework or guidance to understand what was happening--it was both blissful, painful, and shattering to my world. Nothing in my clinical training and background in psychology had given me any clues at all. It wasn't until later, when I read the book Acid Test that I even had any words at all to begin to describe my experience. I found the work of Stan Grof, Kyle Ortigo, Rick Dobson, and everyone else in the movement in 2017, and slowly have been building up my knowledge and skills to help other people who are seeking or experiencing expanded states of consciousness. My traditional psychotherapy specialty is health psychology, including treating depression and anxiety. I have experience helping people who are living with medical conditions including cancer and chronic pain. I have a very deep respect for life and death. Working through fears, anxieties, and especially fears around death is a strength in my work.