Psychedelic Therapy Training:

Essential Skills for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Clinical Skills intensive workshop in Byron Bay
Hybrid: Online and In-person

June 2 - 6 2025

Why the need for Psychedelic Therapy training?

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rescheduled MDMA and psilocybin as Schedule 8 Controlled Medicines from the 1st of July 2023 following increasing emerging evidence that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy are effective at treating PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. In doing so, Australia has become the first country in the world to recognise these drugs as medicines. To ensure the safe use of these treatments in the community, proper training is considered essential.

Two Phase 3 Randomised Controlled Trials have examined MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The results showed that between 67% and 71% of participants receiving MDMA-assisted therapy no longer met the criteria for PTSD, compared to 32% of participants who received a placebo. These and other studies have used the MAPS MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy Manual.

As for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder, while multiple clinical trials have been conducted, Phase 3 trials haven't been published yet. Unlike MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, the psychotherapy methods in these studies haven't been standardized, with different treatment manuals being used. However, these manuals generally follow a similar structure: preparation, administration, and integration.

Research shows evidence for the effectiveness for MDMA and Psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Introducing PIA’s Bespoke Training Model

Learning Processes and Program Goal

There are 3 basic processes involved in developing new therapist skills: acquiring theoretical knowledge (declarative information), learning procedural skills, and engaging in reflective practice. PIA’s Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Essential Skills program addresses all 3 elements.

Theoretical/didactic knowledge will be acquired through pre-course online learning and a limited amount of didactic content during the workshop. However, the primary focus of PIA’s Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Essential Skills program will be on Skills Training, acquired through a mix of pairs and group role-plays, demonstration, self-experiential learning and reflective practice.

Participants during a breathwork session at our training in February 2024, Byron Bay.

Our goal is that after 5 days, you will be ready to take your first steps as a psychedelic-assisted therapist - with clinical supervision and a strong self-reflective practice, alongside an experienced and legally qualified co-therapist.

To view the entire list of learning outcomes and more detailed information about the course please download the course brochure below

Meet the Training Team

  • Renee Harvey

  • Dr. Stephen Bright

  • A/ Professor Petra Skeffington

  • Diego Pinzon

Eligibility Requirements

  • Current registration with the regulatory body of your profession (AHPRA, PACFA).

  • Experienced therapists with minimum 3 years of professional practice experience including psychotherapy experience.

  • Foundational knowledge of psychedelic substances and their effects.

Continuing Professional Development

Dates, Location and Trainers

  • June 2nd - 6th.

  • Byron Bay Community Centre, NSW.

  • Trainers for this workshop: Renee Harvey, Stephen Bright, Petra Skeffington, Diego Pinzon,.

Cost

  • $4200 AUD including GST. Early bird price until April 21st $3905.

  • This cost does NOT include accommodation.

Enrollment process

  1. Please fill out the Expression Of Interest form.

  2. You will be required to pay a $200 AUD deposit (refundable) to secure your place.

  3. Once you have been accepted into the program you will need to pay the remainder of the cost.

Cancellation Policy

Apply now by filling out this form:

It's essential for anyone considering becoming a psychedelic-assisted therapist to already possess a strong foundation and significant experience as a therapist. This program does not accept individuals without this prerequisite. Additionally, completion of a 5-day training program does not make you a highly competent psychedelic-assisted therapist; that level of competence requires further clinical experience, ongoing supervision, and self-reflective practice. The program's goal is to prepare you to take your initial steps as a psychedelic-assisted therapist after the 5-day training, with the expectation that you will have clinical supervision and a strong self-reflective practice in place.