0738 - January 2027 Cohort
Course Description
This course is comprised of two parts:
PART 1 – The Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy -- Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. ET | Jan. 12 to March 9, 2027 (no class Feb. 9)
PART 2 – Advanced Practice: The Social Cure Model in PAT -- Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. ET | April 13 to June 1, 2027
Program Delivery
Live Virtual Learning
3 hours per week over 16 weeks
- 8 weeks for Part 1 and 8 weeks for Part 2
- via Zoom
Sessions may include:
- Interactive lectures
- Case examples and demonstrations
- Group discussions
- Breakout activities
- Experiential learning practices
Self-Directed Learning
2 to 4 hours per week over 16 weeks
Activities include:
- Assigned readings
- Videos and supplemental resources
- Reflective writing assignments
- Course preparation and assessment activities
Please ensure you can commit to both the live virtual classes and the required self-directed learning. Extensions and transfers are not available.
Completion Requirements
This is a non-credit professional development course. Participants are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
To successfully complete the course, participants must:
- Attend and actively participate in all virtual sessions
- Submit a final reflection paper (Part 1) and a capstone project (Part 2)
- Achieve a minimum score of 75% on two quizzes
PART 1 – The Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Part 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Participants will explore the historical, cultural, scientific and clinical foundations of psychedelic therapies, including their roots in Indigenous and sacred traditions, the contemporary psychedelic renaissance and the growing role of PAT in addressing mental health, trauma and existential distress.
Participants will gain an understanding of the neurobiology of expanded states of consciousness and explore how psychedelic experiences can influence perception, emotion, cognition and psychological healing. Part 1 examines each stage of the psychedelic-assisted therapy process, including client screening and assessment, preparation, medicine sessions and integration. Throughout Part 1, emphasis is placed on ethical practice, client safety, therapeutic presence and the critical role of set, setting and intention in supporting positive therapeutic outcomes.
In addition to foundational knowledge and clinical best practices, participants will engage in reflective and experiential learning activities designed to deepen self-awareness, explore practitioner assumptions and biases and assess their readiness to work within this emerging field.
By the end of Part 1, participants will have a strong foundation in psychedelic-assisted therapy and a framework for ethical, responsible and client-centred practice.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 1, participants will be able to:
- Explain the historical development of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its relevance to contemporary mental health care.
- Describe the biological, psychological, spiritual and existential dimensions of psychedelic experiences.
- Apply best practices for the safe, ethical and effective delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
- Support clients through the preparation, medicine session and integration phases of the therapeutic process.
- Assess client suitability, readiness and potential contraindications for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
- Demonstrate increased self-awareness, therapeutic presence and relational competence.
- Develop a plan for ongoing professional learning and responsible practice in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Key Topics
- History of psychedelics and the psychedelic renaissance
- Indigenous and traditional frameworks
- Neurobiology of altered states
- Ethics and risk management
- Client screening and assessment
- Preparation and integration practices
- Set, setting and therapeutic presence
- Legal and regulatory considerations in Canada
PART 2 – Advanced Practice: The Social Cure Model in PAT
Part 2 explores the Social Cure Model and its application to psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), emphasizing the role of connection, belonging and community in healing and wellbeing. While much of mental health treatment focuses on the individual, the Social Cure Model recognizes that meaningful relationships, social identity and community participation can be powerful drivers that are, themselves, “the medicine”.
Building on the foundations established in Part 1, participants will explore how social and relational factors influence therapeutic outcomes and learn strategies to strengthen clients' support networks, sense of belonging and community engagement. Particular attention is given to addressing experiences of loneliness, isolation and disconnection, while supporting opportunities for relational repair and meaningful connection.
Part 2 also examines the role of ritual, ceremony and group-based approaches in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Participants will learn how to design and facilitate psychologically safe therapeutic environments that support preparation, medicine sessions and integration while considering ethical, cultural and professional responsibilities.
Through experiential learning, guided practice and skills-based training, participants will develop competencies in group facilitation, group dynamics, co-facilitation and collaborative leadership. Emphasis is placed on creating therapeutic containers that support individual and collective healing while navigating emotional intensity, conflict and interpersonal challenges with confidence and care.
A defining feature of this course is its focus on the practitioner as both a clinician and a facilitator of connection. Participants will deepen their understanding of ethical practice, strengthen their relational skills, clarify their professional approach and integrate clinical, experiential and community-based perspectives into a cohesive model of care.
Part 2 culminates in the development of a comprehensive psychedelic-assisted therapy protocol that reflects each participant's clinical reasoning, ethical framework, facilitation approach and understanding of the Social Cure Model. Participants will be prepared to incorporate relationship-centred and community-informed approaches into psychedelic-assisted therapy, recognizing connection, belonging and shared humanity as essential elements of healing and long-term wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 2, participants will be able to:
- Apply the Social Cure Model within psychedelic-assisted therapy practice.
- Assess and strengthen clients’ social, relational and community supports.
- Design psychologically safe and ethically grounded therapeutic environments that support preparation, medicine sessions and integration.
- Facilitate group processes that foster connection, belonging and collective healing.
- Integrate clinical, relational, experiential and community-based approaches into PAT practice.
- Articulate a personal framework for PAT that reflects sound clinical reasoning, ethical practice and professional identity.
- Develop a comprehensive PAT protocol that supports clients from intake and preparation through integration.
Key Topics
- Core principles of the Social Cure Model
- Social ecosystem mapping
- We-spaces and group dynamics
- Attachment and community bonds
- Ritual and ceremony design
- Group facilitation skills
- Shadow material
- Ethical and cultural frameworks
Notes
Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd