
Psychedelic Mentorship
Further your education in psychedelic facilitation, gain valuable culturally-contextual insight, and receive support with client cases in one-on-one mentorship sessions.
My approach to psychedelic facilitation and mentorship is informed by the cultural cosmologies surrounding traditional use of Amazonian plant medicine, as well as contemporary psychology.
Background & Approach
Psychedelics and the experiences they engender are part of the human experience, and can benefit us in becoming healthy and well-rounded human beings. But because the dominant cultures in western societies have been cut off from this aspect of our shared humanity for several centuries, many of us have been made into orphans in the psychedelic landscape. The last decade has seen a resurgence of interest in psychedelics as valuable tools for modern science, psychology, and mental health. A wide array of trainings offer valuable information regarding techniques and theory as well as clinical, ethical, and medical considerations. These are all necessary components of being an effective psychedelic therapist, however, the role of cultural cosmology as the foundation and guiding influence of the psychedelic experience is often overlooked. Cosmology includes an understanding of the practitioner and the patient's relationship to psychedelic medicines and the natural world from which they are derived, as well as specific cultural techniques and practices that are time-tested to produce safe and deeply meaningful psychedelic experiences.
As a mentor to incoming and current psychedelic guides, I draw on clinical practice experience, contemporary psychotherapeutic techniques and training, and over a decade of cultural practice with traditional plant medicines, in particular Yajé (Ayahuasca). My training with Yajé has been guided by both indigenous Amazonian healers and non-indigenous guides, most of whom were practicing traditions native to the eastern Tukanoan-speaking region of the Amazon. These contemporary and traditional approaches together have come to shape my understanding of the psychedelic experience and the various types of healing processes that it can empower.
One-on-One Mentorship Sessions
In psychedelic mentorship sessions, we will meet one-on-one for an hour at a time to discuss topics and cases of interest to your specific psychedelic facilitation practice. Topics can include perspectives around both traditional and clinical ways of engaging with psychedelics, the intersection of psychology and psychedelics, cautions and contraindications between psychedelic medicines and pharmaceuticals, and other mental health considerations. We can also discuss individual cases, and prepare for and debrief from sessions with your current clients. The frequency of meetings, duration of the mentorship, and other details can be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Mentorship sessions are best suited for those who have already undergone basic training in psychedelic facilitation. Mentorship serves to further your existing work, and does not take the place of a training program.
If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to set up a consultation call. Direct email, phone call, or text are also welcome.
Book a free consultation
Welcome. If you’re interested in working together, please schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation below. You can also contact me at gerardartesona@proton.me or via text or call at (302) 242-7574.