An Informative Guide to Psilocybin-assisted Therapy

• The active dose of psilocybin is around 3-4 mg of psilocybin analyte, with clinical research often using doses between 14-30 mg.
• The effects of psilocybin typically begin within 30-40 minutes of ingestion and last approximately 4 to 6 hours.
• Psilocybin is considered to have extremely low toxicity compared to other substances.
• It is neither addictive nor does it cause compulsive use.
• The risks of psilocybin are primarily psychological, including anxiety or confusion during the experience, rather than physical.
• Psilocybin works by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly 5-HT2A receptors, which are linked to mood, perception, and cognition.
• It is currently being researched for its therapeutic potential in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
• Psilocybin is now legal for therapeutic use in Oregon and Colorado, with many other states considering or actively working toward similar legislation.

 Psilocybin has shown remarkable potential in helping people manage depression by fostering transformative changes in perception, mood, and thought processes. While not a guaranteed "cure," it offers hope for those who have struggled with traditional treatments.

Psilocybin supports mental health in two powerful ways:

• Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns:
  Depression often traps the brain in cycles of negativity, creating deeply ingrained patterns that are difficult to break. Psilocybin disrupts these cycles, allowing individuals to experience a fresh perspective and embrace more adaptive, flexible ways of thinking.

• Promoting Brain Cell Growth and Connectivity:
  Depression can cause brain cells to shrink and lose connections, which impairs emotional and cognitive functioning. Psilocybin, when administered in clinical settings, has been shown to stimulate brain cell growth and restore these connections, enhancing mental clarity and emotional resilience.

 Psilocybin has demonstrated significant potential in helping individuals process and heal from trauma, particularly in cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

One of psilocybin’s key effects is its ability to disrupt the Default Mode Network (DMN), a brain network responsible for processing past experiences. In individuals with PTSD, the DMN becomes hyperactive, repeatedly bringing traumatic memories to the forefront, which interferes with normal mental functioning.

By interrupting the overactivity of the DMN, psilocybin breaks the cycle of intrusive and emotionally charged thoughts linked to trauma. This allows individuals to gain a fresh perspective and process their experiences in a more constructive and less distressing way.

 Psilocybin has shown tremendous potential in supporting individuals facing terminal illnesses, such as incurable cancer. A terminal diagnosis often leads to severe depression, anxiety, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Many individuals feel demoralized and struggle to cope, sometimes considering harmful decisions.

Under professional guidance, psilocybin can provide profound relief for those suffering both mentally and physically. This psychedelic compound works by interacting with serotonin receptors and altering brain connectivity, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It offers individuals a renewed perspective, helping them find peace and improved mood, even if temporarily.

Most importantly, psilocybin helps individuals confront existential fears, enabling them to process and accept their situation with greater clarity and emotional resilience.

At the Entheogen Institute, we welcome students from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds to our psilocybin facilitator training program. To enroll, applicants must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Our Oregon Psilocybin Facilitator Training consists of 150 hours of coursework divided into ten comprehensive modules, plus an additional 40-hour practicum. These modules are designed to equip students with the core competencies required for psilocybin-assisted therapy facilitation.

The ten modules in our program include:

• Historical, Contemporary, & Traditional Practices
• Cultural Equity
• Ethics
• Pharmacology
• Core Facilitation Skills
• Preparation and Orientation
• Administration
• Integration
• Group Facilitation
• Practicum