When a Psychedelic is in the Mix

Karen Peoples, PhD, and Megan Rundel, PhD

Saturday May 2, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM via Zoom

This course explores psychoanalytic approaches to working with altered states of consciousness engendered by psychedelic and psycholytic substances, using clinical material from the presenters' experience.

This course will explore aspects of psychoanalytic work when a psychedelic is in the mix. Utilizing presenters’ case material, we will focus on the clinical process with non-ordinary states of consciousness and amplifications in the relational field evoked by psychedelics. Transference and countertransference dynamics will be examined in relation to clients’ increased access to emotion, memory, intuition and associative links, increased capacity to witness and actively explore defensive patterns, as well as transformations in ways of being and knowing beyond the ordinary scope of ego consciousness. We will engage psychoanalytic frameworks for conceptualizing these clinical experiences, and reflect on the benefits and challenges analytic therapists face when treatments include the use of psychedelic substances.

CE Credits offered: 2

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. Describe the ways psychedelics can serve as relational magnifiers by amplifying transference and aiding in free association.
2. Delineate two transference issues common to clinical work with psychedelics and ways of addressing them therapeutically.

pincsf.org/events – 415-288-4050 — 530 Bush St, Suite 700, SF CA USA — pincsf@gmail.com

The Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PINC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Visit pincsf.org/policies for policies and disclaimers.