Frequently Asked Questions about PSI

The PSI Apprentice Training is a professional psychedelic therapy training program with 3 core components: Experiential Training, Theory Learning, and Supervised Practice. Students learn the Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP) model which is a highly relational, somatic, trauma modality designed to operate inside of the altered states of consciousness typically produced by psychedelic medicine.Generally speaking, the training covers the following areas: The PSIP treatment protocolSafety & contraindicationsResourcingMemory systems involved in trauma storage, activation and processingEntropic brain model & modes of cognition (primary & secondary consciousness)Autonomic nervous system processing, threat response symptoms & dynamicsSolution & other necessary conditions for the processing of traumaAutonomic re-enactment & other incomplete autonomic responsesRegression Traumatic transference

The PSI Apprentice Training is designed for mental health professionals, students, and healing arts practitioners with a background training and work experience in mental health. This may include psychotherapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, MFTs, integration providers, somatic practitioners, and other qualified professionals whose work involves supporting clients in therapeutic, trauma-informed, or healing contexts.

The PSI Apprentice Training includes three required components:Experiential Training ComponentTheory Learning ComponentSupervised Practice ComponentStudents may begin with either Experiential Training or Theory Learning. Both components are required before moving into Supervised Practice.

Yes, accepted students may now begin the PSI Apprentice Training with the Theory Learning Component before completing the Experiential Training Component.This option may be especially helpful for students who prefer a cognitive understanding of what is taking place before going into their own experiential.

Yes, starting with Theory Learning does not replace the Experiential Training Component.Both Theory Learning and Experiential Training are required before students move into Supervised Practice. The difference is that students now have more flexibility in the order they complete the first two components.

The Experiential Training Component can be completed through any one of the following formats: Small Group In-Person Intensive - A 5-day in-person training with a small group of three students Individual In-Person Intensive - A one-on-one in-person format with a PSI instructor. Individual Remote Intensive - A one-on-one remote format designed to make experiential training more accessible by reducing travel, accommodation, and time-away costs.View this page for a more detailed discussion of these options, their various benefits and the type of learner they may appeal to.

The Small Group In-Person Intensive format is a 5-day in-person training with three students. It includes personal session work, observation of other students’ processes, and group integration in a shared training container.The Individual Intensive formats are one-on-one with a PSI instructor. The Individual In-Person Intensive allows for in-person relational and somatic work, while the Individual Remote Intensive offers the most accessible format by reducing the need for travel, lodging, and extended time away from home or work.

No, medicine is not required to participate in the PSI Apprentice Training.While medicine-assisted work can be a valuable part of the experiential learning process for students, participation does not require it. Consent is essential and each student is responsible for making informed decisions about whether medicine is appropriate for them.PSI does not provide, prescribe, source, administer, or direct the use of medicine.

No, PSI does not provide, prescribe, source, administer, direct, or manage the use of medicine in our trainings.

All training pathways begin with a training application. After submitting your application, PSI will review your professional and educational background. If accepted, you will be invited to confirm whether you would like to begin with Experiential Training or Theory Learning.

No, acceptance into the Apprentice Training means PSI has approved you to continue to the next step.Enrollment into a specific component or cohort may require additional confirmation, payment, scheduling, and onboarding steps depending on the training option selected.