Holding Space for Psychedelic Practitioners

What if the key to unlocking the transformational potential of psychedelics lies not in the substance itself, but in the empty space around it?

In the evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy and personal growth, the role of the practitioner is pivotal. As guides in non-ordinary states of consciousness, we hold a sacred responsibility to create and maintain a safe, nurturing environment for those we serve. 

Research has confirmed that “set and setting” are the key influencing factors for transformational experiences. Psychedelic practitioners hold a unique position at the intersection of these two critical elements.  A recent study has identified “Holding Space” as a critical competency for psychedelic practitioners. It’s a subtle but powerful skillset often overlooked in practitioner training. 

What does it take to be an anchor in a sea of cosmic consciousness?

Successful psychedelic journeys require that facilitators be possessed of heightened sensitivity and awareness, the ability to offer deep, non-judgemental listening and the capacity for discerning and offering the levels of physical and energetic containment necessary to empower journeyers to hold space for themselves.

Much of the work of developing these specialized skills begins with the inner journey of the practitioner.  The most powerful way of expanding your capacity for holding space is engaging in open, dedicated practice of holding space for others AND yourself.

Join us for a six week intentional exploration of holding space as psychedelic practitioners.

A small group experience designed to expand awareness, courage and competence in the skills and practice of holding space. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore and hold space for your own values, emotions and growth as well as those of others. It has been especially designed to support practitioners in navigating the complex terrain of psychedelic work with greater ease, authenticity, and effectiveness, empowering you to provide profound support to those you serve while maintaining your own grounding and resilience.

Why this exploration matters

This program addresses a critical gap in many practitioner training programs by focusing on the art and science of "holding space" – a fundamental skill that can profoundly impact the quality and outcomes of psychedelic experiences.

We’ll introduce  holding space as a robust context and set of tools for engaging in the practice of self inquiry and healing and explore the nuances of holding space for the unfolding of self awareness, self trust and self compassion within others.

Program Overview

Format

Six 90-minute online sessions

Focus

Principles and practices of holding space in psychedelic contexts

Approach

Facilitated conversations and experiential learning

What You'll Learn

Over the course of the program we’ll explore twelve critical themes and core competencies divided into three fundamental areas of focus, deepening your understanding and practice of holding space in psychedelic contexts:

1. What You Offer: Qualities and Competencies of Holding Space for Others
   • Explore and engage the subtle aspects of containment
   • Develop heightened sensitivity and awareness
   • Learn techniques to maintain a clear and supportive energetic presence
   • Explore methods to empower journeyers in their own healing processes
2. What Guides You: Deepening into the Practitioner's Inner Knowing
   • Cultivate a robust practice of self-inquiry and self-reflection
   • Explore personal beliefs and biases that may impact your work
   • Learn to navigate ethical dilemmas with clarity and confidence
3. What Holds You: Expanding Your Capacity for Being Held
   • Discover practices for self-care and personal grounding
   • Learn to recognize and honor your own boundaries and limitations
   • Explore techniques for processing and integrating your experiences as a practitioner
   • Develop a support network and resources for your ongoing growth

Throughout this experience, you'll engage in facilitated conversations, experiential exercises, and reflective practices designed to integrate these core areas. You'll also have the opportunity to:

• Experience the power of circle work and learn how to incorporate it into your practice
• Build a supportive community with fellow practitioners
• Gain tools for ongoing self-assessment and professional development

By focusing on these three interconnected areas, you'll develop a holistic approach to holding space that enhances both your effectiveness as a practitioner and your personal well-being.

Benefits of Participation

• Deepen your understanding and skills in holding space
• Have space intentionally held for you as you explore your practice
• Gain tools for ongoing self-inquiry and personal healing
• Enhance your ability to create transformative experiences for clients
• Join a supportive community of psychedelic practitioners
• Differentiate yourself in the field with these essential, often overlooked skills

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

• Current psychedelic practitioners looking to enhance their skills
• Aspiring practitioners preparing to enter the field
• Mental health professionals interested in psychedelic-assisted therapy
• Anyone committed to creating safe, transformative spaces for healing and growth

Group sizes will be capped at 10 people. Spaces are issued on a first come, first served basis.

Join us on this journey of exploration and growth. Together, we'll cultivate the skills and awareness needed to hold space with profound presence, compassion, and effectiveness in the realm of psychedelic practice.

Program Details

Session Dates:

• Thursday January 23rd 2025, 7pm-8.30pm GMT
• Thursday January 30th 2025, 7pm-8.30pm GMT
• Thursday February 6th 2025, 7pm-8.30pm GMT
• Thursday February 13th 2025, 7pm-8.30pm GMT
• Thursday February 20th 2025, 7pm-8.30pm GMT
• Thursday February 27th 2025, 7pm-8.30pm GMT

YOUR FACILITATOR

Chara Caruthers

Chara Caruthers is a skilled facilitator with decades of personal and professional practice as an educator, therapist and lifestyle medicine practitioner working with groups and individuals. Her life and work is grounded in eastern spiritual traditions, ancient and indigenous wisdom and modern science and philosophy. She holds a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Psychology and professional certifications in psychedelics and transpersonal coaching psychology. She is a certified Holding Space practitioner and her work and research centers around holding space for psychedelic experiences.  As a Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and  Ayurvedic practitioner (CAP) she is passionately dedicated to building bridges between ancient lifestyle traditions and modern western medical approaches to mental health and wellbeing.  Chara believes that a loving and supportive community is the vital and often missing piece of the picture of wellbeing for so many.  She recognizes that her work in the psychedelic space is that of building and empowering community as a container for embodying our wholeness.
 

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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