Foundations in Psychedelic Medicine
Start your journey today with our comprehensive online program. Learn about 8 different psychedelic medicines, safety, ethics, client preparation, and more
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3 months
Self paced
15 Oct 2025
Enrollment open
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Cohort forming

A structured, self-paced course in
psychedelic preparation and client readiness

Learn about eight key psychedelic medicines, their therapeutic potential, risks, cultural context, and clinical considerations.

Program
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What Makes This Training Truly Stand Out

A practical, science-based, and culturally grounded approach to psychedelic education


Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration Method
Learn a unique and somatically-informed integration framework grounded in dreamwork and depth psychology.
Expert-Led Learning
Learn from Dr. Katherine Lawson and a team of seasoned facilitators through engaging lectures, live sessions, and personalised support.
Applicable Across Fields
Whether you're a therapist, facilitator, coach, or caregiver, our content meets you where you are.
Rooted in Science & Tradition
We bridge Western science, Indigenous perspectives, and psychospiritual insight.
Program Features
Groundwork for Ethical Psychedelic Practice
From expert video lectures to live sessions, curated readings, and community support — this program offers a complete toolkit for learning and application.
40+ Video Lectures
Expert-led lessons in psychedelic preparation and integration
Reading Assignments
Curated texts to deepen your understanding of psychedelic healing
Discussion Forums
Engage with peers and mentors through guided community discussions
Progress Assessments
Regular checks to reinforce learning and track your progress
8 Live Sessions
Interactive online sessions with experts for real-time learning and Q&A
Resource Library
Access guides, templates, and tools for study and future use
Program structure
What You'll Learn
To earn the full certification, students must complete all three parts of the program.
History and indigenous  perspectives
Explore the historical progression of psychedelics from Indigenous traditions to modern therapeutic use, understanding cross-cultural healing practices and spiritual perspectives.
Foundational histories of psychedelic medicines and their varied worldviews between indigenous and highly industrialized cultures.
Historical use and significance of eight specific psychedelic substances.
Stigmas, myths, and cultural perspectives contributing to the criminalization and rejection of psychedelic substances.
Influence of historical figures on the development of Embodied Imagination® and the parallels between dreamwork, mysticism and psychedelic visions.
Spiritual motivations for psychedelic experiences, such as existential angst, ancestral healing, and spiritual seeking.
Psychedelic medicines
Gain an in-depth understanding of eight key psychedelic medicines, including their pharmacology, therapeutic potential, common effects, contraindications, and safety considerations.
Historical and cultural contexts of psychedelic use, emphasizing indigenous perspectives and contrasting colonial viewpoints.
Cross-cultural healing practices and the spiritual significance of working with plant medicine.
Psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of psychedelic substances.
Medical contraindications and safety practices, including conventional and customary dosages.
Major influences on the decline of mental health and why psychedelics can be a powerful remedy to core issues.
Ethics, safety, and client  readiness
Learn how to assess client readiness, identify potential risks, teach self-advocacy and apply ethical frameworks to support safe and responsible use of psychedelics.
Creating an assessment tool to measure client readiness based on lifestyle, circumstances, support network, and health status.
Safe practices for choosing and communicating with a facilitator and understanding the importance of set and setting.
Ethical considerations in psychedelic spaces, including power dynamics, spiritual bypassing, and the importance of right-relationship with indigenous communities.
Legal status of psychedelics globally, taking into account historical, political, religious, and cultural influences.
Cross-cultural ethical perspectives on psychedelic use, including age considerations and cultural sensitivity.
Preparation and intake tools
Develop practical strategies for guiding individuals through intention vs expectations, set and setting considerations, and self-advocacy.
Differentiating between intentions and expectations when preparing for a psychedelic experience.
Guiding clients in intention setting and pre-journey practices to foster meaningful and safe experiences.
Practical intake tools to assess client safety, ethical considerations, and appropriate preparation methods.
Contextualizing psychedelic experiences within spiritual frameworks, including existential and psycho-spiritual perspectives.
How to self-advocate with facilitators for the optimal outcome based on trauma history.
Therapeutic applications
Learn clinical applications and treatment areas for conditions like PTSD, depression, addiction, menopause, end-of-life care, postpartum care and more.
Analysis of circumstances where psychedelic and empathogenic medicines may be beneficial or unsuitable.
Matching specific medicines to therapeutic contexts, including PTSD, addiction, depression, sexual trauma, and end-of-life care.
Trauma-informed practices, including recognizing when a client’s needs exceed the practitioner’s scope and require referral to another professional.
Spiritual and existential contexts for therapeutic applications, including crises of faith, divination, and ancestral healing.
Integration through Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration
Learn foundational principles of psychedelic integration and explore the Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration method as a tool for helping clients process and integrate their experiences.
Introduction to Embodied Imagination® emphasizing depth, psychological and somatic  perspectives.
Historical influences on Embodied Imagination® and its application to psychedelic integration and dreamwork.
Understanding symbolism, archetypal psychology, and the collective unconscious for effective preparation and integration.
Applying Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration techniques to guide clients into expanded states, attending to imagery through mimesis, and support for long-term transformation.
Foundational principles for codifying, embodying, and integrating insights from psychedelic journeys.
The Calling
This training was created for...
those looking to deepen their understanding before guiding or supporting others
•Facilitators and Ceremonialists • Wellness Practitioners • Healing Practitioners • Addiction Recovery Specialists
Healthcare Professionals • Mental Health Professionals • Public Health Professionals • End-of-Life Care Providers • Educators and Trainers • Policy Advocates and Activists • Researchers
Caregivers and Family Members • First Responders
Graduate Students • Spiritual Seekers and Explorers • Change Makers and Leaders • Personal Growth Seekers
Dr. Katherine Lawson
Founder of the school and creator of the certification
Dr. Katherine Lawson  is an Integrative Mental Health Specialist, certified Embodied Imagination® practitioner, psycho-spiritual counselor, author and international speaker with nearly two decades of experience at the forefront of psychedelic education and healing. As a BIPOC woman, mother, cancer survivor, and survivor of childhood sexual trauma, she teaches and utilizes holistic therapies for PTSD and other types of unprocessed wounds, as well as sharing stories of healing.
20 years experience in psychedelic healing
Author of "Dreamwork for Growth and Healing"
Integrative Mental Health specialist
Focus on the intersections between healing, dreaming, mysticism, and psychedelics
Johanna Sopanen
Master of Arts in Depth Psychology
Johanna Sopanen is a scholar and facilitator specialising in psychedelics and Depth Psychology. Grounded in symbolic thinking and altered states, she works both online and in person, blending creativity, ritual, and ethical psychedelic practice
A facilitator and scholar focused on psychedelics and Depth Psychology
Guides altered states with symbolic and depth-based tools
Merges creativity, ritual, and ethics for transformation
Integrates ritual and care in online and in-person work
Tess Brady
Honours Degree in Psychology
Tess Brady is a psychology graduate and future psychotherapist committed to helping clients prepare for and integrate altered state experiences. She offers a compassionate, uplifting space to uncover deeper meaning and weave learning into daily life
Psychology grad and future therapist focused on integration
Her approach is grounded in care, clarity, and deep listening
Holds compassionate space for insight and meaning
Brings warmth and presence to integration
Testimonials
What Our Students are Saying
"In my private practice, I work with high-functioning adults and veterans using expressive arts and play therapy. Introducing embodied imagination can be especially powerful for veterans, helping them process and integrate traumatic memories more effectively.”
Jerri
Therapist
"I'm from Bogotá, Colombia, where interest in psychedelics is growing. Many people I know are confused by their experiences and struggle to make sense of them. In my field, I see profound trauma—especially from sexual abuse, war, and conflict. This practice will be incredibly beneficial for them"
Laura
Therapist
"I'm passionate about connecting with others and see this approach benefiting anyone, not just therapy clients. It’s valuable for exploring dreams, visions, and memories, and I look forward to sharing it with my community."
Orion
Explorer
"If you've ever believed in a higher consciousness, and even if you haven't, you will come to know it through your journey at School of Psychedelics. You will discover in your journey how destiny unfolds on three levels. In one way, you will discover the tools and teachings and techniques of embodied imagination for dream work and psychedelic integration. And you'll learn to feel confident with yourself or with clients about how to guide them through the world of the unconscious made conscious. And on another level, you'll discover healing for yourself that perhaps you were looking for and maybe didn't even know you need."
Maurielle
"Being here has been a very powerful, profound experience. There's a lot of comfort in community and there's a lot of knowledge in community. In gathering with a group of people who have similar experiences as me and also not similar experiences as me sharing the same group of work, the same body of work, the same spirit experience has been very profound. The work itself, learning it, diving into it, has been like it's something I already know. But here's the map of diving into something that I already know. And when I say already know I mean on a deep spirit level I've already known this somehow and it's just pulling this out from my memory, some ancient memory of how to work with these images, these processes, these dreams. And it's great, it's been mind blowing to have a framework to actually be able to do that succinctly and powerfully."
Jaime
Therapist
"As we've been through the past four months, the material has been very, very in-depth, and I've gained a lot of good insight and knowledge and still have quite a bit of studying to do. There's a lot of content. There are applicable studies. I'm glad that they are so numerous because it allows us to really dive into the depth of what we're doing with embodied imagination… And, you know, many people understand that there's something to be gained from these experiences.But the actual integration piece is something that I find most folks don't have the experience or structure or knowledge to do… Through this learning I found that that integration piece is quite important. Taking those things that folks have picked up in a journey or a dream or experience and helping them apply it to their everyday life."
Henry
Graduate
FAQ
What are the requirements and application process?

Strictly speaking, no prerequisites are required. However, these trainings are made for those who have a background in the healing arts. We're approaching this with some flexibility with the most important thing being your devotion to a path of service and healing. You could be a therapist, social worker, hospice-worker, energy healer or massage therapist and be well poised to take this program. However, please keep in mind that this program will expect a high level of engagement and academic rigor. Regardless of your specific background, we ask that you only enroll if you feel excited and capable to engage with the workload this material requires. We encourage you to book a Discovery Call if you feel unsure. 

What will I receive upon completing the program, and what does it authorize me to do?

Upon completion of the full certification program, you will earn the designation of Certified Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration Practitioner. This training provides education on preparation and integration, which can be legally applied within your professional scope while adhering to ethical guidelines. However, none of our trainings grant authorization to administer or facilitate psychedelic experiences.

Upon completion of the online course you will receive a certificate of training in the Foundations of Psychedelic Medicine and upon completion of the Immersive Retreat you will will receive a certificate of training in Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration and Dreamwork.

Will this program involve psychedelic experiences or teach me to guide journeys?


No, this training does not involve administering or participating in psychedelic journeys, nor does it train you to guide or facilitate psychedelic experiences. Instead, it utilizes the Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration method to explore transformative states of consciousness and focuses specifically on preparing clients before their experiences and supporting their integration afterward. This powerful psycho-somatic approach can open gateways to profoundly expanded states without the use of substances.

How and where is the program delivered?

The Online Training and Supervised Practicum are entirely remote with virtual components, requiring a reliable internet connection, a computer with video capability, and access to our online learning platform. The Immersive Retreat includes two weeks of online preparation work followed by six days of in-person training at one of our retreat locations. We maintain smaller cohort sizes to ensure personalized attention and meaningful community connections. All required materials are included in the course and available online or in person (retreat).

What if I miss sessions, and how long will I have access to materials?

You can take the course at your own pace. If you miss a Foundations session you can review the recording and turn in a summary. You must complete all assignments within the platform and we discourage missing more than 2  live sessions except in cases of emergency. Students have access to course materials for three months after completing the program.

What's included in the Immersive Retreat package?

The retreat package includes room and board, wellness activities, and training sessions. Airfare and other travel expenses are not included. Rooms may be shared and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with upgrade options and optional services such as massage etc. available for additional fees. Immersive Retreats are offered several times throughout the year in different locations, including Costa Rica and Portugal and Bali. Check our current schedule to find dates that work for your timeline.

What support and opportunities are available during and after certification?

During the program, students have access to one-on-one sessions with their course facilitator, live Q&A sessions, and moderated peer discussions. After certification, graduates join our alumni community with access to continuing education, professional networking, and optional supervision sessions. Graduates of the full certification can be listed in our Practitioner Directory, connecting them with potential clients. The skills gained can be applied in therapy, coaching, healthcare, affiliation with psychedelic retreats, and other fields requiring psychedelic preparation and integration.

What are the payment options and time commitment?

We offer flexible payment plans, with complete details available on the pricing page. This approach ensures you understand the program's full value before making a financial commitment. The program requires approximately 2–5 hours per week plus a full dedicated week for the Immersive Retreat. The total duration varies based on your individual pace and retreat scheduling, with some students completing more quickly than others.

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Whether you start with a single program or pursue full certification, your journey to becoming a specialist begins here.
Online Training
Learn the Foundations of Psychedelic Medicine
$2,900
$3,300
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No Application Needed
Ideal for anyone seeking essential knowledge in psychedelics, ethics, and client preparation
fully Online
Immersive Retreat
Receive training in Psychedelic Integration & Dreamwork
$4.400
$4.900
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Learn More
Application is Required
Ideal for those ready to immerse themselves through hands-on practice
Limited spaces available!
Supervised Practicum
Work with clients under expert supervision for Full Certification.
+$3,300
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Learn More
Application is Required
Only For those who have completed online training and immersive retreat and are ready to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Full Certification
Commit to all three parts upfront and save
$8,800
$11,500
Save 15%
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Scholarship Options Available
Online Training
Immersive Retreat
Supervised Practicum
Online Training
Immersive Retreat
Supervised Practicum
Online Training
Learn the Foundations of Psychedelic Medicine
$550
$3,300
Save 10%
Apply Now
Learn More
No Application Needed
Ideal for anyone seeking essential knowledge in psychedelics, ethics, and client preparation
fully Online
Immersive Retreat
Receive training in Psychedelic Integration & Dreamwork
$815
$4.900
Save 10%
Apply Now
Learn More
Application is Required
Ideal for those ready to immerse themselves through hands-on practice
Limited spaces available!
Supervised Practicum
Work with clients under expert supervision for Full Certification.
$605
Apply Now
Learn More
Application is Required
Only For those who have completed online training and immersive retreat and are ready to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Full Certification
Commit to all three parts upfront and save
$1,820
$11,500
Save 15%
Apply Now
Learn More
Scholarship Options Available
Online Training
Immersive Retreat
Supervised Practicum
Special Offer
Online Training
Immersive Retreat
Supervised Practicum
Online Training
Learn the Foundations of Psychedelic Medicine
$1,045
$3,300
Save 10%
Apply Now
Learn More
No Application Needed
Ideal for anyone seeking essential knowledge in psychedelics, ethics, and client preparation
fully Online
Immersive Retreat
Receive training in Psychedelic Integration & Dreamwork
$1,550
$4.900
Save 10%
Apply Now
Learn More
Application is Required
Ideal for those ready to immerse themselves through hands-on practice
Limited spaces available!
Supervised Practicum
Work with clients under expert supervision for Full Certification.
$1,155
Apply Now
Learn More
Application is Required
Only For those who have completed online training and immersive retreat and are ready to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Full Certification
Commit to all three parts upfront and save
$3,450
$11,500
Save 15%
Apply Now
Learn More
Scholarship Options Available
Online Training
Immersive Retreat
Supervised Practicum
Special Offer
Online Training
Immersive Retreat
Supervised Practicum