In 1986, drug activist Rick Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, commonly known as MAPS, as a non-profit organization specializing in research and education. MAPS has dedicated the last 36 years to changing the way people think of, talk about, and consume psychedelics through research, education, and advocacy.

One of MAPS training certifications offers the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate Program for skilled therapists and researchers. Andrea Hanson is one of those MAPS certified therapists able to provide psychedelic assisted therapy. Here is quick clarification. MAPS uses the term “psychedelic” to refer to both the classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, peyote, ayahuasca, etc.) and to those drugs specifically termed “entactogens” and also known as “empathogens” (MDMA, MDA, etc.).

Andrea is a licensed mental health professional, and I loved our conversation. I always want to present alternatives to consider for a holistic approach to wellness and healing and this is a good point to remind the audience that I am not a doctor, healthcare practitioner or therapist. What I share in this episode is some of my personal experiences and opinions around psychedelics.

Andrea and I talk about the MAPS certification process, psychedelic assisted therapy using MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, the benefits of recreational, the concerns of therapeutic misuse, and the importance of integration.

Andrea has her Master of Educational Psychology in clinical mental health counseling and is a Neurobiological Breakthrough Specialist, Psychedelic Breakthrough, Complex Trauma and Addiction Expert.

Her career and personal commitment has been reshaping the psychiatric and mental health fields. Find out more by visiting her website.