Regulated Psilocybin Therapy

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. When ingested, it’s converted into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This can lead to profound states of awareness, emotional release, and lasting personal insight. Research from institutions such as Johns Hopkins and NYU shows psilocybin-assisted therapy may help with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and end-of-life distress.

Psilocybin primarily affects the brain by interacting with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This leads to increased neuroplasticity, changes in brain network activity, and a temporary shift in perception and cognition. Psilocybin temporarily reorganizes brain network activity—particularly the default mode network (DMN)—allowing for: *Rewiring of rigid thought patterns *Reduction in negative self-talk *Increased emotional openness *Enhanced neural flexibility and creativity *A deepened sense of connection and safety ​ This neuroplastic window can last for up to two weeks after the session, making the "window of time" for therapeutic healing & integration process a vital part of lasting change.

Research shows that psilocybin enables us to build new neural connections that allow us to release unhelpful stories and repressed traumas that keep us stuck. In the absence of these entrenched patterns, we find ourselves free to embrace new and more productive ways of thinking about old problems. Psilocybin shows us that the only way out is through. Any discomfort we may experience while under its extraordinary influence is entirely temporary, yet it provides us with breakthroughs that may otherwise require years to achieve. • Deep emotional release • Increased neuroplasticity and flexibility • Heightened introspection and self-awareness • New perspectives on old patterns • Profound connection and meaning • Greater capacity for compassion and acceptance

Clinical research supports psilocybin-assisted therapy for: • Depression and anxiety • PTSD and trauma • OCD • Addiction (alcohol, nicotine, other substances) • End-of-life distress • Grief, existential crises, and spiritual exploration Many individuals also seek psilocybin therapy for personal growth, emotional resilience, and creative insight. ​

Psilocybin-assisted therapy is legal in Colorado under the Natural Medicine Health Act (Proposition 122 / SB290). Within this framework, licensed facilitators guide clients through preparation, administration, and integration sessions in licensed natural medicine healing centers. Personal use is also legal in Colorado, but commercial sales of psilocybin remain illegal. You can find the Senate bill here.(https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_290_01.pdf) Adults 21+ may participate in psilocybin therapy.

• Licensed Facilitator (NMF): State-trained and approved to provide psilocybin facilitation. • Licensed Clinical Facilitator (NMCF): Licensed healthcare professionals with additional training, such as a clinical social worker, MD, etc., to support clients with complex mental health needs. • Facilitator in Training (NMIT): Individuals completing the final stages of certification, permitted to provide services under state supervision. • Natural Medicine Healing Centers These licensed facilities provide a safe, structured, and legal environment for psilocybin experiences. Each center meets strict state regulations for safety, ethics, and quality of care.

Yes—when taken in a supervised, legal setting, where screening and proper preparation are administered to reduce risk. Psilocybin has a low toxicity profile and a favorable safety record. Medications & Supplements: Antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and Bupropion (Wellbutrin) may reduce or blunt psilocybin’s effects. Certain medications such as lithium (and others) can pose significant safety risks and must be fully discontinued before participating. All current medications and supplements are reviewed as part of the intake process with a medical provider. Physiological Safety :It can slightly raise heart rate and blood pressure, so individuals with serious cardiac conditions or uncontrolled hypertension should consult their physician and may need medical clearance before participating. Possible mild side effects include short-term nausea or headache, which are typically manageable and temporary. Psychological Safety:Psilocybin may not be suitable for people with a personal or family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic conditions. Current research offers mixed findings, but most clinical programs recommend careful screening in these cases. Your safety and emotional well-being are always prioritized. Support: A powerful psychedelic experience can be emotionally intense and sometimes destabilizing in the short term. Having a supportive network—trusted friends, family, a therapist, or integration group—helps ensure that insights are grounded and that challenges can be processed safely post the journey.

Depending on your medical and psychiatric diagnosis, you may need to be referred to a medical doctor specializing in psilocybin who can determine if your medications are contraindicated and if it is safe for you to move forward at this time. Certain types of medications may require you to taper off before taking psilocybin, as this can blunt your experience and/or be a risk for serotonin syndrome.​ ​

It can last anywhere between 4-8 hours

It’s natural to feel nervous. Preparation sessions and calming practices such as breathwork, journaling, as well as acupuncture treatments can help you enter the experience grounded and supported.

Psilocybin may be taken as a tea, capsule, or raw/dried mushrooms—often paired with lemon, cacao, honey, or ginger to ease digestion.​ ​

Some individuals find profound change after one session; others benefit from several spaced over time for continued growth and integration.

DISCOVERY CONSULTATION CALL An initial free 20-minute discovery call to explore your goals, questions, and readiness. Together, we determine whether this path can be a proper treatment option for you. ​ INTAKE AND SCREENING We book an Intake session through my private practice, where we review your psychological & medical history and treatment goals. At this point, we start to, screen for potential risk factors, assess readiness for psilocybin treatment, and develop a therapeutic alliance. We determine together how many more sessions are needed to help prepare your system, so that you are confident and comfortable before making the commitment and investment with a licensed healing center here in Colorado. ​ CONNECTING WITH A LICENSED HEALING CENTER At this point, I will connect you with one of the licensed healing centers I contract with. Each Healing Center has its own unique way of operating, and they are all in compliance with state regulations. You will need to follow the Healing Centers' protocols by filling out state-regulated paperwork, paying their fees, etc. ​ PREPARATION Once you are committed to working with a licensed Healing Center, we will schedule your psilocybin journey, and 2 preparation sessions. If you are traveling from out of state, you may want to arrive a day or two before in order to settle in. The first preparation session is scheduled ideally within a few weeks before the psilocybin journey, and the 2nd preparation is the day, or a couple of days before the Medicine session. In these sessions, you’ll receive guidance on mindfulness and breathwork practices, journaling, and intention-setting to ground yourself before your journey, as well as address any fears or concerns. We also discuss what to expect during psilocybin and practical ways to prepare for the day. I use an IFS-based approach and check to see that all your "parts are on board" before entering psychedelic space. ​ MEDICINE DAY Your journey takes place in a nurturing, safe, grounded, regulated healing environment. I provide non-directive, compassionate support and allow space for your "natural healing intelligence" to emerge in order to help facilitate a transformative experience. INTEGRATION After your medicine journey, we have an initial integration session the next day, and process what occurred with the psilocybin. Then one more integration is scheduled within the next week, as there are higher levels of neuroplastic flexibility during this window of time. More sessions are determined based on the individual's needs. We work together to process insights, emotions, and realizations—helping translate your experience into practical changes for the future. Sometimes, there are unresolved processes, and I help to ensure that there is resolution in your system until it feels complete. COMMUNITY Healing deepens in connection. If desired, I make referrals to Group circles, workshops, and community gatherings, offering continued support for ongoing psychedelic support & integration.

A complete round of psilocybin-assisted therapy generally involves 12-14 hours of clinical time, equivalent to about three to four months of traditional weekly therapy. Fees reflect the significant cost of maintaining legal and ethical practice, including: • Licensing and certification • Healing center operations • Insurance and safety infrastructure • Space and professional staff The cost varies with each Healing Facility. Prices range between 3,500$-4,000$ *2 prep session *1 psilocybin journey *2 integration sessions *Additional fees should be calculated for travel, lodging etc. While costs vary, financial assistance may be available through: • Althea’s Forward Fund(https://withalthea.com/forward-fund/) • Sheri Eckert Foundation Psilocybin Access Fund(https://www.sherieckert.org/paf)

Explore more about psilocybin research and legal frameworks: • Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research(https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/) • Healing Advocacy Fund(https://healingadvocacyfund.org/) • Colorado’s Psilocybin Therapy Resource Guide(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kpd0iJCUmgPvQ8apMLSv2xxofnKmgWGC47sGrk2AUuM/edit?tab=t.0) • YouTube: Psilocybin and Mental Health (Johns Hopkins)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81-v8ePXPd4) • YouTube: How Psilocybin Works in the Brain(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZIaTaNR3gk) • YouTube: Can Magiic Mushrooms unlock Depression? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kfGaVAXeMY&t=17s)