Foundations of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT)

with Sean O’Carroll and Visiting Practitioners.

An immersive, practice-focused training for registered mental health professionals. Gain the skills, ethical grounding, and confidence to deliver psychedelic-assisted therapy in research and clinical settings.

📆 Next DELIVERY:

  • Dates: TBC

  • Cost: Cost: A$3,740 inc. GST (A$3,400 + GST)

  • Group size: Group size: 16–24 participants

  • CPD: CPD eligible - self-assessed - certificate provided

  • Time format (general): 9:00 am–5:30 pm (daily)

““I have been a Clinical Psychologist and psychotherapist for the past 37 years. Without a doubt, “The Fundamentals of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy” is the best professional development I have ever done. ”
— - Dr Annmaree Wilson - Clinical Psychologist

You’re in the right place if…

  • You’re a registered psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, counsellor, social worker, or other mental health practitioner wanting to work in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

  • You’re a psychiatrist seeking Authorised Prescriber status; this training supports typical HREC expectations for PAT training hours (requirements vary by HREC).

  • You’re preparing for roles in clinics, clinical trials, or research settings where PAT is delivered in a team-based model.

  • You want practical, embodied training in preparation, dosing, and integration sessions — not just theory.

  • You value ethical clarity, strong boundaries, and patient safety.

  • You want to connect with like-minded practitioners and develop networks that support your ongoing practice.

  • You want to build confidence working within multi-disciplinary teams.

Experiential Learning

This training is immersive and practice-rich. We work closely as a cohort, blending structured teaching with dynamic, experiential learning. You’ll be part of a group of committed clinicians, stepping in and out of both therapist and client roles, and gaining insight through direct experience as well as observation.

By the end of this training you will…

  • Understand the full arc of psychedelic-assisted therapy — from screening through preparation, dosing, integration and follow-up — and know how to adapt each stage to different client needs.

  • Feel confident facilitating preparation, dosing, and integration sessions within a clinic or research context.

  • Apply ethical frameworks and best-practice protocols to support participant safety and uphold professional standards.

  • Navigate team-based delivery models, understanding the roles, responsibilities, and communication needed for dyadic and multi-disciplinary work.

  • Respond effectively to challenging scenarios, including participant distress, relational challenges, strong emotional release, or adverse psychological reactions.

  • Integrate emerging research and clinical evidence into your therapeutic approach.

  • Build a network of peers and potential collaborators to support your ongoing PAT practice.

Learn from one of the most experienced psychedelic-assisted therapy teams in Australia, and get the same training as the best trial and clinical teams in the country.

““The psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy training is something that I will be forever grateful to have experienced. The training expanded my clinical practice through a perfect balance of experiential and theory based learning. It was one of those unique experiences where a training facilitated both clinical and personal growth. Thank you Sean for such a well thought out and excellent training.””
— Dr Nicole Albrecht - Clinical Psychologist

How the training unfolds:

Phase 1 — Pre-course preparation

(self-paced, online)

  • Short reading and resource pack and reflection exercises to establish shared foundations.

  • Practical preparation guidance — venue, schedule, what to bring.

  • Access to a private WhatsApp group to connect with your cohort before the training begins.


Phase 2 — 7-day in-person intensive

(9am to 5:30 Pm Daily)

  • Core teaching sessions on preparation, dosing, and integration in clinical and research contexts.

  • Diverse teaching formats: lectures, group discussion, practical applications, experiential exercises, personal reflection.

  • Facilitator demonstrations and visiting teacher Q&As.

  • Skills practice in dyads and small groups, with feedback from experienced practitioners.

  • Embodied learning: personal experience of being both therapist and client across the arc of treatment.

  • Daily integration and Q&A to consolidate learning.


Phase 3 — Ongoing connection

(optional)

  • Stay active in the alumni WhatsApp group for peer support and knowledge sharing.

  • Access monthly PAT supervision with Wild Mind to deepen your skills and receive case-based guidance.

“The 7 day intensive has been one of the most profound personal and professional learning experiences of my life. I have come away with a deep sense of gratitude, increased knowledge and clinical skills, as well as meaningful connections.”
— Ixa de Haan (Psychologist)

This training is designed to translate directly into your professional context. Whether you’re preparing for a clinic, a trial, or integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy into an existing practice, you’ll leave with a framework and skill set that you can adapt to your setting, scope, and population.

Curriculum Snapshot:

Across seven days together, we’ll work through a clear, progressive sequence of modules:

  • Module 1: Background — Explore the broader psychedelic context in which contemporary psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is emerging, and the diverse forms these experiences can take.

  • Module 2: Do No Harm — Learn from real-world cases of psychedelic casualties, the underground, and what these teach us about minimising harm.

  • Module 3: Guiding Principles — Map the core theoretical and ethical foundations that guide psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in research and clinical settings.

  • Module 4: Preparation — Develop both the mindset and practical skills needed to guide a participant into a dosing session with safety and trust.

  • Module 5: Dosing — Deepen your capacity to hold a non-ordinary state, work with emerging process, and safeguard therapeutic space during medicine sessions.

  • Module 6: Integration — Support clients in making meaning, consolidating insights, and weaving the experience into daily life.

  • Module 7: Summary & Looking Ahead — Review the arc of treatment, consider emerging challenges and opportunities, and identify next steps for your professional pathway.

Why Our Training is Different:

  • 7 days in person — immersive, uninterrupted learning with your cohort.

  • Small group process — 16–24 participants for rich interaction and personalised feedback.

  • Hands-on learning — real skills practice in dyads and small groups, not just theory.

  • Local, experienced trainers — real-world PAT in Australian clinics and research trials.

  • Solid theoretical foundations — clearly articulated and grounded in current evidence.

  • No fluff. No Zoom. — practical, clinic-ready training.

““I cannot recommend this training highly enough. You will come away with a practical understanding of the What, When and How of each step in the PAT process, informed by a clear theoretical framework to orient you as to the Why. Sean brings a depth of understanding to this material that far surpasses other training I have done in this space.” ”
— Ben Stiel - Clinical Psychologist

Proven Track Record

““This was a fantastic, highly engaging, and very thorough course, which I would highly recommend to anyone interested in dipping into the world of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.””
— Dr Anish Modak, Consultant Psychiatrist

Opportunities to work in clinical PAT have expanded rapidly over the past three years. Current guidelines (TGA and HREC) require all practitioners in this space to complete PAT-specific training. Our program has a proven track record and has enabled many of our graduates to step into both clinical PAT roles and university research trial teams.

Meet Your Trainers

Each training is delivered by Sean O’Carroll and a main co-trainer, and enriched by one or more visiting practitioners who join us for anything from a few hours to a full day.

All visiting practitioners are actively working in research trials and PAT clinics in Australia, and include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists.

They contribute through practical instruction, demonstrations, discussions, and Q&As, and may also offer presentations on relevant topics. Meeting these practitioners — and hearing their stories of “doing the work” — is an invaluable part of the training experience.

Sean O’Carroll - LEAD TRAINER

Sean O’Carroll is the director of the Wild Mind Institute, was founding Head of Psychotherapy with Clarion Clinics and formerly the Lead Trainer, Supervisor and Therapist with the …the Monash University Clinical Psychedelics Research Lab in Melbourne, Australia


He has developed and delivered PAT training to teams at Monash University, Swinburne University and Curtin University for trials working with psilocybin and GAD, TRD, and Chronic Pain, respectively. He has completed the MAPS training, and been training assistant on a second MAPS training.

Dr Simon Amar - Psychiatrist:

Psychiatrist with extensive PAT trial experience, integrating psychopharmacology with depth-oriented psychotherapy and a strong focus on complex case management in non-ordinary states.

Sarah Pant - Psychotherapist:

Skilled in process-oriented psychology, Sarah works with symbolic material and dream-like imagery emerging in psychedelic states to deepen therapeutic exploration.

Caroline Dale — Clinical Psychologist:

Integrates Internal Family Systems and mindfulness-based modalities into PAT, supporting participants to navigate complex inner landscapes revealed in dosing sessions.

Dr David Spektor - Clinical Psychologist:

Known for his work in trauma and complex PTSD, David brings an attachment-based and systems-aware approach to PAT, particularly skilled in supporting interpersonal repair processes during integration.

Shanti Monteiro - Clinical Psychologist:

Combines existential psychotherapy with trauma-informed care, exploring meaning-making and identity shifts in psychedelic therapy participants.

Marg Ryan - Psychotherapist:

Specialises in somatic and body-oriented psychotherapy, with expertise in working directly with embodied expression and movement to process material arising in psychedelic states.

Dr Paul Liknaitzky - Neuroscientist & Researcher:

Paul is a pioneering figure in Australian psychedelic research, designing and leading clinical trials while developing best-practice protocols for safe and effective PAT delivery.

Esme Dark - Clinical Psychologist

Esme’s clinical focus is on deep therapeutic presence, supporting trial participants through the emotional and psychological complexities of psychedelic therapy.

Training Details:

  • What: 7 Day Intensive - Foundations of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy

  • When: TBC

  • Times: 9am to 5:30 pm Daily

  • Where: TBC

  • Cost: $3400 (Plus GST) ($3740)

  • Includes 7 Days Instruction, Student Manual, Certificate, Morning and Afternoon Tea

If you’d like to discuss any aspect of this training please contact Sean at sean@wild-mind.com

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 60 Hours

  • 60 Hours CPD: This 60-hour intensive training is designed to meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for a wide range of mental health professionals.

  • For Australian Practitioners: These hours align with the self-directed or non-accredited learning categories for CPD required by major professional bodies, including PACFA, ACA, AASW, AHPRA-regulated professions (e.g., psychologists, OTs), and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

  • For International Practitioners: Please check with your local professional body regarding eligibility for CE/CPD credits. We are happy to provide the necessary documentation to support your application.

  • Documentation Provided: Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and a detailed course outline to support your CPD submission and demonstrate the training's high-level educational value.

Application Process:

  1. Watch the course information video and Register Your Interest using the online form.

  2. We’ll review your submission to ensure the training is a good fit for your professional background and goals.

  3. If suitable, you’ll receive a link to complete the detailed application form.

  4. Book a short interview with one of our trainers to discuss your interest and answer any questions.

  5. If invited, secure your place with payment.

Note: Places are limited. If your application is successful but the course is full, you’ll be placed on a waiting list and notified of future trainings.

Training Information Video

SBS Documentary

See Sean and the team in action in the feature-length SBS documentary *Psychedelics: Stepping into the Unknown* (featuring clinical footage). LINK: Psychedelics: Stepping into the Unknown

More Testimonials

Booking & Cancellation Policy

  • Booking fees are taken in full.

  • If we cancel the retreat for any reason, you will receive a 100% refund.

  • $500 of your booking is a non-refundable deposit/booking-fee.

If you cancel:

  • More than three months before the training, you will receive a 100% refund (less booking fee).

  • More than two months before the training, you will receive a 70% refund.

  • More than one months before the training, you will receive a 50% refund.

  • If you cancel within a month of the training, you will not receive a refund.

If you have any questions regarding payment, payment plans, or cancellation policy, please get in touch.