Event Description: As the exploration of psychedelics as potential solutions for psychological disorders gains momentum, it becomes crucial for therapists to gain an in-depth understanding of these substances. Our patients will inevitably approach us to discuss their experiences with psychedelics, and some of us may find psychedelics useful to assist psychotherapy with certain people. Psychoanalysis intersects with Psychedelics in that they both seek to explore and understand the depths of the human mind, although they approach this goal differently. Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic technique that involves exploring the unconscious mind. Psychoanalytic treatment is based on bringing unconscious thoughts and feelings to conscious awareness, leading to insight and healing. The psychoanalytic process relies on a dialogue between the patient and the therapist, experientially embedded in that relationship, leading to resolving psychological conflicts. Psychedelics, also experiential, are substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. Examples include LSD, Psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), and DMT. These substances have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual contexts to induce states of altered consciousness. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic use of psychedelics for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life death anxiety. Both contemporary research and research dating back decades suggest that, under controlled conditions and with appropriate therapeutic support, psychedelics may facilitate profound psychological insights and changes.
Target Audience: This discussion group is intended for mental health professionals and open to the public interested in psychoanalytic perspectives. Open to members and the community.
Registration/Attendance Process: This is an in-person event, and preregistration is required. By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by SDPC’s in-person and online meeting policies, including confidentiality, ethical conduct, and respectful participation. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal from the event and may be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.
- Register by clicking the registration button. You will receive a confirmation by email with details about the event.
- We will have a list of registrants and will check you off. You may also pay at the door. Preregistration is preferred.
Accommodations & Grievances:
- If you need special accommodations to attend this event, please contact the Event Coordinator.
- For any grievances or issues, please contact our manager.
When
Where
SDPC
In Person, SDPC Offices
Cost
Educational Objective(s)
- Compare different models of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (eg, psycholytic vs psychedelic).
- Explain the neuropsychopharmacology of classical psychedelics as well as atypical psychedelics such as ketamine and empathogens such as MDMA.
- Identify hypotheses for mechanisms of action of psychedelics on the brain.
- Understand the challenges of integrating psychedelic experiences.
- Understand how neuroscience concepts like memory reconsolidating, predictive encoding, and updating working memory are related to the clinical concepts of transference analysis and working through.
- Understand how the neuroscience concept of the Default Mode Network (DMN) relates to the clinical concepts of the narrative self through fantasy and phantasy.
- Assess potential applications of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including extra- psychiatric fields, such as within palliative care and spirituality, as well as within medicine, such as for pain and immunomodulation.
Presenter Information
Daniel Brockett, M.D.
Dr. Brockett has devoted much of his career to Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy after receiving training in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychoanalysis. His undergraduate education was at the University of California at San Diego, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He studied Medicine at the University of California at Irvine. Dr. Brockett is a faculty member at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center and a voluntary assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego. He teaches at both institutions.
Statement of Commitment: San Diego Psychoanalytic Center does not discriminate in employment and in its educational programs and activities, including admission or access thereto, on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center is affiliated with the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA), the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA), and the organization of Southern California Psychoanalytic Institutes and Societies.
The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.