Psychedelic Mentorship Training
An accredited course for professionals working in the therapeutic and coaching fields, and a pathway towards board-certified psychedelic support in preparation and integration.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Tradition
Devised by a multidisciplinary team, the Onaya mentorship training integrates information and practices from psychedelic research, indigenous perspectives, and embodied practices. The course intends to train mentors to support clients holistically on their psychedelic journeys, and in how best to carefully curate the set and setting to maximise the experience's therapeutic potential in a trauma-informed way.
6-Month Accredited Mentorship Training Involves
A breakdown of our time together and teaching formats
36 hours of live teaching time (90 minutes each week over 6 months) | At least 1 hour of in-your-own-time video content per week | Worksheets to further ground and expand upon core leaning concepts | Guided meditations, breathing exercises and practical preparatory and integrative practices | Bespoke teachings developed especially for this Onaya course by each of our specialist contributors | Accreditation by American Natural Wellness Practitioners Board (ANWPB).
Core Modules Breakdown
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Module I: Foundations & Ethics
Understanding Psychedelics: Equipping mentors with foundational scientific knowledge and managing client uncertainties.
Traditional Perspectives: Helping mentors navigate cultural intersections with clients and appreciation for tradition and culture.
Intersections & Bridging the Gap: Education on intersections between fields and interconnections of biology and consciousness.
Inner Work & Therapeutics: Provide mentors with foundational therapeutic skills. Highlighting the importance of inner work.
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Module II: Preparation
Individual Preparation: Working at the individual level and psycho-physical readiness; setting intentions.
Collective Preparation: Working at the collective and environmental level; socio-spiritual readiness.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Knowledge and skills to integrate mindfulness, meditation into mentorship.
Safety Planning and Assessment: Helping a client establish safety for the journey and managing pre-post ceremony anxiety.
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Module III: Ceremonial Navigation
Altered States: Understanding and supporting altered states of consciousness.
Exceptional Human Experiences: Understanding and navigating exceptional human experiences which may arise.
Setting the Container: How to ensure a safe and protected space. The physical/sonic/relational container
Facilitation: Basics of facilitation and managing psychedelic emergencies.
Managing Intense Emotions: Managing intense psychedelic experiences. Somatic & trauma-informed techniques.
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Module IV: Integration
Integration – Getting Home:Fundamentals of integration and initial short term integration planning.
Integration – Staying Well: Maintenance guidance and ongoing monitoring.
Psychedelic Perspectivism: Navigating client’s perspective shifts after ceremony.
Nature Relatedness: Perspectives beyond self/other and connection with environment.
Working Systemically: Supporting clients systemically in their relationships and community.
Dreams and Symbolism: Understand the significance of dreams and support through symbolic aspects of the journey.
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Module V: Important Considerations
Trauma Informed Care:Working trauma informed and professional boundaries.
IFS and Parts Work: To equip mentors with understanding of Internal Family Systems and parts work to support clients.
Legalities: Educate mentors on legal frameworks & considerations and ensure they guide clients responsibly within the law.
Business: Legal & business considerations for mentor and client.
Research: Learning about psychedelic research, methodologies and ethics.
American Natural Wellness Practitioners Board (ANWPB)
Automatic accreditation by the ANWPB is conferred on our 6-month Mentorship Course graduates: Continuing Education (CE) credits available
Graduates of a program or school that is ANWPB accredited are pre-qualified for ANWPB Board Certification, with access to all Member benefits and resources.
Eligibility Criteria
The Psychedelic Mentorship Training program is designed for professionals in therapeutic fields, including licensed mental health clinicians, specific medical professionals, coaching and counselling professionals, and ordained/commissioned clergy and chaplains.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, military veterans/service members, and those serving under-resourced and under-represented populations. International applicants are welcome, and professional board credentials are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Professionals with the following qualifications are eligible to apply for the Psychedelic Mentorship Training program:
• Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors
• Behavioral Analysts
• Certified Nurse-Midwives
• Clinical Social Workers
• Certified Coaches
• Counseling Nutritionists
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Naturopathic Doctors
• Nurse Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Ordained Clergy and Commissioned Chaplains
• Physicians in relevant specialities (e.g., Psychiatry, Oncology)
• Professional Clinical Counselors
• Psychologists and psychotherapists
• Registered Nurses
• Speech Therapists
• Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners
Applicants with substantial experience in providing psychotherapy, counselling, pastoral care, mediation, and/or spiritual direction will also be considered strong candidates for the certificate program.
Please note: This course is not designed to render participants qualified to manage high-risk populations or clinical samples.
*If you are unclear whether your training and experiences meet eligibility for the training, please email us at [email protected] for clarification.
Our 6-Month Route is open to everyone who meets our eligibility criteria.
Our 12-Month Route is devised in collaboration with the Human Potential Academy, who will deliver a 6-month fast-track coach training programme, followed by our 6-Month Accredited Mentor Training.
Accreditation Requirements
Knowledge and skill-based competencies are assessed in the primary domains of - psychedelic guidance and support, core therapeutic skills, and trauma-informed care. Certification will be awarded upon successful completion of the following:
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Multiple choice knowledge based examination
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Panel vignette assessment
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30 minute recording of client interaction for competencies assessment
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2x 15 minute recordings of client interactions for feedback
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Over 80% attendance of weekly 90 minutes live teachings
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Submit reflective log for live teaching and buddy sessions at the end
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Passes on all in-course assessments
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12 hours of peer-to-peer (buddy) calls
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30 client hours (completed over the second half of the course, with assistance finding clients if needed)
Instructors
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Dr Simon Ruffell
Lead Instructor
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Dr Simon Ruffell
Lead Instructor
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| Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist with a PhD in ayahuasca and mental health, combines Western medicine, research psychology, and traditional plant medicine expertise. He has focused on ayahuasca research since 2016, and as CEO of Onaya Health and co-founder of Onaya Science, he collaborates with universities and Indigenous-led organizations to study ayahuasca's effects in Amazonian settings. Simon aims to bridge Indigenous and Western perspectives on plant healing. He is currently training in Shipibo curanderismo under Keyo Sui Rono and Don Rono Lopez. |
Hailing from Hong Kong, Onaya's COO Dr WaiFung is a research psychologist with years of clinical experience primarily in the field of addiction, neurodevelopment and trauma, exhibiting a keen interest in psychedelic research. Currently based at the Maudsley Hospital, King’s College London, he is a co-founder of Onaya Science specialising in Amazonian indigenous ayahuasca research. He is also training in Shipibo Curanderismo and a talented musician with his band United Freedom Collective, signed to the acclaimed UK label, DamaDama, Ninja Tune. |
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Don Rono Lopez Shipibo Curandero |
Dr Jeremy Narby Author & Anthropologist |
Dr. Bia Labate Anthropologist |
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Don Rono was raised in a family of curanderos and comes from a long lineage of Shipibo plant doctors. With an incredible working knowledge of the plants, Don Rono continues to participate in plant dietas and study the science of healing. He has an interest in modern scientific techniques and helps inform Onaya about the nature of Shipibo curanderismo and its traditions from an indigenous perspective. Good-natured and with a gentle spirit, he is the lead curandero at the Ayahuasca Foundation's Riosbo Research Center where Onaya Science conducts research. |
Jeremy Narby is a renowned anthropologist, author, and advocate for indigenous knowledge systems, particularly in the Amazon. Jeremy's influential book, The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge (1998), explores the parallels between shamanic visions and molecular biology, proposing a connection between indigenous knowledge and scientific understanding of DNA. Jeremy has conducted extensive fieldwork with indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon, advocating for their rights and the preservation of their traditional knowledge. His involvement with NGOs like Nouvelle Planète supports sustainable development and highlights the importance of indigenous perspectives in addressing global environmental challenges. Through his writing and lectures, Jeremy continues to bridge the gap between indigenous wisdom and modern science, promoting a holistic understanding of knowledge and the natural world. |
Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate (Bia Labate) is a queer Brazilian anthropologist based in San Francisco. She has a Ph.D. in social anthropology from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Her main areas of interest are the study of plant medicines, drug policy, shamanism, ritual, religion, and social justice. She is Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines and serves as Public Education and Culture Specialist at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). She is also Visiting Scholar at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Additionally, she is Advisor for the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition and the Soltara Healing Center. Dr. Labate is a co-founder of the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil and editor of its site. She is author, co-author, and co-editor of twenty-eight books, three special-edition journals, and several peer-reviewed articles (https://bialabate.net). |
Instructors
Course Director Dr. Simon Ruffell
Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist with a PhD in ayahuasca and mental health, combines Western medicine, research psychology, and traditional plant medicine expertise. He has focused on ayahuasca research since 2016, and as CEO of Onaya Health and co-founder of Onaya Science, he collaborates with universities and Indigenous-led organizations to study ayahuasca's effects in Amazonian settings. Simon aims to bridge Indigenous and Western perspectives on plant healing. He is currently training in Shipibo curanderismo under Keyo Sui Rono and Don Rono Lopez.
Course Director Dr. WaiFung Tsang
Hailing from Hong Kong, Onaya's COO Dr WaiFung is a research psychologist with years of clinical experience primarily in the field of addiction, neurodevelopment and trauma, exhibiting a keen interest in psychedelic research. Currently based at the Maudsley Hospital, King’s College London, he is a co-founder of Onaya Science specialising in Amazonian indigenous ayahuasca research. He is also training in Shipibo Curanderismo and a talented musician with his band United Freedom Collective, signed to the acclaimed UK label, DamaDama, Ninja Tune.
Shipibo Curandero Don Rono Lopez
Don Rono was raised in a family of curanderos and comes from a long lineage of Shipibo plant doctors. With an incredible working knowledge of the plants, Don Rono continues to participate in plant dietas and study the science of healing. He has an interest in modern scientific techniques and helps inform Onaya about the nature of Shipibo curanderismo and its traditions from an indigenous perspective. Good-natured and with a gentle spirit, he is the lead curandero at the Ayahuasca Foundation's Riosbo Research Center where Onaya Science conducts research.
Shipibo Curandera Doña Angela Lopez
Doña Angela is a Shipibo curandera working at the Ayahuasca Foundation. She has done extensive plant dietas and has a soft and motherly energy in ceremony and in life. She’s also a tremendously talented artist, making clothing, jewelry, and crafts in her traditional Shipibo style. With decades of experience in the familial lineage of a plant medicine tradition passed down from generation to generation, she continues to develop her own style, especially with the uniqueness of her singing.
Shipibo Curandero Don Miguel
Don Miguel was born into a long lineage of Shipibo healers and plant doctors. He has a tremendous sense of humor and enjoys goofing around when it is appropriate. He knows Amazonian medicine and plants incredibly well. A trained language professor for his community, he is fond of leading lectures and workshops on the meaning of icaros and plant medicine within the Shipibo culture.
Indigenous Cultural Educator Jem Stone
Co-founder of IPAT- Indigenous Psychedelic Assisted Therapies and Rebirthing Breathwork Australia, Jem Stone is a First Nations Woman with mixed heritage, Cultural Educator, Wellness Practitioner and Trainer who is passionately integrating original knowledge systems into education and wellness spaces through connection and decolonised learning methods. Jem is trained as a Psychedelic Assisted Therapist, Wayapa Wuurrk Practitioner and Trainer, We Al-li Facilitator, Rebirthing Breathwork Therapist and Educator, Meditation and Yoga instructor who is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, decolonised spaces for healing.
Professor of Psychology Prof. David Luke
Dr David Luke is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich where he has been teaching an undergraduate course on the Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience since 2009. He is also a Lecturer at the Alef Trust as Programme Leader of the Professional Certificate in Psychedelics, Altered States and Transpersonal Psychology, and tutor on the MSc Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology. His research focuses on transpersonal experiences and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including thirteen books, most recently DMT Entity Encounters: Dialogues on the Spirit Molecule (2021).
Human Potential Expert Dr. Mark Atkinson
Dr. Mark Atkinson is an internationally-renowned pioneer in the field of human potential development and optimal health medicine. Through his work as a medical doctor, leadership coach and human potential teacher, Mark has helped thousands of people to optimize their health and unlock higher levels of wellbeing, performance, and consciousness. He is an author of bestselling books and the founder of the Human Potential Academy and the Human Potential Coach Certification Program. He received his medical degree from Imperial College London.
Somatic Expert Dr. Esme Dark
Esme specialises in somatic and psychedelic therapy, bringing together the mind and the body in holistic practice. After working for many years as a senior clinical psychologist in refugee mental health in Australia, Thailand and the UK, she is now a core therapist in some of the biggest psychedelic trials in Australia.
Esoteric Scholar Julian Vayne
Julian’s journey into group ritual practice began within the Western Esoteric Tradition when he was 16. Since then he has worked in ceremony with practitioners from many different lands and lineages. Julian is a senior member of the Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros and widely recognized as one of Britain’s leading occultists. Today Julian is the author of books, essays, journals and articles in both the academic and esoteric press. He sees his work as part of the process to help re-imagine an earth-centered, non-dogmatic, open-source spirituality.
Psychedelic Ecologist Dr. Sam Gandy
Sam is a PhD ecologist with varied experience of working within the psychedelic field, including as a scientific assistant to the director of the Beckley Foundation and a research assistant for Synthesis Institute; as a senior science writer for Wavepaths, and as a psychedelic science presenter for Seed Talks. A lifelong nature lover, Sam has a research interest in psychedelics’ influence on human relationships with nature, and is a collaborator with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. His main focus is within the ecological field, working as Innovation Team Leader with environmental consultancy Ecosulis.
Safety Specialist Adam Waugh
Adam is currently the Director and co-founder of PsyAware, a psychedelic safety and harm reduction organisation. His work focuses on drug policy and harm reduction, especially in relation to psychedelics and other club drugs. He also works for The Loop Drug Checking Service, and he was previously a manager of PsyCare UK for 5 years. His Master's degree dissertation from Durham University focused on psychedelic harm reduction.
Clinical Psychologist Matt Pennell
Matt is a clinical psychologist whose therapeutic approach incorporates relational, psychodynamic, and parts models. He is also completing a PhD as part of a psychedelic clinical trial, his research is on innovative approaches to psychedelic therapist training.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Bianca Sebben
Bianca is a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in complex trauma, dissociative disorders and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Currently a therapist on a psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for prolonged grief for people who have lost a loved one to cancer, Bianca holds a PhD in Indigenous Psychology, looking at traditional methods of healing and increasing cultural safety in Western medical systems. Cofounder of Indigenous Psychedelic Assisted therapies (IPAT); an organization developing a model of PAT informed by Indigenous practices; Bianca has a special interest in 5 MeO DMT harm reduction, and is a co-founder of the Australian Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP).
Integrative Transpersonal & Trauma Psychotherapist (trainee) Maria Nazdravan
Maria is a dreamwork facilitator, writer, and integrative transpersonal and trauma psychotherapist (trainee). She is passionate about helping others learn the symbolic language of the unconscious and unlock the hidden meaning of their dreams. She founded Dreamwork Circle in April 2023, offering a supportive space for monthly classes and weekly dream circles that foster self-discovery and transformation.
Sign Up
For all applicants, please complete this sign-up form.
*For those unsure regarding eligibility for the 6 or 12-month route, please contact us at [email protected] for clarification.
Following this, please register a deposit or make a payment to enroll.
$4200 | 6-Month Onaya Mentorship Training
- Payment Plan: $770 over 6 months (10% markup)
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$100 Deposit (6-month route): Save a limited space on the 17th Sept 2024 cohort
*Full payment is due 4 weeks before the course starts.
$7997 | 12-Month Psychedelic Training (6-month Human Potential Academy Coach + 6 month Onaya mentorship training)
- Payment Plan: $733 over 12 months (10% markup)
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$100 Deposit (12-month route): Save a limited space on the 11th Sept 2024 cohort
*Full payment is due 4 weeks before the course starts.
Testimonials
“I love the initiative to create a framework to prepare, guide, and integrate psychedelic experiences. Nowadays, many provide these experiences without the proper guidance, and people get lost in a rabbit hole, facing more challenges, and disruption to their lives when there's no guidance and intention. Onaya is an excellent resource certification platform to work on a proven framework based on an ethical protocol that respects and protects Indigenous rights, plant medicine, and individual in the journey of elevating their potential working with limiting beliefs, trauma, acceptance, happiness, productivity, etc.
Onaya is creating a community of scientists, coaches, and shamans that holistically care for the human individual and would guide you to achieve the best results, crafting an intention, going through the process, and integrating the experience in all aspects of your life. You are not alone with ONAYA.”
“Taking the Onaya Mentorship course was an incredible experience. The course content was both comprehensive and accessible, highlighting the importance of client preparation and aftercare integration. The teachings, rooted in respect for indigenous knowledge and modern science, broadened my understanding and provided a balanced perspective on working with specific plants.
Overall, this course is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of psychedelics and better guide their clients.”
“The Psychedelic Mentorship training has been a transformative experience for me.
The comprehensive and well-structured approach, combined with a solid foundation
in history, science, and the exploration of indigenous cultures, provided a rich and
holistic understanding of the subject. The live discussions and engaging materials
allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in meaningful ways. The kindness and
compassion shown by the teachers fostered a supportive and inspiring learning
environment. The training itself felt like a ceremony, creating a deep sense of
connection and purpose. This course has enhanced my professional and personal
journey, equipping me with invaluable insights and skills. I highly recommend it to
anyone interested in psychedelic preparation and integration mentorship.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the dates for the September 2024 training?
The 6-month cohort commences their first 90-minute orientation session on 17th September 2024, 4pm GMT / 11am EDT.
Followed by:
*Fortnightly 90-minute sessions every other Tuesday, from September 17th until 25th February 25th.
*All live calls take place on zoom video conferencing, at 4pm GMT / 11am EDT.
*Minimum required attendance is 80% of sessions.(Currently 18 spots remaining)
NEXT INTAKE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
For those starting our 12-month program in collaboration with the Human Potential Academy, your start date will be 11th September 2024.
And you will graduate as a coach in March 2025.
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What are the dates for the next mentorship training?
The next 6 months mentorship training starts on the 17th of March 2025.
The 6-month cohort commences their first 90-minute orientation session on 17th March 2025, 4pm GMT / 11am EDT.
Followed by:
*Fortnightly 90-minute sessions every other Tuesday, from March 17th until September 25th 2025.*All live calls take place on zoom video conferencing, at 4pm GMT / 11am EDT.
*Minimum required attendance is 80% of sessions.
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In which countries or organisations is this course's accreditation valid?
The psychedelic mentorship course is accredited and certified globally. However, each member must comply with their local state or country laws. If your education is not state-credited, you cannot offer state-board certification. It's third-party authentication rather than government accredited.
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I am unsure if my qualification/experiences counts towards the course's eligibility requirements?
Please feel free to email us at [email protected] and we will happy to clarify and discuss with you.
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Will I be able to work clinically following completion of the course?
Neither the 6 nor 12-month courses are designed to equip people with the training and expertise necessary to manage clinical and risky populations (e.g. PTSD, psychosis-spectrum disorders). The course is designed to provide mentors with foundational competencies to work only with non-clinical populations. Those encountering clients who pose a risk to self/others/from others, are recommended to discuss in supervision regarding an onward referral plan.