EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression

This book marks an exciting milestone in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Not only is it a really comprehensive guide to what to actually ‘do,’ the authors offer their wisdom from their whole selves, bringing a level of sensitivity and depth that befits these sacred ways of healing. * Rosalind Watts, PhD, Founder ACER Integration *There are few people I admire more in this field than Alex Belser. He commits to a meticulous inquiry, infused with integrity. He and Bill Brennan have written a much-needed practical, thoughtful guide to treating the whole being (physical, psychological, spiritual and otherwise) of a depressed person with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. * Julie Holland, MD, author of Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, From Soul to Psychedelics (2020) *This comprehensive book reminds us of the depth, range, and complexity of psychedelic experiences, and gives therapists a framework for engaging with the full potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy. It comes at a critical time if we are to remain open to transforming the way we support each other in healing. * Michael Mithoefer, MD, MDMA-assisted Therapy Researcher *Well-trained therapists are the key to generating successful outcomes from psychedelic-assisted therapy, the psychedelics themselves are just tools that need to be used wisely and compassionately. Pioneering, comprehensive, and deeply insightful-EMBARK points the way to the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Brennan and Belser’s commitment to holistic and ethical care is a profoundly valuable guide to practitioners and patients. * Rick Doblin, PhD, Founder and President of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies *Brennan and Belser’s remarkable manual offers an approach both visionary and practical. Their method recognizes the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects that are central to the psychedelic healing of depression, allowing the reader to discover the unique location for that therapist, that patient, and the medicine that connects them. * Jeffrey Guss, MD, Lead Trainer, Fluence; Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine *This book is not only the newest but focused specifically on therapists and the therapist’s role in helping clients who are receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy for the treatment of depression. * Timothy J. Legg, Doody *

Bill Brennan, PhD, is a psychologist in New York City who has served as a clinical advisor at Cybin, Inc. and Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals. He is a co-creator of the EMBARK approach to psychedelic therapy and is a core faculty member in the EMBARK psychedelic facilitator training program. He has trained and supervised psychedelic facilitators in several studies and has been the lead author of several psychedelic treatment manuals. He currently serves as an advisory board member of New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives.

Alex Belser, PhD, is a clinical scientist, psychologist, author, and leader in psychedelic research. As a Co-Investigator at Yale University, he is exploring psilocybin therapy to treat OCD. With a strong commitment to developing psychedelic therapies, he has conducted clinical trials investigating the potential of psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and DMT in addressing depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. He co-founded the non-profit Nautilus Sanctuary and the New York University Psychedelic Research Group in 2006. He served as the Chief Clinical Officer at Cybin and Adelia Therapeutics. He is the co-editor of Queering Psychedelics: From Oppression to Liberation in Psychedelic Medicine (2022).