Training courses
Since the Institute for Substance-Assisted Therapy does not see the use of psychoactive substances as an enhancement (augmentation) of other therapies, but as a completely independent form of therapy, it has been organizing and supporting independent training courses in this form of therapy since 2018, in which everything that is necessary for the implementation of Substance-Assisted Therapy can be learned. This is where the Institute’s training courses differ from other courses.
Accordingly, neither a college degree nor a specialized therapy training is a prerequisite for this training.
Scientific knowledge and three decades of professional experience are incorporated into the training, giving graduates a solid foundation and enabling them to develop their own personal style.
Another distinctive feature compared to most other training programs in this field is that participants are not only given the opportunity for self-experience; rather, this is firmly integrated into the training and serves as a central focus. The training program has a modular structure and consists of seven modules, each lasting seven days and focusing on one or more key topics. Each module includes two substance sessions involving the various substances used in substance-assisted therapy, or combinations thereof. This allows participants to further develop their personal qualifications for conducting Substance-Assisted Therapy, as well as to gain a deeper, firsthand understanding of how Substance-Assisted Therapy works and what its potential is.
After completing the modules, participants will assist in substance sessions. The purpose of this assistance period is to allow participants to gain sufficient practical experience—without yet assuming full responsibility—until they feel confident enough to begin working independently. The number of assistance sessions therefore varies depending on individual needs.
Since most of the substances used in Substance-Assisted Therapy are prohibited in Central Europe, the training takes place in Portugal, where the use of these substances is decriminalized.
Three training courses have now been completed. These were all conducted in English, as participants came from various European countries and the USA. The next course is planned to be in German, provided there are enough participants with sufficient German language skills, else it will also be conducted in English.
Substance-Assisted Therapy Training
