Living Medicine Institute

08/04/2026

I want to begin with a question that may feel familiar: Have you been learning about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, yet still wondering what it would take to feel grounded enough to step into the work?

For many thoughtful clinicians, the interest comes first. The confidence comes later.

That is one reason we created our September Experiential Training Retreat: to offer licensed clinicians a place where quality instruction, direct experience, applied therapy skills, and a carefully held group process can come together.

From September 24-27, we will gather in a natural setting outside Asheville, North Carolina. Over the course of the retreat, you will move through two supported ketamine experiences, learn and practice foundational therapy skills, and explore preparation, set and setting, and integration in a way that is professionally relevant and personally meaningful.

You do not need to arrive already certain. You simply need a solid clinical foundation, openness to altered-state work, and a genuine desire to learn well.

Over the coming month, I will share the details - what the retreat includes, how the experiences are held, who it is for, and why we designed it this way. My hope is that you will have what you need to make a clear, grounded decision.

Explore the September training retreat: https://living-medicine-institute.mykajabi.com/september-2026-experiential-training-retreat

Warmly,
Dr. Sandy Newes
Co-Founder, Living Medicine Institute

08/04/2026

Listen to the full episode "The Art of Not Knowing: Relational Wisdom in Psychedelic Therapy" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nJRVIU0tsk&t=448s

07/30/2026

Psychedelic therapy can open new viewpoints, but the experience itself is only one part of meaningful change. Lasting healing depends on how the work is integrated within a trustworthy therapeutic relationship. What helps clinicians support transformation without trying to control it?

Psychologist Harvey Schwartz, PhD, argues that clinicians can support transformation through accompaniment rather than control. He encourages therapists to tolerate uncertainty, invite honest feedback, and examine their own countertransference so clients do not have to perform progress for the clinician. Expectation management, community support, and respect for the nonlinear nature of recovery can help clients carry insights into daily life. These practices create a more ethical and deeply human framework for psychedelic care.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Sandra Newes, Ph.D. talks with Harvey Schwartz, PhD, Co-founder and Psychedelic Psychotherapist at Polaris Insight Center, about why relational depth should remain central to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Harvey explains how humility strengthens care, why integration requires community, and what commercialization could cost the field. He also touches on countertransference and the healing role of wonder.

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nJRVIU0tsk

07/22/2026

Curious how you can elevate your practice?

Our Introductory Fall Training Retreat is fast approaching. This retreat is specifically for clinicians or medical professionals who want to grow their practice and explore how Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy works in a safe, legal, and effective way.

Our retreat groups are intentionally small, and we incorporate nature connection, group process, and teach from a trauma and resilience framework to support your work.

When: September 24-27, 2026
Where: Near Asheville, North Carolina

Enrollment is open, and space is limited! Reach out via the contact form on the LMI website, or reach out directly to Sandy Newes at [email protected] with questions or to setup a 1-on-1 informational session.

-Living Medicine Institute

07/17/2026

Sandy Newes and Robert Falconer discuss learning the client’s language and worldview instead of imposing clinical certainty.

This clip is from the most recent episode of Living Medicine, the full episode is available now here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOEfvZBocl4

07/16/2026

Some experiences do not fit neatly into the categories modern therapy often relies on. In psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, clients may encounter voices, beings, ancestral material, or spiritual phenomena that can be meaningful, destabilizing, or difficult to name. How can practitioners stay grounded, curious, and helpful when a client’s inner world stretches beyond conventional Western frameworks?

According to IFS practitioner Robert Falconer, it starts with maintaining humility. Rather than pathologizing unusual experiences, he encourages clinicians to normalize them, learn the client’s language, and support discernment around whether an inner presence feels helpful, harmful, or connected to the self. Robert also emphasizes the importance of preparation, integration, and asking permission from protective parts before psychedelic work, reminding practitioners that healing is often strengthened by curiosity, compassion, and a willingness not to know.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Robert Falconer, IFS author, teacher, and consultant, to discuss spiritual experiences in psychedelic therapy. Robert explains how to distinguish parts from other presences, why humility matters, and how therapists can create safer containers. He also touches on legacy burdens, trauma, and integration.

Listen or watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOEfvZBocl4

07/14/2026

We're now enrolling for our Fall Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy retreat this September 24-27.

This experiential retreat is specifically designed to help you launch or deepen your KAP practice through powerful medicine experiences and immersive, hands-on learning.

Learn more or schedule a free informational 1 on 1 in the link below

Join us for a uniquely experiential ketamine- assisted psychotherapy training outside of Asheville, NC.

07/08/2026

Enrollment is now open for our fall introductory retreat from September 24-27! Learn more or schedule an informational session here:

https://living-medicine-institute.mykajabi.com/september-2026-experiential-training-retreat

Join us for a uniquely experiential ketamine- assisted psychotherapy training outside of Asheville, NC.

07/07/2026

07/07/2026

Dr. Sandy Newes and David Dansky, MD discuss Ketamine’s role in softening the body’s trauma defenses. If you or someone you know are suffering with chronic pain, this episode is worth a listen.

In this episode, Dr. Newes and Dr. Dansky discuss what many people misunderstand about chronic pain, how ketamine works with pain pathways, and how combining ketamine with psychotherapy can support deeper healing.

Full episode is available here for free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUF4T0-yxWw