EP: 35 The Zendo Project and Harm Reduction with Sara Gael M.A.

ALLWays Another Way

??Always Another Way Podcast ? ??Ep: 35 The Zendo Project?? ??Aug 9th?? 1pmCST Psychedelic Harm Reduction This year, millions of people will use psychedelics outside of supervised medical contexts, many of them for the first time. Taking psychedelics can result in overwhelming and uncomfortable experiences, more likely with high doses, amongst first-time users, and without adequate preparation or setting. Psychedelic harm reduction includes a variety of methods to help prevent and transform difficult experiences while in a non-ordinary state of consciousness. The Zendo Project: - Reduces the number of psychiatric hospitalizations and arrests. - Creates an environment where volunteers can work alongside one another to improve their harm reduction skills and receive training and feedback. - Demonstrates that safe, productive psychedelic experiences are possible without the need for law enforcement-based prohibitionist policies. My guest is Sara Gael, M.A. Zendo Project Sara received her Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University. She began working with MAPS in 2012, coordinating psychedelic harm reduction services at festivals and events worldwide with the Zendo Project. Sara was an Intern Therapist for the recently completed MAPS Phase 2 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, CO. She maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Sara believes that developing a comprehensive understanding of psychedelic medicines through research and education is essential for the health and well being of individuals, communities, and the planet.