Summary

Curious about psychedelics, but don’t know where to start? Join Portland Psychedelic Society for an evening of conversation with local experts as we break down the psychedelic basics.

We’ll provide an approachable introduction to non-ordinary states of consciousness and psychedelic brain science. We’ll discuss the current psychedelic landscape in Oregon and what that means for you, and provide tools and tips for preparation and integration. You’ll walk away with additional resources to further guide and support safe psychedelic exploration, and with ways to stay plugged in to the psychedelic community.

Details

Perceptions of psychedelics are shifting as research continues to show their efficacy for improving mental health and facilitating healing and personal growth. The increase in public acceptance is especially true in Oregon, where we are treading uncharted territory with the passage of Measures 109 and 110, and psilocybin services launching this year.

And while perceptions are shifting, the stigmas still linger. What is true and what is myth? This event aims to demystify the world of psychedelics, and to provide an educational platform and community resource center for those who are newer to the psychedelic space.

Through short presentations by local experts and facilitated Q&A sessions, we will cover 4 key topic areas:

Psychedelic History & Policy
An Intro to Psychedelics and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness
Psychedelic Brain Science 101
Harm Reduction

Discovering Psychedelics is the kick-off to a series of additional events and workshops hosted by PPS that will dive deeper into our 4 focus areas.

Come join us as we gather to discover psychedelics together!

Meet Our Speakers

Gabe Kates-Shaw, Co-Founder of The Rhizome

Psychedelic History & Policy

Gabe has been working with psychoactive drugs in various capacities for many years, and began co-facilitating sessions in 2019. He studied psychoanalysis and philosophy during his undergraduate years at Bennington, and worked closely alongside the non-verbal autistic community for seven years, starting in Manhattan and ending at Harvard. He continues to work closely with mushrooms and other psychoactive compounds as both a mycologist/chemist and a facilitator, and is a co-founder of the Rhizome, a community healing center in NE Portland

Kayci Marie Mitchell, Founder of Into the Looking Glass

Intro to Psychedelics and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness

Kayci has been a transformational life coach for over 15 years, offering coaching and educational services on the safe, conscious, and responsible use of psychedelic medicines. She has consulted for numerous ibogaine treatment facilities and pre and post care clinics. Kayci is the founder of Into the Looking Glass Integration Services, and served as the Portland Psychedelic Society Board President from 2020-2021. Her work is trauma-informed and harm reduction based, drawing on over 40 years of experience in the field of addiction recovery, and her own dedication to personal and spiritual growth.

Aaron Eisen, MS, Integrative Biobehavioral Researcher

Psychedelic Brain Science 101

Aaron Eisen is an integrative biobehavioral researcher who is the Director of the Portland Psychedelic Society Research Group. He is currently receiving doctoral training and is working to advance the field of psychedelic science through collaboration with other health-related disciplines.

Alyssa Gursky, MA, LPC-I, Research Assistant and Therapist @ Sequoia Center

Harm Reduction

Alyssa Gursky is a Transpersonal Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor intern in the state of Oregon. Her private practice, operating out of Somatic Center Portland, focuses on supporting people of all genders in building deeper relationships, starting with their own bodies. She has received her clinical training at Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado.

Portland Psychedelic Society is a not-for-profit, donation-based organization with a mission to create inclusive space and community for psychedelic integration, education, and research.

This event is informational only, and Portland Psychedelic Society does not support or condone the solicitation or use of illegal substances.

Doors at 6:30

Event starts at 7pm

Contact the host of Discovering Psychedelics: An Intro & Community Forum