AMAPP Peer Supervision: Relational Practice in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Tobias Penno

This supervision session is designed to engage practitioners from diverse therapeutic backgrounds in exploring the critical role of relational practice within psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives including interpersonal neurobiology, somatic psychology, and attachment theory, we will examine how different modalities can enhance the therapeutic alliance in PAT settings.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Understanding the neurobiological foundations of therapeutic presence and its significance across different therapeutic approaches

• Exploring how various professional backgrounds (counselling, psychology, social work, psychiatry) can contribute unique perspectives to relational work in PAT

• Examining practical techniques for developing and maintaining therapeutic attunement during non-ordinary states of consciousness

• Discussing how somatic awareness and 'right-brain engagement' can facilitate deeper healing across different therapeutic frameworks

This session aims to foster collaborative dialogue about how we can integrate diverse therapeutic approaches while maintaining the core emphasis on authentic, attuned therapeutic relationships in PAT.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Share experiences and insights from their respective professional backgrounds

• Explore practical applications of relational techniques in their specific contexts

• Discuss challenges and opportunities in developing relational competencies for PAT

• Consider how their existing therapeutic skills can be adapted and enhanced for the unique context of psychedelic-assisted therapy

About Tobias:
Tobias Penno is an academic and lecturer in Social Work at the University of Western Australia (U.W.A). His first academic publication titled ‘How Ayahuasca Offers Psychosocial Wellbeing’ won the social work research prize in the school of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science at U.W.A. in 2017. Tobias co-founded the Australian Psychedelic Society WA Chapter with Dr. Stephen Bright, and co-ordinates the Mental Health Professional Network’s local Psychedelic Community of Practice. His primary research focus is on the therapeutic skillset required for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Tobias is passionate about the role of social work in this field and is currently part of the therapy team for Reset Mind Sciences Perth-based clinical trial using psychedelic medicine for treatment-resistant depression.

You will be sent a Zoom Link the day before the event.