CANNABIS-ASSISTED SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

A watercolor image of a person in silhouette facing a cannabis leaf. Their nervous system is illuminated, reflecting a state of inner awareness.

Cannabis sativa is a safe and sacred medicinal tool that supports us in turning inward, resolving tensions stored deep within the body, tracking inner sensations, and releasing traumas from the nervous system. Using cannabis intentionally is completely different than getting high and escaping your problems.

-Daniel McQueen, creator of Cannabis-Assisted Somatic Psychotherapy

Cannabis-assisted somatic psychotherapy (CASP) refers to the supervised use of cannabis in combination with psychotherapeutic methods that emphasize the body-mind connection as a basis for trauma resolution and psycho-spiritual development. CASP harnesses the psychoactive properties of cannabis—including its abilities to enhance sensory perception, lower psychological defenses, and regulate the autonomic nervous system—to amplify the body-mind connection and facilitate therapeutic processing.

CASP is an alternative and holistic therapeutic modality that has not been evaluated by research, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Clients often report an increased capacity to access emotions and memories that are typically elusive or challenging to confront. The combination of awareness with acceptance may lead to breakthroughs in areas where traditional “talk therapy” has reached its limits, enabling clients to explore new depths of self-discovery and personal growth.

ABOUT THE PROCESS

A natural altar set up on the forest floor. A bowl of dried cannabis flowers in the center is surrounded by items representing each of the elements and the abundance of nature.

Cannabis-Assisted Somatic Psychotherapy occurs through a cycle involving four phases: Intake, Preparation, CASP Session(s), and Integration. Following a holistic and transpersonal approach, I hold space for this work within a sacred container that honors both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of working with cannabis. Click on the options below to learn about each phase.

  • For new clients, the first step is a free 30-minute consultation (by phone or Zoom) to discuss your goals and explore whether CASP might be a good fit for you. If we agree to move forward, we will schedule a 50-minute Intake session to discuss your mental health history, review any relevant safety factors, and talk in detail about the process. Next, you will participate in a medical evaluation with a physician to assess possible medical contraindications and verify that it is medically safe for you to participate in CASP.

  • This phase is about preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for your CASP experience. We will plan 1-3 Preparation sessions to clarify your intentions, explore your relationship with cannabis, discuss safety and logistics, and learn mindfulness-based skills for navigating non-ordinary states of consciousness.

  • CASP sessions begin with a guided meditation to focus on your intentions while calling in your resources and connecting with the spirit of the plant. Music is provided to accompany the session. “Psycholytic” (sub-psychedelic) CASP sessions may include Integrative Mindful-Somatic Psychotherapy while in a heightened state of awareness. Longer “Psychedelic” CASP sessions may include mindfulness-based guidance for navigating the inner terrain while giving you plenty of space to be with your experience. Psychedelic CASP sessions may also include Cannabis-Assisted Breathwork. Read more about the difference between Psychedelic and Psycholytic CASP sessions below.

  • Psycho-spiritual growth following a CASP session is a process that occurs over time. This phase is about integrating the gifts and benefits of your CASP experience. Self-care and creative reflection are key. You will be encouraged to spend time in nature, journal, make art, meditate, and be in your body. Within a week of your CASP session, we will meet for an Integration session to talk about your experience and explore strategies to promote continued growth.

KEY DETAILS

  • I offer CASP in the context of an ongoing therapy relationship. For clients who are already working with another provider, I offer CASP as a short-term, time-limited cycle (including Intake, Preparation, one or more CASP sessions, and Integration). One cycle may include a single CASP session or a 2-day series for more intensive work.

  • Safety is my highest priority. Here are some steps we will take to reduce the risk of harm:

    • Prior to participating in a CASP session, you will meet with me to review your mental health history and explore whether it is psychologically safe for you to participate.

    • You will also participate in a medical evaluation with a physician to assess possible medical contraindications and verify that it is medically safe for you to participate.

    • On days with CASP sessions, you will need to have an available support person and a ride home. It is recommended that you do not drive a vehicle until the following day.

  • Psychedelic CASP sessions are longer (3- or 5-hour) sessions that generally induce a significantly altered state of consciousness. Clients often report psychedelic effects while maintaining a sense of agency. This can be profoundly reparative for those who have experienced significant trauma in which they lost a sense of agency or control. Psychedelic CASP sessions are available in-person at my office in NW Portland or online (by Zoom) for clients located anywhere in Oregon or California.

  • Psycholytic CASP sessions are shorter (1.5- or 2-hour) sessions that generally induce a mildly altered state of consciousness. Clients often report heightened sensation and awareness, allowing them to engage more deeply in the psychotherapy process. Psycholytic CASP sessions are available in-person (NW Portland) or online (Oregon or California), and they may also be available in conjunction with outdoor ecotherapy sessions on nature trails in west Portland.

  • Please continue reading for more information and contact me to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.

FEES AND INSURANCE INFO

  • Separate Fee Structure: Intake, Preparation, and Integration sessions are standard 50-minute individual psychotherapy sessions that follow the same fee agreement. The fee for CASP sessions is managed separately. Please contact me to inquire about my current rates.

  • Outside Service Fees: You will be required to participate in a medical evaluation with a physician prior to participating in CASP. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess possible medical contraindications and verify that it is medically safe for you to participate in CASP. The fees for the medical evaluation are managed separately by the physician's office.

  • Insurance Reimbursement: You will not be able to submit claims for insurance reimbursement for CASP sessions. However, you may be able to submit claims for insurance reimbursement for Preparation and Integration sessions. You may also be able to use HSA/FSA benefits to pay for sessions. Please see my Fees and Insurance page for more information.

HARM REDUCTION PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH

CASP integrates somatic, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, and transpersonal orientations to psychotherapy and operates within a harm reduction philosophy. As a harm reduction program, With the Flow Psychotherapy acknowledges the prevalence of cannabis use in our society and educates its clients in safe and responsible use practices. CASP is designed to reduce the potential for harm caused by cannabis use and maximize its benefits through education and guided experiences.

A watercolor illustration. One figure in silhouette lies on the ground in a relaxed posture while another sits beside them as a supportive presence. Cannabis leaves make up a dreamlike motif in the background.

Clients will learn mindfulness skills which, when paired with the cannabis experience, support them in turning towards and confronting difficult experiences or emotions, rather than using cannabis to numb or turn away from their difficult experiences.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LAND AND CULTURE

I am a white-bodied and cisgender gay/queer male therapist. I provide services on the unceded traditional lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. I acknowledge the systems of White Supremacy and colonialism that make it possible for me to do this work above-ground when millions of Black and brown bodies have been incarcerated or lost their lives to police violence under the racist and dishonestly named “War on Drugs.” I also gratefully acknowledge the activists who have worked tirelessly to dismantle these systems of oppression and end prohibition. A portion of the fees from all CASP sessions will be donated each year to organizations that promote equity in the cannabis sector and justice for those who have been imprisoned for cannabis offenses.

As a practitioner in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy, my approach to CASP weaves together modern principles of ethical and trauma-informed clinical care with ancestral and sacred traditions that have cultivated the knowledge and use of plant medicines across generations. I offer my deep respect and gratitude for the centuries-old practices of Indigenous peoples from the Amazon Basin, the mountains of Mexico, the deserts of the Southwest United States, and beyond.

A watercolor illustration of an elderly person's hands holding the earth and a variety of medicinal plants, including cannabis leaves and brightly colored mushrooms.

I acknowledge the Indigenous cultures and communities worldwide who have been the stewards and guardians of this profound wisdom. Their traditions, rooted in a deep connection with the Earth, have allowed us to explore the therapeutic potentials of plant medicines.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND ETHICS

As a mindful-somatic psychotherapist with more than 10 years of clinical experience, I am dedicated to providing ethical, trauma-sensitive, and culturally responsive care for my clients. Please see the Education and License Info page for more information about my graduate education and professional license. You can also learn more about my clinical training and approach on the Integrative Mindful-Somatic Psychotherapy page.

CASP was developed by my teachers Alison and Daniel McQueen at the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness (MM) in Colorado. I am currently enrolled in a credentialing program as a Mindfulness-Based Psychedelic Guide through the MM Psychedelic Therapy training program (anticipated completion April 2024). I am a member in good standing of the MM Foundation non-profit organization. In addition to complying with all relevant ethical standards of my profession, I comply with the MM code of ethics.

I have received the following professional training related to the practice of CASP:

  • Mindfulness-Based Psychedelic Guide Credentialing Program (Center for Medicinal Mindfulness/Psychedelic Sitters School, anticipated completion April 2024)

  • Psychedelic Sitters School, Level 3: Psychedelic Therapy and Clinical Cannabis Specialty (Center for Medicinal Mindfulness/Psychedelic Sitters School, November-December 2023)

  • Psychedelic Sitters School, Levels 1-2: Foundations in Mindfulness-Based Psychedelic Therapy (Center for Medicinal Mindfulness/Psychedelic Sitters School, August-October 2023)

  • Cannabis-Assisted Somatic Psychotherapy, Module 1 (Center for Medicinal Mindfulness/Psychedelic Sitters School, Spring 2023)

  • Navigating Psychedelics for Clinicians and Therapists (Psychedelics Today, Fall 2020)

A watercolor illustration depicting a woman meditating in lotus position. She is seated on a large cannabis leaf floating in the sky, with clouds and more leaves in the background.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is provided to support individuals in making educated choices about their care. I comply with all local and state laws (Oregon and California) in providing these services. I do not promote illegal activities or provide resources for obtaining illegal substances or services.