Standard Facilitator Program

Standard Facilitator Program Overview

The Standard Facilitator Program provides a comprehensive and state-approved training designed for individuals passionate about holistic healing and personal growth. This program equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate healing in a safe, ethical, and effective manner.

Winter Cohort Schedule

• Dates: January 6, 2025 – March 21, 2025
• In-Person Practicum: March 17–21, 2025, in Eugene, OR (9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily)

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• GED or higher educational qualification
• No prior medical or therapy background required

We welcome individuals from all walks of life who are committed to holistic healing and personal transformation.

Program Features

This program is a balanced combination of live online instruction, self-paced learning, and hands-on practicum. The curriculum covers essential knowledge, practical skills, cultural awareness, and ethical responsibilities required for facilitators.

Curriculum Overview

1. Orientation for Students (2 hours live online)
   An introductory module covering program expectations, goals, and an overview of the learning journey.
2. Historical, Traditional, and Contemporary Practices (12 hours: 6 live online, 6 self-paced)

• Explore the historical and current use of plant and fungal medicines in indigenous and Western cultures.
• Understand the impact of the Controlled Substances Act on research and policy.
• Review significant historical and recent academic studies related to healing practices.

3. Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Clinical Research (4 hours: 2 live online, 2 self-paced)

• Learn the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of various healing compounds.
• Understand drug and supplement interactions.
• Study the metabolism of these compounds and their effects on the brain.
• Review key areas of clinical research and models of addiction recovery.

4. Core Facilitation Skills (16 hours: 8 live online, 8 self-paced)

• Build empathy and rapport through effective client communication.
• Create safe spaces for addressing psychological distress.
• Understand physical reactions and side effects.
• Implement trauma-informed care, including managing vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.
• Monitor boundaries related to consent and touch.
• Facilitate a wide range of subjective experiences, including emotional and mystical states.
• Learn appropriate intervention methods and recognize when higher care is needed.

5. Group Facilitation (16 hours: 8 live online, 8 self-paced)

• Assess client compatibility with group settings.
• Establish and maintain set and setting for group facilitation.
• Facilitate group communications, dynamics, and agreements.
• Prepare and integrate group sessions effectively.
• Understand regulatory requirements for group facilitation.

6. Cultural Equity in Healing Practices (12 hours: 6 live online, 6 self-paced)

• Explore cultural equity and its relationship to health outcomes.
• Understand the impact of systemic racism, privilege, and drug policies.
• Address intergenerational trauma and learn responsible referral practices.

7. Safety, Ethics, and Responsibilities (12 hours: 6 live online, 6 self-paced)

• Identify personal biases and professional motives.
• Study ethical considerations, including boundaries, consent, and equity.
• Learn accurate record-keeping and client confidentiality practices.
• Stay informed on new research in safety and ethics.
• Mitigate risks using harm reduction, de-escalation, and conflict resolution techniques.

8. Preparation and Orientation (16 hours: 8 live online, 8 self-paced)

• Conduct intake interviews and discuss informed consent.
• Develop trauma-informed communication skills.
• Identify client safety concerns and plan appropriate safety measures.
• Set boundaries and navigate cultural dynamics in client interactions.

9. Administration (20 hours: 10 live online, 10 self-paced)

• Learn dosing strategies, delivery mechanisms, and secondary dose management.
• Work effectively with challenging client behaviors.
• Address trauma-related stress and ensure facilitator safety.
• Design optimal environmental conditions (set and setting).
• Conduct and complete administration sessions.

10. Integration (12 hours: 6 live online, 6 self-paced)

• Help clients interpret and integrate their experiences.
• Facilitate positive changes and enhance supportive relationships.
• Address safety concerns and discuss session intervals.

11. In-Person Practicum (40 hours: in-person)

• Direct Practice (30 hours):
  • Observe recorded facilitation sessions.
  • Participate in role-playing and peer support activities.
  • Experience non-drug-induced altered states through breathwork, meditation, or similar techniques.
• Consultation (10 hours):
  • Case reviews, supervision, ethics discussions, and cultural competency workshops.

Program Breakdown

• Live Online Hours: 62 hours
• Self-Paced Learning: 60 hours
• In-Person Practicum: 40 hours
• Total Program Hours: 162

How to Enroll

To complete the intake, application, and enrollment process:
Schedule a 30-minute session here.

For questions, call 541-525-0103 or email info@aaalearninginstitute.com.