05/03/2024
On Friday, May 10, we are pleased to welcome Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist and Psychotherapist Ivy Alvarez, PsyD, to the Horizons stage to as part of the “Listening to BIPOC Therapists” session.
As in many areas of clinical research and care, ethnic and racial minorities are underrepresented in studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), hindering generalization of reported treatment outcomes as well as the opportunity to develop accessible, culturally-informed treatment models in our multi-cultural society. Increasing the diversity of psychedelic therapists and researchers might contribute to address this issue. However, little is known about how therapists of colors view their potential role in this field, and what opportunities and barriers they identify.
This session will present The Psychedelic Therapists Diversity study, which will explore, through qualitative methods, opportunities and barriers for therapists of colors to engage in PAT and research.
Dr. Alvarez earned her Psy.D from the California School of Professional Psychology, and her academic journey was marked by a deep immersion in both traditional and contemporary approaches to therapy. Throughout her doctoral research, Ivy embarked on a transformative journey across Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and the Sierra Mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico. Here, she engaged in profound dialogues and experiences with Indigenous healers, delving into their perspectives on plant medicine. This immersive exploration not only enriched her dissertation but also profoundly shaped her understanding of healing practices.
In her dissertation, Dr. Alvarez focused on amplifying the voices of psychedelic-assisted therapists, particularly highlighting the perspectives and cultures surrounding their practices. She provided a platform for practitioners to share their wisdom lineage and advocated for inclusive approaches that center on the needs of BIPOC/Indigenous populations. Through her work, Ivy seeks to bridge cultural divides and promote healing practices that are both inclusive and culturally sensitive.
Join us for three days of learning and networking at Horizons on May 8-11, 2024. Explore our agenda, speaker lineup, and register at https://buff.ly/3Egr4DU