We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Dr. J Psychology

Understand how psychological conditions that are complex and difficult to treat are meeting with new success. In particular, how the careful use of certain hormones, anesthetics and psychedelic substances are improving the lives of people with: treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety about death & dying, addictions, and obsessive-compulsive rigidity.

Read more

Understand how psychological conditions that are complex and difficult to treat are meeting with new success. In particular, how the careful use of certain hormones, anesthetics and psychedelic substances are improving the lives of people with: treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety about death & dying, addictions, and obsessive-compulsive rigidity.

In addition, you will learn about the importance of the proper therapeutic context in administering these substances as well as processing the experience afterwards. In the past, problems developed when certain "gurus" advocated for the unsupervised use of drugs such as LSD and natural substances with psychedelic effects such as psilocybin or blue mushrooms. Now, we understand how important the right setting and guidance can be for undertaking an experience within your mind that can persist for 4-6 hours or more. Afterwards, we need to develop insights about what occurred during "the trip" and how such new insights can inform our choices and habits in the future. The careful administration and supervision of these powerful substances must be emphasized.

Get more clarity regarding what's happening inside the human brain during these interventions (or "trips"). Understand the power of our Default Mode Network (DMN) and how it's top-down structure can prevent other structures in the brain from communicating. When undergoing an experience with MDMA or magic mushrooms, the DMN relaxes to enable unique sensory experiences to emerge and inform our lives. Join me in gaining more insights about these emerging therapeutic options. 

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the therapeutic role that psychedelics can play in mental health
  • Appreciate how mdma or psilocybin can help us heal from psychological trauma
  • Learn how our brains can get relief from ptsd, intractable depression, ocd and anxiety.
  • Develop a broader range of options for psychotherapeutic interventions

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to Emerging Trends in Psychotherapy
New Treatments for Depression
Ecstasy Trials
Read more

PowerPoint Slides Describing the Revision to the DSM

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides contextual background about Dr. J Psychology, reputable mental health and addiction experts behind the course
Suitable for learners with background and interest in clinical psychology practices, particularly those centered around mental health and substance abuse disorders
Introduces learners to the intricate workings of the human brain, opening up their understanding of its dynamics and functions
Offers updates on recent additions and alterations to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), ensuring alignment with contemporary diagnostic criteria
Emphasizes the importance of therapeutic context within the administration of certain substances, providing a holistic perspective on the treatment process
Provides comprehensive coverage of how psychedelic substances can benefit mental health by addressing their therapeutic and healing potential

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Insights into emerging mental health therapies

According to learners, this course provides a compelling and highly relevant exploration of new therapeutic approaches for complex mental health conditions, including the use of psychedelic substances. Students praise the instructor's expertise and engaging delivery, finding the content informative and thought-provoking. Key takeaways often relate to understanding the Default Mode Network and the critical importance of proper therapeutic context and integration. While largely positive, some reviewers suggest the course serves primarily as an excellent introduction, implying those seeking deep clinical detail might need supplementary resources. Overall, it is widely regarded as a valuable and timely course for professionals and individuals interested in the evolving landscape of mental healthcare.
Serves as a strong overview.
"This course is a great starting point for anyone interested in this field."
"An excellent overview, although those seeking deep clinical dives might need more."
"Provided a very solid foundation of understanding."
"A good general introduction to the subject."
Complex topics made accessible.
"Complex topics were explained clearly and concisely."
"Managed to make challenging concepts easy to grasp."
"Everything was presented in a very understandable way."
Provides clarity on brain mechanisms.
"Understanding the Default Mode Network was a key insight."
"Gained a clearer picture of how these substances affect brain function."
"The explanation of the DMN was particularly helpful."
Highlights importance of setting and integration.
"Crucially highlights the importance of the therapeutic context, not just the substance."
"Appreciated the focus on integration and the 'set and setting' aspect."
"It was good that they emphasized the need for trained guides and proper protocols."
Explores novel and timely treatment options.
"Fascinating subject, discussing new therapies that are gaining traction."
"Very relevant information on emerging treatments for conditions often resistant to traditional approaches."
"Loved learning about the potential of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting."
"Timely topic discussed with intelligence and nuance."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and articulate."
"Excellent instructor, clearly very experienced in the field."
"His knowledge on the subject is exceptional and he explains things clearly."
"The lecturer was very enthusiastic and interesting."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in New Therapies for Depression, OCD, PTSD and Anxiety with these activities:
Practice mindfulness techniques
Enhances emotional regulation and self-awareness, which are essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by psychedelic experiences
Browse courses on Mindfulness
Show steps
  • Find a guided meditation or mindfulness app
  • Practice for 10-15 minutes each day
Review the neuroscience of addiction
Strengthens the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying addiction, providing a foundation for exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating addiction
Browse courses on Addiction
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes or textbooks on addiction
  • Complete practice problems or quizzes
Read an overview of psychedelics
Provides a foundation for understanding the role of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions
Show steps
  • Purchase the book
  • Read the first three chapters
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Join a support group for people using psychedelics
Provides a supportive environment for sharing experiences and discussing the challenges and benefits of psychedelic therapy
Show steps
  • Find a support group in your area
  • Attend a meeting
Write a blog post about your experiences with psychedelics
Encourages reflection and integration of the therapeutic insights gained through psychedelic experiences
Show steps
  • Choose a topic
  • Write an outline
  • Draft the post
Become a mentor to someone who is interested in psychedelic therapy
Shares knowledge and provides support, contributing to the advancement of psychedelic therapy
Show steps
  • Reach out to organizations or individuals seeking mentors
  • Offer your services

Career center

Learners who complete New Therapies for Depression, OCD, PTSD and Anxiety will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness. They use a variety of approaches, including psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments. This course may be useful for psychiatrists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Psychologist
Psychologists are mental health professionals who use psychotherapy to help people with mental illness. They may also conduct research on mental illness and develop new treatments. This course may be useful for psychologists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Social Worker
Social workers provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for social workers who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Counselor
Counselors provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and private practice. This course may be useful for counselors who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists provide mental health services to couples and families. They may work in a variety of settings, such as private practice, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for marriage and family therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors provide mental health services to people who are struggling with addiction. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and sober living homes. This course may be useful for addiction counselors who want to learn more about the latest treatments for addiction.
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for mental health nurses who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people with mental illness develop the skills they need to live independently. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for occupational therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use recreation and leisure activities to help people with mental illness improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for recreational therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Art Therapist
Art therapists use art to help people with mental illness express themselves and cope with their symptoms. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for art therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to help people with mental illness express themselves and cope with their symptoms. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for music therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Dance Therapist
Dance therapists use dance to help people with mental illness express themselves and cope with their symptoms. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for dance therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Drama Therapist
Drama therapists use drama to help people with mental illness express themselves and cope with their symptoms. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for drama therapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They use a variety of approaches, including talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other treatments. This course may be useful for psychotherapists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists study the brain and nervous system. They may conduct research on a variety of topics, such as mental illness, brain development, and learning. This course may be useful for neuroscientists who want to learn more about the latest treatments for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in New Therapies for Depression, OCD, PTSD and Anxiety.
Provides a mindfulness-based approach to managing depression and promoting emotional well-being.
A well-researched and engaging exploration of the history and science behind psychedelic substances, their therapeutic applications, and their potential to enhance well-being.
Provides a comprehensive guide to CBT, including techniques for managing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Provides an overview of the neurobiology of psychotherapy and its implications for clinical practice.
This workbook provides a variety of relaxation and stress reduction techniques that can be helpful for individuals with anxiety and stress-related disorders.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser