Psychedelic Assisted Therapy is a broad term used to describe the use of all psychedelics in a therapeutic environment to create an expanded state of consciousness which in turn can open new Vanamala to healing.  Currently, except for ketamine, most psychedelics are not legal in many parts of the country, including Wisconsin. Vanamala is not encouraging any of our clients to engage in any illegal activities nor do we offer any kinds of psychedelics to our clients.

That said, as a mental health practitioner, Gretchen frequently works with clients who use currently illegal substances in order to manage various symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, or spiritual crisis. Gretchen believes in the importance of being knowledgeable about psychedelics in order to reduce harm, foster understanding, and meet clients where they are in their healing journeys.  

At Vanamala, Gretchen recognizes that psychedelics are being utilized in many different spaces, by many different people. Some are flocking to remote locations to experience Ayahuasca as a way to help their existential crises. Others have had experiences with MDMA in their younger days that helped them process deeply traumatic events. Many have discovered that microdosing psilocybin is helpful to connect with something larger than themselves or to reduce symptoms of depression.  So many are in the midst of an awakening to the ways our ancestors used psychedelic mushrooms to foster spiritual growth and to heal sickness. Change is surely underfoot across the country.

As a graduate of the Naropa University Psychedelic Assisted Therapy program,  Gretchen has advanced knowledge about altered states of consciousness and how they can be utilized for her client’s benefit based on the newest cutting edge research in the rapidly growing field of psychedelics medicine.  Gretchen knows the complexity of legal issues surrounding psychedelics and understands that your therapeutic space at Vanamala is a private, HIPAA protected environment wherein you can discuss your experiences openly.