Groundwork Theory
Building a Foundation for the Work
Through Groundwork Theory, we look at what shapes the work of guiding and what each person brings to it. In this phase, we explore the theories, frameworks and conditions that foster healing in psychedelic care. Additionally, we look at histories and frameworks that shape how we understand transformation and wellness, as well the capacities that each guide needs to develop.
Format
Groundwork Theory provides an introduction and lays the foundation for recognizing what is happening within and around care. We will explore why this matters, and how to respond with greater awareness to the people, relationships, and contexts within which we guide.
We'll explore the following topics and more:
- Locating ourselves within our personal lineage, dominant ideology and historyÂ
- Examining Historical and current cultural ideology that informs our individual and collective understandings and beliefs about wellness
- Introduce the tensions between Indigenous informed approaches and Western paradigms of care, engaging ritual as communication with land and spiritual realms.Â
- Explore foundational frameworks in the GatherWell Approach such as the Transformational arc, GatherWell core capacities, and depth education and apprenticeship as our approach to cultural change.
- Somatic awareness, engaging limbic capacity and introduction to relational field tending.
- and much more
Self paced learning through our learning platform- Circle.
There you will be offered videos, readings, reflections activities and exercises to experiment with and deepen the learnings. The length of this phase may vary but can be expected to be between 2-4months.
Community Calls
Gather with other GroundWork Theory enrollees. Facilitated by program staff where you can participate in a light experiential engagement, ask questions and hear others reflections on specific subject material. These will occur monthly from the start of Groundwork theory to shortly before Groundwork practice begins. Dates yet to be set.
Groundwork Theory provides the conceptual foundation for Groundwork Practice and the Apprenticeship that follows.
Progressing to Groundwork Practice
Because Groundwork Practice involves a deeper level of relational and experiential engagement, including residential retreats and psychedelic ceremony, we assess health safety for participation and readiness for deeper relational and experiential engagement. This includes additional forms, health screening, and an interview with GatherWell staff.
At this threshold, we are asking:
Is this person prepared to engage safely, openly, and meaningfully in the depth of work Groundwork Practice asks of them?
We consider:
→ A participant’s developing understanding of GatherWell’s frameworks
→ Their capacity to engage in group process, and their readiness for the more intensive interpersonal and experiential dimensions of Groundwork Practice
Groundwork Theory and Groundwork Practice may also be taken independently by those who want to deepen their capacity for relational, cultural, and transformational work without becoming psychedelic guides.
Explore the next phase:
Groundwork Practice
Phase Two
Where we explore these ideas through embodied practice, personal inquiry, community, retreat, and ceremony while developing a clearer understanding of one’s own capacities and relationship to the work.
Apprenticeship