Nature Vs. Nurture: Pros & Cons of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy & Traditional Plant Medicines (San Antonio)

Welcome to a thoughtful discussion on using psychedelic plant medicine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for mental and emotional well-being. Our panel, filled with therapists, coaches, and military veterans (including a combat veteran and a combat medic), is here to break it down for you—exploring the good and not-so-good sides of these approaches to tackle life's challenges. Think of it as a deep dive into new ways of thinking and feeling. So, let's dive in together and unravel the complexities of these mind-opening therapies.

This discussion is not just about scientific jargon and technicalities; it's about demystifying these practices for everyone in the room. Our esteemed panelists, armed with extensive experience and knowledge, will share the pros and cons of both approaches. Our goal is to arm you with information. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone just starting to explore these avenues, we are here to make the information accessible. It's like embarking on a journey of discovery, peeling back the layers of complexity to reveal the practical insights that can benefit us all.

So, let's create a space where curiosity meets expertise, and together, we unravel the potential of psychedelic healing. Welcome to an illuminating journey into the intersection of mind, medicine, and healing.

Bios of Speakers/Panelists:

Joanna Trevino

Joanna Trevino is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Breathwork Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, EMDR Practitioner, Meditation Teacher and Reiki Master Teacher. Joanna is trained in MDMA, psilocybin, and KAP ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and currently offers KAP sessions. She has extensive experience with Sand Tray Therapy, Play Therapy and Expressive Arts.

Tammy (Tamala) Leday

Tammy Leday, the owner and CEO of True Soul Counseling & Consulting, LLC., is a psychotherapist, KAP, career coach, and consultant originally from Buffalo, NY. She has lived all over the world as a military veteran, spouse, and mental health contractor. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) who completed MDMA training through MAPS and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through Fluence in collaboration with Journey Clinical, Tamala continues to find alignment in her purpose as a healer of self and others. She is also RYT-200 yoga certified with Yoga Alliance.

Tamala began her career working internationally with those affected by trauma and is trained in EMDR and incorporates this in her practice with non-ordinary states of consciousness and mindfulness. She identifies and intentionally works with those identifying as BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and journeying through trauma, addiction, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Tamala practices life affirming and sensitive to gender equality, racial equity, and follows a “beginner's mind,” a person-centered, holistic approach, in therapy and life in general.

Tamala enjoys running, yoga, meditation, traveling, hiking, reading, and is an avid life learner. She spends time with her life partner and her three dogs, Max, Beige, and Dallas. She is also preparing to complete her PhD, March 2024!

Mark Nicolas

Mark Nicolas is a combat veteran, music festival medic, psychologist in training, and psychedelic therapy facilitator who takes pride in supporting organizations such as The Mission Within and Sacred Warrior Community, among others. As the founder of Neurogenic Consultants Group, Mark leverages his extensive personal network of vetted practitioners to develop preparation programs, retreat structures, safety protocols, and integration methods tailored to each individual case.

Following his military service, Mark continued to serve his community in urgent care and cardiac care settings while volunteering as an EMS at music festivals as a hobby. This experience provided him with intimate knowledge and expertise in dealing with and mitigating adverse psychological and physiological events associated with psychedelics. Mark has successfully translated this knowledge into the therapeutic realm, excelling in creating efficient environments and programs that foster transformative healing, even in the most challenging cases.

Having guided hundreds of individuals through various programs, Mark remains committed to his personal and professional growth. He is currently pursuing a curriculum in Human Services with a focus on Addiction Counseling at San Antonio College and plans to further his education at Texas A&M's Clinical Psychology master's program, specializing in Experimental Psychology.

Bob Stead

Bob Stead served proudly in the United States Army as a Combat Medic after reenlisting following the attacks on 9/11. He was medically retired after injuries sustained during combat operations and after a decade of rehab and self-discovery, he went back to school to get his master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has experience in Individual and Group Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response and Psychological First Aid. Bob currently works as a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist as well as independently offering psychedelic preparation and integration services and support.

*** Please read all rules and disclaimers before attending our live events ***

PsyT Meeting Rules

We are excited you will be joining us for an inperson event. Please keep in mind the following guidlines  while enjoying your time in community with us. 

We are also going to ask everyone to:

- Speak from personal perspective

- No Advice Giving

- Bring an open mind

- Confidentiality about who attends our meetings

- No Recording of ANY kind

- Silence all electronic devices

- Avoid distractive behavior

- Avoid crosstalk

- Consider how much talking time you are using and try to leave room for our marginalized and/or shyer members.

-No solicitation of Substances or Promotion of Retreats and/or non-PsyT events (see disclaimer)

-Please refrain from publicly naming specific guides and retreats.

PsyT Disclaimer: Version January 2022

PsyT does not hold ceremonies or promote illegal activities during our events. This is not a place to seek, encourage, or participate in the procurement of controlled substances. You agree that you will not contact us for such things and will not engage in any such activities in your participation in any PsyT event. We provide a platform to discuss experiences that offer transformation in our personal and professional lives. You acknowledge that any information we provide is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

**Please do not use our space to promote or source substance & retreats. This is not the space for public announcements about your own organizations. **