Psychedelic Peer Support: How to Care for the Altered (In-Person)

About the Talk:

Mind-altering journeys can be rewarding, transcendent, and blissful, but they can also be confounding, dangerous, and at times, harrowing. What do you do when shit gets weird, scary, or traumatic, and how can you, as a peer, effectively hold space for others, providing a supportive and grounding presence and creating a container of safety and calm? When someone is emotionally distraught, exhausted, and under the influence of an intoxicant, what does it mean to listen deeply – and actively – from a place of non-judgment? How can you reduce harm, respect privacy and boundaries, and help a friend, a loved one, or even a stranger, return to a grounded state as safely as possible?

In this don’t-miss talk, Restpit founder Scott Barr will share essential tips, stories, and philosophies from his years afield at music festivals as a harm reduction specialist. You’ll leave with practical knowledge of how to better care for and hold space for others as they navigate the trippy, challenging, and unexpected territory of altered states. Scott will explore what harm reduction means for us, our communities, and society as a whole. This subject is especially relevant in our age of rapidly growing psychedelic awareness, use, and advancements.

About the Speaker:

With a great passion for live music and a continued desire to help others, Scott Barr founded RestPit in 2016 to provide harm reduction services at music-related events. A former USN-R Corpsman, Emergency Room Tech, EMT, and currently a Registered Nurse, Scott has more than 20 years of healthcare experience. After retiring from bedside nursing, he found that his desire to help others was unfulfilled, and he hopes to continue helping humanity by way of RestPit.

All are welcome in our meetings, but you must register in advance. Meeting location is in your confirmation email.

PsyT Disclaimer: Version August 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 and retreats**