About Allyson
Who I am as a Guide
Think of me as your psychedelic doula or midwife; I have a holistic, somatic-focused lens that comes from scientific and spiritual education, deep personal experience with psychedelics, and from helping many others work with this medicine as well. I believe we all have an innate healing intelligence that is supported and amplified by these medicines. My goal is to create a safe space for you to access your own intelligence.
I take the approach of person-centered care, which prioritizes the unique needs, values, and preferences of each individual, ensuring that their voice is central to every aspect of their experience.Read my Code of Ethicsto understand how I show up in relationships.
My Education, Training, Experience
TAM Integration Somatic Integration Coaching Program
Embody Lab’s Somatic Psychedelic Facilitator Training
BA in Psychology & Studio Art, University of Iowa
MFA in Metalsmithing, SUNY New Paltz
In progress - Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Northwestern Health Science University
Reiki Master
Note: There is not a gold standard for psychedelic facilitation training in the United States. I strongly believe that the medicine is the greatest teacher, and extensive personal experience should be a requirement, in addition to adequate training, for safe, effective facilitation.
My Personal Story
When I sat with psychedelic medicine for the first time in my 30s, I wasn’t exactly sure why I wanted to. Outwardly I had a successful looking life - a well-paid leadership position at work, a home, a kind partner, and two healthy children. I had no mental or physical health diagnoses. I could not find a guide and so I spent a year researching and learning how to work with psychedelics alone.
I quickly learned why I had been so driven to sit with this medicine from that first experience, and saw my life through a completely new lens. I had a particular type of c-ptsd which was quiet and numb, as well as depression and body dysmorphia. I was only half alive; frozen and numb to my body, my feelings, and the world around me.
I have now thawed into a much more authentic life and way of being. After experiencing such huge shifts and feeling at home within my body, I want to pass on my skills and knowledge, and help others make their way home to their fullest expression of self.
Allyson (she/her) is a queer, white mom of two hilarious kids. She is comfortable with people from all walks of life; there is no shame to you, or your story. She is trauma informed, and welcomes people of all socioeconomic statuses, gender expressions, sexual orientations, religious/spiritual beliefs, races, and ethnicities.