How I started my Psychedelic Coaching Business without a degree
I didn’t start this business because I had it all figured out—in fact, I had no idea where to begin. I started because of my own experiences with the medicine and the transformation it sparked within me. I felt a deep knowing that this work matters, that it has the power to support profound change, and that it can help so many people find their way.
This journey wasn’t easy. There was no program to enroll in, no step-by-step guide to follow, and the stigma surrounding the medicine often felt heavy and misaligned with my own experience. I spent countless hours—weeks, even months—researching, reaching out to retreat centers to volunteer, diving into books, and watching an endless stream of videos, all in search of guidance and connection. Eventually, I found community, discovered support, and was given the opportunity to apprentice with a deeply loving teacher—a healer and guide—who helped me understand the sacred responsibility of holding space.
Through all that searching, I began to find my way—not through a single answer, but through small, meaningful steps that slowly built the foundation of my work. Here are the significant steps I took and what I learned along the way as I built a coaching practice rooted in integrity, purpose, and deep respect for the medicine.
Experience the medicine for yourself: Listen up when I say you must experience the medicine for yourself. No, I’m not talking about the time you indulged at a high school party or concert. While those experiences are important, what I’m suggesting is something deeper I’m talking about in a ceremony setting, exploring different types of doses and doing it more than once. When you experience the medicine in a similar setting, you will be offering your clients, you will be more likely to connect and understand more and support them in their healing journey. Imagine having a conversation with someone who went to the moon, and yet you haven’t. As you can imagine, it may be very difficult to connect and understand their experience.
Self-educate with trusted sources: There’s an overwhelming amount of information about psychedelics—ranging from scientific, spiritual, and medical insights to myths and misinformation. Finding trusted sources is key to filtering out what’s credible and relevant. It’s equally important to educate yourself about the dogma and unethical communities that can cast a shadow over this space. Unfortunately, some individuals exploit vulnerable states for personal gain or profit. To build a solid foundation of knowledge, turn to reputable webinars, books, documentaries, and credible resources that offer thoughtful, well-rounded perspectives.
Join integration circles: Participating in integration circles offers valuable insights into a wide range of personal experiences. This not only broadens your understanding but also helps you remain neutral, recognizing that no two psychedelic journeys are ever the same.
Work Alongside Experienced Specialists: I highly recommend becoming a student alongside an experienced specialist. This is arguably one of the most essential steps in your journey. One of the most accessible ways to gain this experience is by volunteering at credible retreat centers, where you can observe, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.
Build Your Resource Network: Surround yourself with a network of trusted specialists—therapists, doctors, coaches, and spiritual leaders. This not only provides you with support but also offers a valuable referral network for clients who may need specialized care beyond your scope.
Respect the Sacredness of These Medicines: Many psychedelics have roots in indigenous cultures and are regarded as sacred, often believed to carry their own spirit. It’s your responsibility to honor the history, rituals, and spirit of the medicine with the utmost respect and integrity.
Know How to Reduce Harm: Your first priority is ensuring the safety of your clients. While many psychedelics are generally considered safe, there are contraindications and risks to be aware of. Even with proper preparation, there’s always a chance that something unexpected could happen. Being prepared for worst-case scenarios isn’t about fear—it’s about responsibility.
Understand the Legal Landscape: Psychedelics are still illegal in most states and cities. If you’re considering facilitation, ask yourself: Are you prepared to face potential legal consequences? This isn’t to discourage you but to emphasize the importance of fully understanding the legal risks involved in this work.
Before I share the most crucial piece…Here’s something that might surprise you: According to LEK Consulting The psychedelic space is rapidly evolving—not just in terms of research and accessibility, but in the growing need for meaningful support. Nearly $500 million was invested in the sector in 2023 alone, with projections for continued growth in the coming years. But this growth isn’t about profits—it reflects a deeper shift in how people are seeking healing, personal growth, and transformation. As the demand for mental health services outpaces available resources, there’s an urgent need for coaches who can hold space with integrity, compassion, and a grounded understanding of integration.
Now, Here’s my final and most crucial step…
Get Certified: Whether you want to be a facilitator, an integration coach, or both—PLEASE GET CERTIFIED. Certification is one of the best ways to learn, stay current with scientific developments, and understand the evolving landscape of psychedelics.
What’s fascinating about this field is that you don’t need to be a therapist or psychologist to help people heal and transform with psychedelics. The reality is that once you understand how to work properly with both the medicine and the client, you can offer meaningful support. There are therapists who have never worked with psychedelics and some who even refuse to experience the medicine themselves. Personally, I’d rather work with someone who has both proper training and firsthand experience with the medicine because that combination creates a deeper understanding of the work.
Coaching is not therapy. While some clients may feel that coaching is even more impactful than therapy, coaching focuses on the present and future. It’s action-oriented, helping clients identify their intentions, clarify where they need support, and take aligned steps toward their goals. Certification plays a crucial role in this process, not just for credibility, but because it helps you understand the boundaries of your role—knowing when you can support a client effectively and when it’s necessary to refer them to other professionals. To be clear, having a degree in mental health can absolutely benefit your clients, offering valuable insight into the complexities of the human mind. However, it’s not a requirement for this type of coaching. What matters most is your training, experience, and ability to hold space with integrity, presence, and care.
I earned my certification through Being True To You (BTTY), the pioneering company that launched the first psychedelic preparation and integration coaching program in 2010. BTTY was also the first to offer a psychedelic integration coach training and certification program, setting the foundation for this field. Their program is truly transformational, with a strong focus on “doing one’s own work,” personal growth, accountability, and making incremental changes. The emphasis is always on the client’s responsibility to create change in their own life.
What sets BTTY apart is their heart-centered and neutral coaching approach that welcomes people from all walks of life. They don’t tell clients what to think or believe—instead, they create space for individuals to think for themselves, explore their truths, and align with their authentic path. There are no hidden motives, agendas, or propaganda—just genuine support for self-discovery, which is becoming increasingly rare these days.
If you’re interested in becoming a certified coach, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to share more information about the program or tell you about my personal experience with it. If you are ready to sign up now, tell them I sent you and get started here.
If you’d like a list of all my resources, do me a favor and sign up to stay connected below and follow my Instagram account @aftrglointegration. Comment “resources” on the post referencing this piece, and I’ll send everything your way!
