WHAT IS INTEGRATION? 

​

"Integration refers to the process by which the material accessed, and insights gained in an entheogenic experience, are incorporated over time in a way that benefits the individual and the community."

-ERIE (Entheogenic Research Integration and Education)

​

“Social support is a biological necessity, not an option, and this reality should be the backbone of all prevention and treatment.” 

-Van der Kolk, Bessel A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma.

p. 169, (paperback version)

​

 

Integration Circles at a Glance

​

​

This are safe and confidential spaces for people to process, discuss and share about non-ordinary states of consciousness. NOTE: these are facilitated peer support sessions--we are not offering therapy or medical advice.

 

We invite you to stay after the evening circles for The Studio's Tea & Elixir Lounge -- Reno's only late-night establishment offering specialty teas, elixirs & great vibes!

​

Every Wednesday & Saturday, 5:30 - 7:00 PM - The Studio Reno (1085 S Virginia in the Tea Lounge room)

​

Scroll down to see themes for each Wednesday night. Saturday evenings are a standard integration circle. These circles are designed to offer a safe space to discuss non-ordinary states of consciousness, while providing emotional support and guidance after transformative experiences. All levels of life experience are welcomed and accepted. 

​

First Thursdays at 12 PM noon - Microdosing Support Circle  -  The Studio Reno (1085 S Virginia St, Tea Lounge)

​

Join us every first Thursday at noon at Coffeebar McCarran for our micro-dosing support group. This is a safe space to share experiences and learn from others who have explored the practice of microdosing to benefit mental health. All are welcome--from experienced microdosers to curious beginners!

​

First Mondays, 5 - 6 PM - Parenting Circle  -  April:

​

Psychedelics and journey work can shift the way we see the world and gives us new perspectives. As parents, this has meaningful implications for shifting how we parent, including communication with our children, our co-parent relationship, and interrupting generational trauma, to name a few. Join us for a parenting integration Circle facilitated by Charmi, Kathy and Grace. The first Monday every month 5 - 6 PM at Reno Public Market, 299 E Plumb Lane, Reno

​

Veteran and First Responder Integration Circle

​

The 1RV (1st Responders + Veterans) Integration Circle is a confidential and secure space dedicated to first responders and veterans. This is a place to gather, connect and learn about the potential for healing through alternative remedies. Thank you for continuing to bring awareness to this very necessary conversation, and for your continued support of our first responders and veterans and their healing journeys. Scroll down for more info. For details please email 1strespondervet@gmail.com

​

Peer Support for Addiction Circle with Brendon

(1st Wednesday 5:30 - 7:00 PM at The Studio Reno)

​

Are you interested in learning how psychedelic medicines can be helpful with addictive behaviors and patterns? Most of us struggle with some form of addictive behavior—whether it be with technology, substances, or compulsive mental patterns. If you’re struggling with addictive behaviors, or if you have helpful guidance to share with others based on personal experience, we invite you to a safe and confidential space where we can support each other on the journey! (NOTE: These are sober sessions offered for emotional support. We are not providing psychotherapy, medical advice, or substance abuse counseling.)

​

Symbols & Meaning Circle (Ullman Method) with Kathy

(2nd Wednesday 5:30 - 7:00 PM at The Studio Reno)

​

"As my journey…” Approach to Psychedelic Integration.

This integration circle is based on the Ullman method and has typically been used for nighttime dreams. This circle is for those who are curious about finding meaning from the messages, images, symbols, stories, etc. from their psychedelic experience. The messages of the unconscious are not always clear and we may have to work to understand them. Using the Ullman approach, the individual shares their experience to the extent they are comfortable, and others may share their ideas about the journey by projecting as if it were their own, always responding, “If this were my journey, . . .” The power of this process is that by hearing others' projections, the person sharing opens up to new ideas that resonate with them in a way they could not have done on their own. The person sharing their journey experience decides what it means to them. They may resonate with some reflections and not resonate with others. That is okay.

​

Read more about the Ullman Dreamwork Method for Psychedelic Integration here.

​

​

Self-Parenting Circle with Jim

(2nd Saturday 5:30 - 7:00 PM at The Studio Reno)

​

In this integration circle, we center our discussions on the transformative journey of self-parenting, fostering self-acceptance, and cultivating self-love. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, we explore how insights can become powerful tools for nurturing a compassionate relationship with oneself, promoting personal growth, and fostering a deep sense of inner harmony. Join us in this supportive space as we navigate the pathways to self-discovery and healing.

​

​

Standard Integration Circles

(3rd, 4th & 5th Wednesday & 1st, 3rd & 4th Saturday - 5:30 - 7:00 PM at The Studio Reno)

​

These circles are designed to offer a safe space to discuss non-ordinary states of consciousness, while providing emotional support and guidance after transformative experiences. All levels of life experience are welcomed and accepted. 

​

​

If you'd like to connect online with our group between meetings, and stay up to date on Book Club and Integration Circles, we invite you to join the slack channel!

​

​

SPS Peer-Led Integration Circles

 

​

Our Philosophy​​

​

• Community. We believe that sharing and reflecting on the members’ psychedelic experiences within supportive, compassionate, non-judgmental, and respectful groups supports the community aspect of our mission.

• Transformation. Integration circles create a safe space for open dialogue about participants’ experiences with altered states of consciousness, and we believe that integration is a key component to the transformational potential of psychedelic experiences. Processing the emotions that arise, and working with the images and symbols that may present during altered states, can help us make meaning from these experiences so that we may learn from the information that comes up. Challenging is not bad. 

• Acceptance. We believe in a diversity of members, group techniques, and healing journeys. All are welcome–we celebrate you as you are.

 

Guidelines & Rules of Conduct

​

• Confidentiality. What is shared in a circle is to be held in strict confidence. Whatever is shared in the circle is not to be shared outside of the circle. This makes the circle a contained and protected space where participants can be open about their experiences.

• Peer support. The objective of the community integration circles is to offer a peer-support environment. While peer-led groups have a myriad of benefits they are not substitutes for therapy or professional mental health services, and do not attempt to provide either. If a situation arises that could be better addressed by a professional, we may refer you to a friendly resource such as Psychedelic Support Network or MAPS Integration List.
  (Taken from: https://psychedelic.support/resources/guide-community-psychedelic-integration-circle/) 

• No crosstalk. Keep reflections focused on the person who is sharing.

• Be mindful of the time. Please be aware of the allotted time so that everyone who would like to share has time to do so. Depending on the number in attendance, we often allot about 5 min per share, with about 2 min for reflections.

• Respect. There is a difference between offering reflections and giving unsolicited advice. Avoid using phrases like “you should…” Instead, we encourage you to use language like “sometimes I find it helpful…”

• Listen from the heart: The circle commits to listening openly, attentively, and without judgment. Participants practice letting go of anything that may get in the way of being fully present. It is not necessary to agree with a person’s perspective, or even understand it, though people are encouraged to try to understand and listen with compassion and empathy. What’s most important is to honor the value of what is being shared and who is sharing.

• Speak from the heart: Everyone in the circle is given the opportunity to speak, if they choose to do so. When circle participants choose to speak, they do so from the truth of their own experiences. Rather than attempting to establish facts, voice opinions, or arrive at an objective truth, the circle space holds multiple truths and perspectives as equally valid. The emphasis is on telling one’s story deeply and authentically, without fear of judgement. Speaking one’s truth can be a very healing process and the intention of the circle is to provide safe space for healing to occur.

• Trust the process: Participants are asked to trust the circle process and the structure collaboratively established by the circle. This requires one to relinquish acertain sense of control over what exactly will happen in the circle or what the outcome might be. It also means the possibility of being vulnerable in order to allow genuine expression and connection.

• Respect the talking piece: The circle acknowledges that the talking piece will regulate the circle dialogue by the right to speak only to the person who is holding the talking piece, except in the case that the talking piece has been suspended.

• Do what you need to do: Use the restroom or get up and move around if you need to. No need to ask permission. Please try not to disrupt the group when moving around.If a topic causes you distress and you need to remove yourself from the circle, pleased o so and return when you feel comfortable. You can also approach the group leader privately after the circle if you need to. If you need to leave the circle altogether, and you feel safe doing so, please address the circle first if possible. No need to provide details, just notifying the circle you need to remove yourself will suffice. This will give participants an opportunity to support you and provide closure.

• Accordance with the law. This is not a place to source illegal substances. We are actively working to change the law, but in the meantime, we are abiding by the rules in order to keep our group safe.

​

​

"What should I expect at an integration circle?"

 

An integration circle generally ranges from about 5-10 people who have gathered to share and offer reflections on experiences relating to altered states of consciousness. Sometimes individuals may want to process a recent journey, while others may still be unpacking the meaning of a journey from years prior. There is no obligation to share or to offer reflections–often the discussion of another’s journey can yield valuable insight into our own. We simply ask that you keep what is shared in the circle confidential.

SPS circles begin with an intention to create a safe space for sharing, and depending on the facilitator, they may have an altar for participants to place objects and sharing tools such as a talking stick. They generally run for 1.5 hours.

​

1. Welcome by the facilitator

2. Guidelines and agreements (may be different for each type of integration circle)

3. Participant Introductions (we introduce ourselves by name at the beginning of the circle)

4. Centering meditation/Mindful moment

5. Sharing & Reflections

6. Closing meditation 

7. Conclusion & final announcements

 

Participants are strongly encouraged to research their own path and do their own research on what may be the safest and best experiences for them. Sierra Psychedelic Society DOES NOT encourage, endorse, or promote any illegal activities or reckless drug use, and bears no responsibility for anyone's decision to do so. This material is provided for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional regarding any questions you have, and before making any healthcare-related decisions.  

 

​