About Brian Pilecki, PhD
Guiding psychedelic experiences has been a dream since college. I first became interested in psychedelics in 2000 when I discovered their potential to help with mental health problems and aid in personal growth and spiritual exploration. I spent several years studying psychedelics, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and meditative and contemplative traditions while earning an M.A. at the California Institute of Integral Studies. I then earned a more mainstream PhD clinical psychology and specialized in mindfulness-based therapies, anxiety disorders, and trauma. In many ways, my career has been devoted towards trying to integrate more traditional methods and models of health and wellness into modern mental health treatment, using a science-based paradigm. I am so excited to be able to offer psilocybin sessions as part of Oregon's Psilocybin Services program.
Mission
I was originally drawn to the mental health care field out of a desire to help others. While psychotherapy is one method that helps many people, it also has limitations. Psychedelics, when taken in the right conditions, can have powerful and transformative effects. I am continuously inspired by stories of how psychedelics have led to growth and change. However, psychedelics are not a miracle cure. They require active effort and may not be helpful for everyone. I am passionate about increasing our understanding of how to best work with psychedelics through my work in clinical research trials, attending psychedelic conferences, and working with colleagues throughout the world who share the same values and interests.
Values
As a therapist, I never resonated with the medical model of mental illness that dominates the field. I see human suffering as an unavoidable part of life and when we get stuck, it is often related to underlying psychological processes that we all share, such as avoiding painful emotions, difficulties with being in the present moment, or losing track of meaning and purpose. In my experience, psychedelics, contemplative practices (e.g. meditation), and psychotherapy are different ways to help us get unstuck from these processes, thereby helping us to live more fully.
After decades of experience with psychedelics, I have seen all kinds of journeys and know that each person's path is unique. While I bring a grounded and respectful attitude to the journey space, I also value playfulness, humor, and brining a light-hearted touch when it is appropriate.
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Background and experience
I have been involved in psychedelic in numerous capacities. I regularly provide psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy to clients as part of my private practice. I have been trained by MAPS and am currently a study therapist on a research trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and on a trial of 5-meo-DMT for the treatment of depression. I am an active researcher who publishes on psychedelics and regularly attends psychedelic conferences.
I have received my training as a psilocybin facilitator from Fluence and am also an instructor for their training program. I regularly provide workshops on psychedelics and have trained clinicians in research trials across the country, and I facilitate several peer-consultation groups for therapists who work with clients using psychedelics. I have experience leading group psilocybin retreats and host a podcast called Altered States of Context about psychedelics and psychotherapy. I have been a guest on several podcasts and have been interviewed for media articles and news stories.
Diversity and inclusion
As a gay or queer white cis-male, I have experienced privilege and advantage for some aspects of my identity, as well as oppression and harm due to other aspects. It is important to me to welcome clients of all backgrounds in regards to race, sexuality, gender identity, body type, ability, or any other identity. I recognize the difficulties in making psychedelic experiences more accessible and affordable to individuals who come from disadvantaged backgrounds so that inequities of the current mental health care system are not replicated, but instead are improved upon. I offer sliding scale services to individuals who come from marginalized backgrounds and who think I would be a good fit to work with.
Altered States of Context
A podcast about psychotherapy, psychedelics, and possibilities.
Nathan Gates and I co-host a podcast about various topics within the intersection between psychedelics, mental health, and therapy. With over 40 recorded episodes, we talk to a range of experts in the field and explore how psychedelics can be helpful in growth and change.
