Common Clinical Challenges in Practice

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Ashley Carmen, LMFT, psychotherapist and founder of the Psychedelic Guide Network (PGN). Ashley offers insight into Austin's rapidly growing psychedelic landscape and the ethical foundations needed to support safe, grounded facilitation.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-334/?ref=278

Paul and Ashley explore sovereignty, accountability, dual relationships, and the subtle dynamics that arise in non-ordinary states. They also discuss how PGN's Wisdom Circles help facilitators deepen their practice through honest reflection and community-based support. Together they consider how ethics can function as medicine—clarifying power, strengthening boundaries, and honoring the integrity of the work.

Ashley Carmen, M.S., LMFT is a psychotherapist and founder of the Psychedelic Guide Network. She supports both licensed clinicians and community facilitators as they incorporate psychedelic modalities into ethical practice. Ashley trained with MAPS in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and completed psilocybin guide training through the School of Consciousness Medicine, influenced by Mazatec traditions of Huautla de Jiménez, Oaxaca. Her work centers on fostering diversity, accountability, and ethical maturity within the expanding psychedelic field.

Highlights:

• Austin's emergence as a psychedelic hub
• Sovereignty and responsibility in facilitation
• Dual relationships and clean boundaries
• Power dynamics and sexual projection
• Inside PGN's peer Wisdom Circles
• Support for licensed psychedelic practitioners
• Scope guidance for non-clinical facilitators
• Ethics as a core healing practice

Episode Links:

• Psychedelic Guide Network

Episode Sponsors:

• The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• The Practitioner Certification Program at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

Disclaimer: Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.

This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.