FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2024 Psychedelic Practitioner Training

Denver, Colorado:  August 22, 2024 – The Synthesis Institute, a global leader in the modern psychedelic movement, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Joe Flanders as its new Program Director. Dr. Flanders, a renowned psychologist, brings extensive expertise in transformative psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy, as well as a deep commitment to the principles of connection, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and evidence-based practice.

Dr. Flanders' distinguished career includes overseeing the creation of the practitioner training program at Numinus Wellness and founding Mindspace, a private clinic in Montreal, Canada. His most recent venture was founding Refuge, an organization that helps connect patients, prescribers, and facilitators to access legal psychedelic care in Montreal. He also serves as an Assistant Professor (Professional) in the Department of Psychology at McGill University. His academic and professional journey is marked by a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"Joining the Synthesis Institute as Program Director feels like coming home," said Dr. Joe Flanders. "The mission of nurturing a generation of skilled, compassionate practitioners resonates deeply with me. Being part of a global team striving to restore the Synthesis Institute’s legacy in the psychedelic community and guiding more people through ethical and impactful psychedelic education is truly inspiring. I look forward to welcoming our ninth cohort of students later in October." 

Synthesis’ flagship offering, the Psychedelic Practitioner Training, encompasses a 13-month Core Training, the Immersion Apprenticeship program, and a one-year Practicum program. It is specifically designed for those eager to work in the psychedelic space, seeking a research-backed, wisdom-rich, somatically-informed, and heart-centered approach to psychedelic care. Synthesis’ programs integrate clinical research and evidence-based best practices with wisdom traditions and somatic and contemplative practices. They cultivate the values and core competencies of the next generation of psychedelic practitioners to usher in a new paradigm in health, wellness, and care safely and ethically. 

Founded in 2018, the Synthesis Institute has been at the forefront of providing legal and professionally-guided psychedelic-supported retreat programs. As one of the first companies globally to offer foundational and advanced experiential psychedelic education and training, Synthesis has guided over 1,000 individuals through professionally-led psychedelic experiences. After facing financial challenges in March 2023, the institute's training program operations and ownership transitioned to Retreat Guru, which rehired many of the original staff. Under new leadership, this move allowed Synthesis to concentrate on its acclaimed Psychedelic Practitioner Training and to continue its legacy of pioneering psychedelic education, having now graduated well over 400 students.

“Synthesis has experienced great success and significant challenges, each offering valuable lessons and areas for growth. Dr. Flanders' appointment marks a new beginning, guided by these insights as we move forward,” said Cameron Wenaus, CEO & Co-founder of Retreat Guru. “The team can now turn their attention toward exploring new possibilities of sustainable growth and intentional expansion guided by our communities and the wisdom keepers who have come before us.”

Dr. Flanders will initially concentrate on preparing the program to offer a Colorado licensure track for all students. He will also collaborate on updating Synthesis’s Code of Ethics and lead a six-part workshop series on Psychedelic Practitioner Fundamentals that Synthesis offers free of charge to the community.

About the Synthesis Institute:

As a global leader in the modern psychedelic movement, the Synthesis Institute is dedicated to advancing psychedelic research and delivering high-quality professional education and training for psychedelic practitioners. With a pioneering history of offering legal psychedelic experiences to over 1,000 individuals, the Synthesis Institute has established itself as a trusted educational provider for a growing community of more than 400 students and graduates. The Synthesis Institute continues to fulfill its mission through the Psychedelic Practitioner Training. For more information about the Synthesis Institute, please visit the Synthesis Institute’s Website.

About Retreat Guru:

Retreat Guru, based in British Columbia, Canada, is the world’s largest collection of transformative experiences. Founded and run by brothers Cameron and Deryk Wenaus, Retreat Guru connects individuals with meaningful retreats and transformational leaders who promote personal growth and healing.  With more than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Retreat Guru is committed to mindfulness, conscious leadership, and sustainable business practice. Their team is dedicated to connecting retreat offerings around the globe with individuals on their journeys toward well-being and self-discovery. For more information, visit www.retreat.guru.

Media Contact: 

Sarah Van Lange, The Synthesis Institute 

svanlange@synthesisinstitute.com 

(+1) 647-287-9582