The Connecticut Society For Psychoanalytic Psychology
presents
Anna Yusim, MD
Psychedelics and the Psyche: Unraveling Identity Through Altered States
Artist : Eva Gamayun, Shutterstock
In Person & Zoom
Saturday February 1, 2025
Conference Schedule
Coffee hour and in-person check-in 10-11
Zoom check-in 10:45
Presentation 11-1
Lunch 1-2
Location
Albertus Magnus College,
Behan Community Room, New Haven, CT
Directions and Photo
Map of Albertus Magnus College
2 CECs (Division 39)
2 CECs, Social Work, LPCs & LMFTs
A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants the day before the event.
The Talk
Derived from the Greek terms "psyche," signifying soul or mind, and "delos," meaning to manifest or reveal, the concept of "psychedelic" encapsulates the transformative potential of these substances in fostering profound psychological change. Psychedelics present innovative biological mechanisms for addressing some of the most persistent and treatment-resistant mental health conditions, including depression, suicidality, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and OCD. Beyond their clinical applications, these substances also hold the capacity to catalyze shifts in personal identity, narrative frameworks, and overarching worldviews. This presentation will explore the bio-psycho-spiritual dimensions of psychedelic use, both within and outside therapeutic contexts, illuminating the transformative experiences that arise from engaging with these powerful agents. Through a thorough examination of various psychedelics and their distinct biological mechanisms, this talk will articulate how these compounds can facilitate emotional catharsis, enhance cognitive flexibility, and foster a deeper understanding of the self.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the biological mechanisms of various psychedelics and their therapeutic implications.
2. Analyze the psychoanalytic perspective on identity and narrative transformation through psychedelic experiences.
3. Explore the psychospiritual dimensions of psychedelics and their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Meet the Speaker
Dr. Anna Yusim is an award-winning, Board-Certified, Stanford and Yale-educated Psychiatrist & Executive Coach, with clients including Forbes 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, A-list actors and actresses, and the Chairs of academic departments at top universities. Dr. Yusim is the best-selling author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Yale, Dr. Yusim is presently working to create the Yale Mental Health & Spirituality Center, which will be a bridge between the Yale Medical School and Yale Divinity School. Dr. Yusim has published over 370 academic articles, book chapters, scientific abstracts, book reviews, and articles for the lay public on various topics in psychiatry. A frequent contributor to CNN, Fox News, ABC, and NBC, she has been a guest on hundreds of national and international TV shows, radio programs, and podcasts.
Recommended Readings:
1. Pollan, M. (2018). How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Link here.
2. Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Friston, K. J. (2019). "Recovery of Magical Consciousness: A Unifying Theory of Psychedelic Action." Frontiers in Pharmacology. Link here.
3. Grof, S. (2000). Psychology of the Future: Lessons from Modern Consciousness Research. Link here.
Participants
The conference is appropriate for professionals interested in the practice of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The instructional level of this conference is intermediate.
Continuing Education
This conference has been approved for for 2 continuing education credits by Div. 39. Division 39 maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Also approved - 2 CECs from NASW-CT.
If continuing education credit is desired, please mark the appropriate box on the registration page, for our records. In addition,100% attendance and a completed evaluation form is required to receive CEC certificates. The evaluation form will be sent in the form of an online survey to all registrants within a few hours after the event, and if you attend the full conference and return that you will be sent a certificate of attendance.
To Register and Pay
Members - remember to log in to for member discount.
If you do not log in, you won't be recognized as a member.
All registrations must be made and paid for online.
You can pay with credit card and debit card.
If you are using a phone, you will need to register through the WildApricot app, which is designed for phone use and will allow you all the options. The app Wild Apricot for Members is available in your App Store for free. Just log in with your usual CSPP email and password.
Refunds will be given in full until the Monday before the conference. To receive a refund, cancel your registration online by going to your profile in the upper right corner, select "My Event Registrations" click on the event, then click on "Cancel Reservation." Questions/problems, please contact the registrar, Monique St. Paul.
Scholarship registrants: If you need the registration code, contact William Hartmann, MFT.
Members and Contacts - Need to update your information?
Please login to your profile, then click under your name at View Profile, to make any changes or additions, including changes of email addresses. If you have problems, contact Kelly Butler
CSPP Membership: Membership is open to all mental health professionals ($85 annual dues); early career (less than 7 years since degree, $50 annual dues); retirees ($30 annual dues); and graduate students ($20 annual dues). For further information on CSPP membership, please click here: CSPP.
Division 39 is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. Participants are asked to be aware of needs for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them.
Please address questions or concerns to Ashley Warner, LCSW, BCD.
