Ep. 5 – Finding the Work: A Therapist’s Path into Psychedelics – A Conversation with Cody Callon
In this episode of Intonicated, host Kenneth Tupper speaks with therapist Cody Callon about the evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Cody shares his path from harm reduction work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to becoming a clinician specializing in trauma and psychedelic therapies. He reflects on his first experiences with ayahuasca, the challenges of integration without community, and how these experiences gradually informed his professional direction.
The conversation explores key themes in contemporary psychedelic practice, including the role of preparation and integration, the importance of therapeutic alliance, and why these substances are better understood as tools rather than standalone cures. Cody also offers insights into matching different medicines to individual needs, emphasizing a personalized, trauma-informed approach.
They discuss real-world clinical experience with ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin, alongside the practical and regulatory barriers to access in Canada—particularly through Health Canada’s Special Access Program.
The episode closes with a reflection on the paradox of limited therapeutic access despite increasing public availability, and what this means for the future of safe, effective psychedelic care.
Time Stamps
01:09 – Introduction
02:21 – Social work career and drug policy interest
04:45 – Hearing about ayahuasca for first time
06:06 – Prior perception about psychedelics
07:36 – Learning about Gabor Mate’s work with ayahuasca and addiction treatment
10:19 – First time drinking ayahuasca
15:39 – Challenges with integration
19:38 – Getting opportunity to pursue psychedelic research
23:44 – Being trained to become a psychedelic therapist
26:18 – Early 2020s psychedelic bubble
30:44 – Getting experience offering ketamine- and MDMA-assisted therapy
34:24 – Patterned thinking and developmental trauma
38:54 – Preparation and integration support for clients
46:54 – Opportunities for greater access to psychedelic therapies
49:10 – Canada’s Special Access Program for psychedelics
53:46 – Mushroom dispensaries
Guest:
Cody Callon is a Vancouver-based therapist and registered social worker specializing in trauma, substance use, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. With nearly two decades of experience in mental health, harm reduction, and addictions research, he has worked in clinical, community, and research settings, including with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use. Cody is trained in MDMA-, ketamine-, and psilocybin-assisted therapies and provides psychotherapy, psychedelic integration, education, and consulting services.
Links:
https://www.codycallon.com
https://www.medicineassistedtherapy.ca
https://www.ciis.edu/continuing-education/center-for-psychedelic-therapies-and-research/about-the-certificate
https://www.sabimind.com/blog/worldsfirstwellnesspsychedelicstudy
Host:
Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.
In this episode of Intonicated, host Kenneth Tupper speaks with therapist Cody Callon about the evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Cody shares his path from harm reduction work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to becoming a clinician specializing in trauma and psychedelic therapies. He reflects on his first experiences with ayahuasca, the challenges of integration without community, and how these experiences gradually informed his professional direction.
The conversation explores key themes in contemporary psychedelic practice, including the role of preparation and integration, the importance of therapeutic alliance, and why these substances are better understood as tools rather than standalone cures. Cody also offers insights into matching different medicines to individual needs, emphasizing a personalized, trauma-informed approach.
They discuss real-world clinical experience with ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin, alongside the practical and regulatory barriers to access in Canada—particularly through Health Canada’s Special Access Program.
The episode closes with a reflection on the paradox of limited therapeutic access despite increasing public availability, and what this means for the future of safe, effective psychedelic care.
Time Stamps
01:09 – Introduction
02:21 – Social work career and drug policy interest
04:45 – Hearing about ayahuasca for first time
06:06 – Prior perception about psychedelics
07:36 – Learning about Gabor Mate’s work with ayahuasca and addiction treatment
10:19 – First time drinking ayahuasca
15:39 – Challenges with integration
19:38 – Getting opportunity to pursue psychedelic research
23:44 – Being trained to become a psychedelic therapist
26:18 – Early 2020s psychedelic bubble
30:44 – Getting experience offering ketamine- and MDMA-assisted therapy
34:24 – Patterned thinking and developmental trauma
38:54 – Preparation and integration support for clients
46:54 – Opportunities for greater access to psychedelic therapies
49:10 – Canada’s Special Access Program for psychedelics
53:46 – Mushroom dispensaries
Guest:
Cody Callon is a Vancouver-based therapist and registered social worker specializing in trauma, substance use, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. With nearly two decades of experience in mental health, harm reduction, and addictions research, he has worked in clinical, community, and research settings, including with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use. Cody is trained in MDMA-, ketamine-, and psilocybin-assisted therapies and provides psychotherapy, psychedelic integration, education, and consulting services.
Links:
https://www.codycallon.com
https://www.medicineassistedtherapy.ca
https://www.ciis.edu/continuing-education/center-for-psychedelic-therapies-and-research/about-the-certificate
https://www.sabimind.com/blog/worldsfirstwellnesspsychedelicstudy
Host:
Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.
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