PSYCHEDELIC ASSISTED CREATIVE EXPRESSION© (PACE) REFERS TO THE USE OF PSYCHEDELIC SUBSTANCES WITHIN THE THERAPEUTIC FRAMEWORK. PACE EXERCISE MODULES ARE WRITTEN FOR GUIDES AND FACILITATORS TRAINED IN PSYCHEDELIC ASSISTED THERAPY. it can also be used to enhance the creative process and facilitate artistic expression.
Our mission at Psychedelic Assisted Creative Expression© (PACE) is to unlock profound self-discovery by combining creative expression with psychedelic therapy, delving into the depths of the subconscious. With our workshops and training manuals, we aim to seamlessly integrate creative expression into the fabric of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Drawing from Transpersonal psychology and staying at the forefront of clinical neuroscience, PACE explores the realms of personal, spiritual, and mystical experiences, including altered states of consciousness. We are guided by compelling evidence suggesting that psychedelics can enhance neuroplasticity, while creative expression stimulates diverse regions of the brain, facilitating the development of new neural pathways and enhancing flexibility.
Our meticulously designed exercise modules within the PACE framework transcend verbal dialogue, allowing individuals to communicate symbolically through a multitude of creative forms, such as visual art, music, writing, drama, and movement. These modules serve as catalysts, harnessing the brain changes induced by psychedelics, and fostering positive emotions, alleviating depressive symptoms, reducing stress, and lowering anxiety levels.
Embracing a holistic perspective, we recognize the profound interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. PACE strives to empower individuals on their unique journey of self-discovery, cultivating well-being, and facilitating transformative experiences. We continuously evolve our approach to provide a comprehensive and enriching platform where psychedelic therapy and creative expression intertwine, opening new realms of personal growth and exploration.
During a psychedelic experience, the user may perceive visual and auditory hallucinations, experience a flood of emotions, and engage in introspective thinking. These altered states of consciousness can break down preconceived notions, liberate the mind from routine patterns, encourage fresh insights and unconventional ideas.
THE BENEFITS OF PACE
PACE exercise modules are designed to promote a sense of accomplishment, self-expression, and self-efficacy.
1. Enhanced Emotional Processing: Psychedelic experiences can lead to intense emotional states and introspection. Our exercise modules can provide a safe and non-verbal outlet to process and integrate these emotions. By engaging in PACE activities, individuals can explore their feelings and experiences in a symbolic and abstract manner, making it easier to access and work through deeply rooted emotional issues.
2. Facilitating Neural Connectivity: Psychedelics have the potential to increase neural connectivity in the brain, leading to a state of increased neuroplasticity. Our exercise modules are designed to enhance this effect by activating specific brain regions and neural pathways. As individuals engage in PACE activities, new connections between brain regions can form, potentially leading to increased adaptability and resilience.
3. Integration of Insights: Psychedelic experiences can lead to profound insights and perspectives on one's life, thoughts, and emotions. Integrating these insights into daily life is essential for long-term therapeutic benefits. PACE can act as a tool for individuals to represent and reflect on their psychedelic experiences through non-verbal communication. Our exercise modules are designed to aid in making sense of the experience and incorporating it into one's personal growth and healing journey.
4. Transcendence of Language: Sometimes, it can be challenging to put profound and transformative experiences into words. Psychedelic experiences are often described as ineffable, meaning they are difficult to articulate fully. PACE provides an alternative way to communicate and convey these experiences, as art and other creative forms can express complex emotions and experiences that words may fall short of describing.
5. Mindfulness and Presence: Both psychedelic experiences and creative expression can foster a sense of mindfulness and present-moment awareness. During a psychedelic session, individuals often experience a heightened sense of presence and interconnectedness with their surroundings. Our exercise modules are designed to induce a flow state, where individuals are fully immersed in the creative process.
IN THE NEWS
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Dr. Micah Linton is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD) who works with children, adolescents, families, and adults. His expertise is on fostering psychological growth and promoting well-being throughout life’s stages and transitions. Working with the clinical trials team at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, he is a patient guide and facilitator with the Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) program at the Brain Health Center. Dr. Linton has also worked with UCLA’s Creative Minds Project as a creative expression facilitator at non-profit agencies in Los Angeles.
Dr. Linton received his Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology at Ryokan College in Los Angeles, Masters in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University,Palo Alto, and Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Savannah College of Art and Design. He is a certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, and a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).
Sheila Darcey is the Founder of SketchPoetic, a creative expression practice that has been shared around the world, helping people to express, reflect, and heal. Sheila's mission is to elevate the arts as a tool for healing. She partners with organizations and institutions seeking creative solutions to address holistic health (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual). She has served as an in-house consultant and workshop facilitator for brands such as Google, Disney, Toyota, Sony, Nike and non profits including Compassion Prison Project, Safe Place for Youth, and Today I'm Brave.
Sheila has 20+ years of experience as a facilitator and consultant in the digital agency space. Her work with Fortune 500 companies informs her understanding of what drives transformative growth in individuals and teams. She earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the University of Memphis and Social Emotional Arts (SEA) certification from UCLA.
