Guide Certification and Supervision Requirements Overview
Guide Certification and Supervision Requirements Overview
I. Introduction
II. Certification Requirements
III. Supervision Requirements
IV Certification Renewal Requirements
V Continuing Education Requirements
V Certification Renewal Process
B Renewal Framework
C. Renewal Procedure
D. Renewal Fees
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
The role of guiding is an ongoing learning process. One is never “done” or “arrived.” We believe all guides must continue to deepen their learning of the art of guiding and deepen their expertise and wisdom, specifically as it relates to the ethics of guiding Graduates from [Company Name]'s apprenticeship program will have observed, assisted, and guided actual psychedelic sessions, will have had a significant focus on learning about ethics in psychedelic care, and will have studied and committed to the [Company Name] Code of Conduct. Nevertheless, there are a myriad of ethical tensions and situations that can arise We advocate for all guides to have ongoing supervision, mentorship, and/or peer mentorship to help strengthen their ability to meet these inevitable ethical tensions and to help mitigate possible harm to clients
This document outlines the requirements for a [Company Name] apprentice to become a certified [Company Name] guide It also outlines Supervision, Continuing Education Requirements, and other requirements for maintaining certification through renewal.
By having these requirements in place, guides are supported in and kept accountable for the ongoing development of their craft and for navigating ethical tensions or challenges they may encounter with skill and integrity
This document includes sections on:
1) The requirements that must be met to receive certification by [Company Name]
2) The supervision requirements for maintaining certification
3) Other requirements must be met to renew certification, including continuing education requirements.
4) An overview of the certification renewal process
B. Ethics Infrastructure and Certification Integrity
[Company Name]'s comprehensive Ethics Infrastructure fortifies the certification and supervision requirements outlined in this document This robust ethical framework serves as the foundation that ensures the integrity, credibility, and effectiveness of our certification process Our Ethics Infrastructure includes:
1 A Code of Ethics that articulates [Company Name]’s core values, commitments, and guiding principles
2 Detailed Codes of Conduct for Guides and [Company Name] Stakeholders
3 A Grievance and Transformative Justice Policy and Protocol
4. A Public Certified Guide Database
5 Ethics Committee oversight on program content and methodologies
These interconnected elements, overseen by an Ethics Committee and an Independent Oversight Body, create a strong ethical ecosystem that supports and validates our certification process
By grounding our certification requirements in this broader ethical framework, we help ensure that:
● The standards for certification are aligned with our ethical standards
● The certification process itself is conducted with transparency and integrity
● Certified guides are held accountable to a set of ethical standards
● There are clear mechanisms for addressing ethical concerns or violations
● The public can access the information they need to determine the ethical standing of [Company Name]-certified guides
Pursuing certification within this ethical ecosystem means that guides are not only meeting professional standards but are also committing to a holistic approach to ethical practice that prioritizes client safety, personal integrity, and the responsible advancement of psychedelic-assisted services
II. Certification Requirements
A. Introduction
This section outlines the certification requirements for apprentices to become certified [Company Name] guides. These certification requirements are vital for providing oversight and support for guides to meet high standards of practice and ethics and assuring clients that the
guides are receiving oversight and held accountable for the quality of care they provide The apprenticeship program is designed to offer meaningful hands-on learning experiences. However, we recognize that readiness for certification varies from person to person and must be based on standardized evaluation. The evaluation methodology is thorough and multifaceted, involving observation, feedback, and assessments from [Company Name] program staff and peers The timeline for certification completion may differ for each certification candidate, with certification awarded based on demonstrated competencies rather than merely accumulated practice hours The certification process must be carried out conscientiously and not rushed to uphold the ethical standards vital to the guide's future clients
B. Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria form the foundation of [Company Name]'s certification process, designed to support guides in meeting [Company Name]’s standards of ethical conduct, practical experience, and professional competence
To become certified, a certification candidate should meet the following criteria:
1 Engagement: Active participation in all program components as per agreed policies
2. Session Experience: Verification that the certification candidate has fulfilled the minimum hours requirements for a) observing actual psychedelic sessions, b) assisting in sessions, and c) serving as a lead guide with on-site supervision Minimum hours are set to help the guides gain exposure to a broad range of client presentations.
a Psychedelic Sessions: Minimum number of hours spent in psychedelic sessions in the following capacities as an apprentice are as follows:
i. Observing: [Specify Hours].
ii Assisting: [Specify Hours]
iii. Leading with on-site supervision: [Specify Hours].
b Preparation and Integration Sessions: Minimum number of hours spent in preparation and integration sessions: [Specify Hours]
3. Ethical Principles: Embodies [Company Name]'s general ethical principles in the Code of Ethics [add link]
4 Ethical and Professional Standards: Demonstrate understanding, skill, and practices in adherence with the [Company Name] Codes of Conduct for Guides [add link].
5 Received Evaluation: Evaluation will be conducted via the following channels:
a. Certification Candidates Written Submissions: assess their theoretical understanding through responses to prompts and questions
b Standardized Evaluation by Observing Senior Evaluator: measuring a certification candidate's embodied and demonstrated skill and capacity for effective, ethical decision-making and practice Evaluators will submit recommendations for certification or identify gaps in candidates' skills and capacity.
c. Peer Evaluation: integrates the peer perspective of the certificate candidate's skill and capacity
III. Supervision Requirements
A. Introduction
Supervision is critical to professional development and ongoing practice for [Company Name]’s certified guides It ensures that certified guides receive the necessary support, feedback, and oversight to maintain high standards of practice, ethical integrity, and personal growth. Regular supervision helps identify areas for improvement, fosters continuous learning, and reinforces accountability to ethical guidelines The following outlines the structured supervision requirements to maintain a good standing certificate status with [Company Name]. It supports the development and ongoing competence of certified guides, ultimately enhancing the quality of their practice and the well-being of their clients
B. Supervisions Requirements
1. Small Group Supervision: Supervision services coordinated by [Company Name] provides collaborative learning and support from senior professionals in a group setting.
● Frequency and Duration: Required monthly for the first [X] hours of practice
● Minimum Time Frame: Must continue for a minimum of [X] years, regardless of whether the required hours are completed earlier
2. Individual Supervision: Offers personalized feedback and guidance from a senior professional, addressing individual concerns and development needs
● Frequency and Duration: Monthly for the first [X] years of practice. Transition to bi-monthly thereafter.
● Ongoing Requirement: Remains a requirement throughout the guide’s active practice
3. Peer Supervision or “Intervision” Network: Encourages mutual support and accountability, shared learning, and professional exchange among peers
● Frequency and Duration: Monthly for the first [X] years of practice. Transition to bi-monthly thereafter
● Ongoing Requirement: Remains a requirement throughout the guide’s active practice
4. Consistent Attendance Requirement: Regular attendance at all supervision sessions is mandatory Absences exceeding [x%] may result in denial of certification renewal
IV. Certification Renewal Requirements
A. Introduction
Periodic certification renewal is essential for maintaining the high standards of practice and ethical conduct expected of [Company Name] guides It supports guides in remaining up-to-date with current knowledge, developing their skills, and adhering to evolving ethical and professional standards This renewal helps maintain and even deepen the quality of care provided to clients and supports the growth of the guide's expertise The following requirements outline the criteria for maintaining certification as a [Company Name] guide.
B. Certification Renewal Requirements
1 Supervision Attendance: Consistently meet the established supervision attendance requirements This ensures ongoing support, professional development, and maintenance of best practices.
2 Continuing Education: Complete continuing education courses or activities outlined in the following section. This keeps them deepening their practices with the latest developments and approaches in their field and judiciously expanding their capacity and scope of practice
3. Active Practice: Maintain an active practice within the scope of their training, meeting a specified minimum limit of active hours as a guide in psychedelic sessions in the given renewal period This ensures practical experience and skill application
4. Ethics Infrastructure Review: Review and verify their understanding, via a signature, of revisions and updates to the ethical infrastructure, particularly the Code of Conduct for Guides This ensures familiarity with [Company Name]'s latest ethical guidelines and practices.
5 Ethical Standing: Remain in good ethical standing, as verified through the alumni database. This affirms their adherence to the ethical standards and principles of [Company Name]
6 Community Contribution: Engage in some form of giving back to the community, either within or outside of [Company Name]. This supports and contributes to the broader well-being and development of the psychedelic field The parameters of what fulfills this requirement are still to be developed
7. CPR Certification: Certified Guides must maintain an active CPR certification for certification renewal unless they practice in a setting with a trained medical professional on site This ensures readiness to respond to medical emergencies and contributes to client safety.
V. Continuing Education Requirements
A. Introduction
Continuing education is vital for maintaining and enhancing the expertise of [Company Name] certified guides It supports them in maintaining a stance of curiosity and learning, remaining current with emerging practices, deepening their understanding of specialized areas, and upholding standards of care Ongoing learning supports professional growth, adapts to evolving client needs, and fosters effective and ethical practice The following continuing education requirements are split into a few domains designed to expand guides' knowledge and skills in important areas to [Company Name] Required hours of continuing education on each domain are still to be determined
1 Ethics in Psychedelics: Guides must engage in continuing education focused on ethics in psychedelics to maintain an up-to-date understanding of ethical considerations and best practices in the field, helping guides to navigate complex ethical issues effectively.
2 Expanding Scope of Practice: Guides must pursue education that deepens their expertise in serving specific populations. This may include training related to various population identities (e g , LGBTQ), circumstances (e g , refugee experiences), or areas of healing (e g , eating disorders, childhood neglect, ancestral wounding) This specialized education helps guides provide more effective and culturally competent care.
3 Serving Underrepresented Communities: Guides must include at least some education focused on serving underserved communities This requirement emphasizes the importance of deepening one's capacity to address the unique needs of groups who are systematically underserved in health care, mental health, or psychedelic services specifically.
Certified guides are encouraged to pursue additional education that offers tools, techniques, or personal development to enhance and strengthen their approach to psychedelic healing, though this is not a requirement
Continuing education requirements may be fulfilled through programs and content provided by either [Company Name] or by other qualified educational providers, which can offer a valuable range of perspectives and approaches
V. Certification Renewal Process
A. Introduction
This process involves a systematic review of ongoing professional development, adherence to ethical guidelines, and required continuing education verification. By maintaining a structured
renewal process, [Company Name] commits to upholding the quality and integrity of its certification and supporting the ongoing growth and effectiveness of its guides.
B. Renewal Framework
1 Cadence: Renewal is required every [2] years, with specific dates communicated well in advance to allow adequate preparation. This periodic renewal supports ongoing professional development and adherence to current standards and practices
2 Oversight Body: The Certification Review Committee at [Company Name] oversees the renewal process. This body is responsible for reviewing renewal applications, verifying compliance with renewal requirements, and ensuring all guides meet the necessary criteria for continued certification The committee includes senior professionals and subject matter experts who provide objective assessments and maintain the integrity of the certification process
C. Renewal Procedure
1. Application Submission: Guides must submit a renewal application, including documentation of completed continuing education, supervision attendance, and other required materials Applications should be submitted by [X] weeks/months before the certification expiration date.
2 Review and Verification: The Certification Review Committee will assess the submitted materials, verify compliance with renewal requirements, and review the guide's professional development activities.
3 Decision Notification: Guides will receive notification of the renewal decision within [X] weeks of submission Successful renewal will be confirmed and recorded in the Public Certified Guide Database [add link]. Additional information may be requested if further review is needed
4. Appeals: Guides may appeal renewal decisions by submitting a written request for reconsideration to the Certification Review Committee within [X] days of receiving the decision
D. Renewal Fees
A [$X] renewal fee is required to process the certification renewal application. This fee covers administrative costs associated with reviewing and verifying renewal materials Payment is due at the time of application submission