In June 2019, Oakland became one of the first cities in the United States to decriminalize psychedelic plants as acceptance of their healing powers continues to increase. I am honored to be part of a growing movement of practitioners committed to providing safe, non-judgmental spaces to integrate plant medicine experiences.
Have you experienced a spiritual emergence or plant medicine journey and are struggling with how to integrate your experience into your everyday life?
Would you like to find a way to balance your life while deepening your understanding of a life changing experience? Do you continue to suffer from adverse impacts of a Near Death Experience, traumatic incident, or the loss/death of someone?
Join me in a guided Spiritual Integration process to establish and maintain a connection to your spirit. I will help you develop individualized meditation practices and hold sacred space for you to find practical ways to integrate and apply your own insights to your everyday life. Spirituality is your unique experience, and as your guide, I am here to support you throughout your Journey.
We are experiencing a very exciting paradigm shift within our lifetime. How we once conceptualized health, life, and existence is evolving rapidly. More specifically, most of us no longer feel that labeling our health as “good or bad,” is serving us. Rather, we are wanting to integrate all parts of us: mind, body, energy, spirit, and heart.
While Plant Medicine Integration Therapy is for anyone seeking support in preparing for, or integrating after a ceremony or experience with psychedelics, this process can be equally useful for those wanting to explore their deeper self. Many clients who have especially benefited from this process include those who have, or have had:
- Near Death Experience (NDE);
- Loss;
- Unresolved grief;
- Early childhood or more recent trauma(s); and/or,
- Experienced Spiritual Emergence through shamanic healing, plant medicine journey work, or other forms of healing practices.
The collaborative work we do together will help you along your Journey by practicing yoga therapy, sound healing, counseling, active listening, and personal meditation.
In addition to direct individual integration support, I have co-created and co-facilitated the Peer Connect program for the Salt Lake Psychedelic Therapy and Research non-profit which is a forward thinking organization and part of what is called "The Third Wave" of psychedelics. The Third Wave refers to the modern era of science and the use of scientific methods to prove how psychedelics can be useful in the treatment of depression, addiction, PTSD, anxiety and other conditions. The FDA continues to fast track access of medicines such as MDMA and Psilocybin which has created a surge in interest from scientists and practitioners. While access to some medicines are limited only to clinical trials (e.g. MDMA, Ayahuasca, and Psilocybin), Clinicians do have access to some tools now. This training program is an introduction to some of those tools. Clinical and theoretical training will be included in the SCPTR PTTP program with the goal for the students to then further and more intensely study the modalities that they really resonate with and prepare them for future legal opportunities with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. We caution students against the temptation of guiding underground therapy and for them to be well trained before attempting any therapies.
Testimonial from a fellow Oakland resident:
"I am deeply impressed with Ken’s post-meditation integration work at so many levels. I attribute his effectiveness to his ability to actively listen in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. Before and during the meditation session, he mindfully observes and adapts to both my physical and psychological needs. As a mental health therapist, Ken carries a breadth of experience and specialized skill sets to guide me through the integration process. For me, post-meditation integration process can be a daunting task as it can put me into a vulnerable state. Ken creates the opportunity for me to be in a safe space to further process my internal awakenings and explore the conscious doors that were opened during the meditation session. I always appreciate his genuine presence and availability for subsequent follow up and consultation sessions."
Testimonial from Sarah Davis, Producer of Breathing Wind Podcast
Other Bay Area Resources to support your integration:
“Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual. So are our emotions in the presence of great art or music or literature, or acts of exemplary selfless courage such as those of Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.”
- Carl Sagan
- After The Ceremony Ends by Dr. Katherine Coder
- Spontaneous Evolution by Dr. Bruce Lipton & Steve Bhaerman
- The Way of the Psychonaut by Dr. Stan Grov
- What is Spiritual Emergence or a Spiritual Crisis?
- Additional Preparation and Integration Resources
Couple of years ago I had the greatest honor to work with Ken Breniman and I can say with confidence that my life has never been the same. I always was a very creative individual as a young teenager but I buried my talents thinking they are useless. I allowed others to tell me what would benefit me as an adult. I was the most shut down depressed individuals. I forgot who I was and became a follower. However there was always a yearning in side me to find a way.
Through the yoga teachings, counseling, and integration work that Ken offered I was able to get to know my self again. Ken is probably the best space holder I've had the opportunity to work with. His open heart and loving presence remained constant during the most challenging moments when the truth of my pain was exposed and the rug was pulled from under my feet. Ken patiently assisted me as I struggled and always made sure I felt safe. The experience felt like a surgery removing programs old patterns believes that did not serve me. It was definitely not an easy process however Ken's commitment and love to people and his work got me through. After I went home and challenging integration process begin Ken remained very supportive by offering counseling and suggesting educational materials. I had several opportunities to work with this facilitator and each time I become stronger and more confident as well as assertive. I realize this is not a panacea. Nothing really is but the commitment that we both displayed made a huge difference. Now I can honestly say that I love myself I love noticing myself finding my style. I discovered all over again love of music, art ,writing. I incorporate sound healing in my massage work. I am part of an ongoing project of creating music for healing or relaxation. My voice is recorded somewhere and there is more to come. I am creating sound healing experiences allowing myself to be guided for the benefit of others. People appreciate when I have to offer. I say yes when it's time to say yes and I say no when it's time to say no. Now I still struggle at times but never for long. I allow my self to be in the moment of Pain and then I get back up to find a way to continue. I don't stay frustrated for too long and even at my darkest moments i know the sun will shine again. I Breathe my way through the frustration sadness and drama and come out on the other side again. If there's ever a need to talk things over I know who I can reach out to and I know Ken will always keep me accountable without sugar coating but full of compassion and empathy.
I would definitely recommend taking advantage of ken's services as a shaman, yogi or Therapist he will help you find your shaman in side. -Moana
I have known Ken Breniman for over twelve years; first as a yoga instructor in the Mission District and later at a yoga retreat in Hawaii. I have worked with him as my counselor in person, over the phone and by Skype.
I attended a grief and loss workshop of his in Oakland and more recently I have worked with him with sound baths and plant medicine integration counseling. Ken has the unique ability to always make everyone feel welcome and valued, no matter what hat he is wearing at the time. He is a compassionate, nurturing, and caring man with many amazing abilities.
I have learned a lot by being around him and I am a much better person for having known and worked with him throughout the years. He is an awesome role model and I highly recommend him as a peaceful spiritual teacher.
-Brian A.
“Over the past four years, I have had the joy and privilege of knowing Ken Breniman, LCSW, RYT, as an esteemed professional colleague and treasured friend. Ken has been on an amazing, lifelong journey of deep, adventuresome learning and courageous, compassionate service. As a social worker, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, spiritual integration counselor, and teacher, he combines the best of leading-edge clinical counseling skills with yoga therapy, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness. I have been moved by his work with widely diverse clients ranging from youth with autistic spectrum challenges to elders in hospice and their grieving dear ones. He has been consistently attentive, empathic, respectful, caring, resourceful, and helpful toward all with whom he works. His bright, buoyant spirit, compassionate heart, healthy energy, appropriate good humor, keen mind, and commitment to the well-being of all are among his many uplifting qualities. His conscientious concern for social justice, and his willingness to speak truth to power and act in solidarity with the marginalized and under-served members of the population are also among his admirable attributes. Ken is continually open to learning from experience, from his clients and peers, and from scientific research. He is a bright, generous soul, and I highly recommend him to those who are seeking personal and spiritual growth, healing, and integration.”
~Mitch Hall, PhD, RYT
