Gretchen Leuthy

My interest in working with psilocybin stems from witnessing the potential for personal and collective healing. I’m looking forward to learning more about how psilocybin works as powerful tool to open doors for introspection, emotional release, feelings of being connected, changes in perspective of self and ego. Working with psilocybin is special because it’s a natural fungi from our ecosystem and has been worked with all over the world for many generations of healing. It’s important to me to continue learning about the history of working with plant medicine while thoughtfully exploring psilocybin’s emerging therapeutic research and applications.

Professionally, I approach health holistically, recognizing the interconnected roles of mind, body, relationships, and the environment in overall well-being. I’m excited to continue learning about how psilocybin affects the brain, the science of consciousness, and utilizing breath work for deepening one’s experience on a journey.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with certifications in ecopsychology and addiction; I often work with individuals who are anxious, have trauma and are burnt out, but want to get back to their authentic self. I take a strengths-based approach, grounded in the belief that the healing happens between the individual and the mushrooms on the journey. How far that learning extends into daily life, relies on the ongoing integration practices that one applies over time.

My role is to create a calm and supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world safely. Our preparation session is where much of the talking happens, I encourage clients to utilize the eye mask and music playlist we decide on to deepen their internal reflection. I encourage clients to trust themselves, trying to be open to whatever they might experience.

We will have a preparation session to deepen your intentions, and discuss the flow of the day, paperwork and questions you have. There is a lot for us to learn still about psilocybin so it’s helpful to have a curious mindset. Following the journey, we will meet again to discuss your insights and make plans to support your ongoing process of integrating lessons learned.

“Just as a seed needs rich, nourishing soil to grow, we require a supportive environment and the right conditions to reach our full potential.”

Doing any of my hobbies outside makes them better! Spending time laughing with loved ones, creating art in many forms, drumming, reading, writing, hikes, neighborhood bike rides, and hanging out with my pets!

To prepare for a journey, I typically schedule a one hour session about 1-2 weeks in advance. The focus of our session is to establish an authentic connection to increase trust, provide education about psilocybin (discussing dosage, timing, and effects), and guide flexible intention setting to to help focus the journey but avoid rigid expectations can lead to distress if not met. I will also review/teach clients distress tolerance skills and discuss potential use of supportive touch to reduce fear and risk of adverse reactions during a journey.

As part of the journey, generally I’ll do an hour -long integration within 4-5 days of a session.

My focus is creating a compassionate, safe space for individuals to ride the waves of whatever arises. I encourage clients to trust their inner wisdom and that life led them here, ready to work with mushrooms for healing. I use a non-directive approach, sitting mindfully and offering support as needed through breathwork, grounding skills and somatic awareness.