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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.
View all episodes
By Kenneth TupperIn 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.