In 2020, psilocybin was legalized for personal use in Oregon, making it the first U.S. state to do so. This decision came after more than half of Oregon’s voters expressed their support for its legalization. Among those embracing this change is Taylor Cathcart, a licensed psilocybin facilitator and local barista in Ashland. Cathcart is associated with Omnia Group Ashland, one of the pioneering organizations in the state that offers psilocybin certification. Remarkably, Cathcart completed the certification program within a span of just three months.
Cathcart grew up in Medford but eventually moved to Southern California. After spending some time there, he decided to return to Ashland about 3-1/2 years ago. Before becoming a psilocybin facilitator, he worked as an emergency medical technician in various cities in Southern California for approximately a year. During this time, he was also studying psychology and initially had plans to pursue a medical degree. However, he later made the decision not to complete it.
“I actually switched my major a few times before the pandemic hit, but when everything started to shut down, I realized it was time to reassess my plans,” he explained.
After completing his training and licensure for EMT at the EMS Institute in 2015, he also gained valuable experience working as a Parkour and athletics coach for about 10 years. During this period, he even had the opportunity to work as a stunt man for a while, although he was not affiliated with SAG-AFTRA.
Trained in Ashland
In 2023, he enrolled in the Entheogen Institute in Ashland with the aim of obtaining a psilocybin facilitation license. The Entheogen Institute, as stated on their website, envisions a world where psilocybin therapy is legal worldwide. They believe that with the help of trained facilitators, psilocybin therapy can transform people’s lives in unimaginable ways. Their vision includes easy access to culturally diverse, skilled, and empathetic facilitators.
Cathcart was one of the pioneers in Oregon and across the country to obtain a facilitator’s license.
According to him, Oregon takes the lead in psilocybin facilitator work due to its comprehensive certification and licensing system. This system not only applies to facilitators but also extends to service centers and other instructors who are authorized to grant licenses. The process to establish this system took approximately six months to complete.
Cathcart underwent a fast-track training program that lasted approximately three months. He found the program to be quite intensive and rigorous.
Using psilocybin has been a transformative experience for him, one that he began exploring four years ago. Rather than using it for recreational purposes, he sees it as a means of healing and personal growth.
When I first started, I was primarily concerned with my own struggles with anxiety and depression. As a facilitator, I believe in being open and honest about my own experiences, as it helps me connect with and understand my clients on a deeper level. Mental health has always been a central focus of my practice.
Experiencing interconnectedness
Cathcart shared his personal experience, highlighting the profound sense of interconnectedness he felt. He explained that this theme is prevalent in psychedelia, especially with psilocybin. He described it as the concept of “oceanic boundlessness,” a term coined by Freud. According to Cathcart, this concept suggests that there is more awareness beyond our perception of self. He emphasized that we are not only connected to ourselves but also to the world around us. This includes the people we encounter, the natural elements like trees and air, and even the vast expanse of the universe. Cathcart acknowledged that there are varying degrees of interconnectedness, but the core idea remains the same: we are all connected in some way or another. In his work, he integrates different approaches such as internal family systems or parts work, as well as physical forms of movement and therapy, to find what resonates with his clients.
“There’s a powerful quote that states, ‘pain demands to be felt.’ When we try to ignore or push away our pain, whether it’s within our own lives or in intergenerational situations, we burden someone else with the responsibility of carrying and processing that pain. However, pain ultimately insists on being felt. There is strength in acknowledging and embracing the emotions that need to be felt.”
People often describe mushroom therapy as having a profound impact on their mental well-being. It is said that just six hours of this therapy can be equivalent to six years of traditional therapy. From my own experience with clients, I have observed that it can condense important themes that would otherwise take a long time to process into just one or two journeys. This includes the preparation, administration, and integration of the experience. Moreover, when it comes to treating depression and anxiety, we are discovering that the positive effects of mushroom therapy can last for over a year. It is likely that these benefits will continue to be evident for even longer periods of time.
Part of a longer healing process
According to the expert, psilocybin could serve as an initial step in the healing process. However, he emphasized that for patients to truly benefit, they should take the initiative to engage in mindfulness practices or embark on a personal healing journey moving forward.
As facilitators, our focus is on intention. We ask individuals why they are embarking on this journey. Is it to address anxiety, process a challenging chapter, or cope with trauma or loss? Perhaps it’s an opportunity to confront one’s mortality. For instance, cancer patients and those with terminal diagnoses have experienced significant improvements in their quality of life after participating in our programs.
Cathcart acknowledges that psilocybin is not a cure-all solution, but he draws inspiration from the words of Maria Sabina, a Mazatec shaman and poet, who once said, “You are the medicine.”
The process of psilocybin therapy involves an initial consultation and screening procedure. The goal is to choose a facilitator and tailor the experience to best support the client. This may include prescreening to identify any potential red or yellow flags. It’s important to note that psilocybin therapy is not recommended for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or certain other mental health concerns.
Psilocybin therapy is often sought after to address various concerns, such as addiction treatment and reducing the dependency on substances like opiates, alcohol, or marijuana. This therapeutic approach can also be beneficial for individuals looking to cultivate interconnectedness or break free from negative patterns.
According to Cathcart, the cost of psychedelic therapy can be quite significant, with prices starting at $900 and ranging up to $2,500. However, he acknowledges that he provides discounts to first responders and other individuals. Additionally, Cathcart expresses his hope that insurance coverage will eventually include the initial stages of psychedelic therapy.
The work provides a sense of purpose. “I have discovered a connection with people, finding healing within myself and for many of my clients. I serve as a sponsor and observe their progress, allowing for meaningful discussions and witnessing tangible changes.”
