Graham Nelson-Zutter, RPC

Psychedelic Facilitator, Counsellor

Modalities:

Person-Centered, Existential Analysis, IFS, Animist

Email:

graham@aestraretreats.com

Homebase:

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Languages:

English, French (Français)

A Bit About Me

Introduction

Graham specializes in creating a safe, inclusive environment for participants to explore trauma, PTSD, and spiritual growth. His background in Existential Analysis and Internal Family Systems (IFS) enables him to offer personalized support during one-on-one sessions and group integrations. Graham also helps with logistics and participant-focused coordination to ensure a supportive and nurturing retreat environment. Graham holds a Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy from Vancouver Island University.

Please learn more about my experience and training and explore testimonials of my work below.

My Journey

I first encountered psychedelics through the dance and music. A vibrant rave culture grew in 1990's Vancouver, Performers visited from distant lands creating a special moments of movement, connection and gathering. In was in these spaces that I began to learn about acceptance and embracing what makes each of us unique. As a young queer man, witnessing the freedom of affection in this culture gave me the courage to authentic, to be seen.

While camping with loved ones, embraced by the lush rainforests of coastal British Columbia, I was initiated into the gift of connecting deeper while supported by plant medicines. Never before in my life had I felt more connected with the world or my existence. It was in this special set and beautiful setting that I first imaged what possibilities these medicines could have to support the healing of myself and others.

My Work

In a chance encounter with a kind stranger in 2017, I was invited to a lecture. A certain president had just been elected into his first term and the chosen topic was narcissism seen from a Existential Analysis therapy lens. I was so moved by the compassion and understanding shown for this suffering, I signed-up to learn more. This interest in me to help others who suffer grew and grew until I completed training to professional counselling.

During my studies in Existential Analysis and Internal Family Systems, it dawned on me that some of the most healing spiritual and noetic experiences I had experienced happened while I was exploring altered states mind. When I later discovered Michael Pollen's books "How to Change Your Mind" and "This Is Your Mind on Plants", I felt called to advocate for other forms of healing. The expanded awareness and neuroplasticity that psychedelics provide us are truly gifts on our journeys of healing and personal growth.

My Colleagues

As soon as I completed my professional counsellor training and earned my credentials, I embarked on a path to find safe and supportive ways to include psychedelic experiences in my practice, I was fortunate to find Odin in his as co-lead facilitator at the former Synthesis Institute in the Netherlands. Odin and his team provided the best possible set and setting I could have imagined. In the same retreat setting, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow helping processionals who had also had such healing experiences supported by psilocybin and Odin's co-facilitators. These wonderful results were a confirmation of the power of this work to help others in a group retreat setting, supported by psilocybin.

My participation in such a safe and thoughtful container encouraged me to pursue training to practice this craft. I completed a Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy at Vancouver Island University and completed my practicum work in the Netherlands.

Psychedelic explorations have the tendency to guide the journeyer into realms that engage their sense of oneness with the world and the connections between the living and non-living, animate and inanimate. I'm thrilled to be holding space with Hanneke and have a deep respect for her dedication to spiritual the care of our participants.

Experience

April 2023 - Ongoing

September 2022 - Ongoing

August - December 2023

July 2023

October - December 2022

August 2021 - August 2022

January 2022

October 2020 - July 2021

1997 - Ongoing

As a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist and Co-Facilitator, I provide preparation, facilitation and integration participants in individual and group settings. I have been facilitated 12 retreats since 2023. The focus of my work has been in providing support for helping professionals who are navigating the challenges of burnout and the risks of vicarious trauma. Working with fellow helpers has been especially rewarding as I witness the reconnection to their vitality and the deep meaning of their important work.

In my role as a Private Practice Counsellor, I see clients both online and in-person at my dedicated counselling space in downtown Vancouver. I work primarily using Existential Analysis (EA), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Harm Reduction lenses. I provide a synthesis of EA and IFS techniques working with journeyers in preparation and integration of psychedelic experiences, wether these journeys include medicines or breathwork.

In my role as a Guest Lecturer at Sprott Shaw College, I provided career development and guidance for accreditation, supporting the transition of counselling students after graduation to private practice to private practice. as well as IFS therapeutic interventions specific to substance use disorder.

In my role as a Harm Reduction Facilitator at the Friends Club Festival (CA), I helped festival attendees reduce possible harm and remain as safe while under the influence of multiple stacked psychoactive substances.

In my role as Group Therapy Counsellor, I co-facilitated “A Purposeful Life” Men's Group following existential themes and skills building. This group focuses on supporting men to explore their identities and expand their skills in authentic relationships with themselves, others and the world. The group meets for 2 hours every 2 weeks and works to orient participants towards their values and find purposeful and meaningful ways of expressing these values in their lives and in the world.

I completed a 12-month clinical practicum as an Intern Counsellor at Dragonstone Counselling (CA). After completing my ethics and skills courses at in my professional counsellor training, I was invited to start my counselling practicum at Dragonstone. The internship program includes weekly peer and individual supervision sessions for 12 months with a diverse client base from underrepresented communities: queer, polyamorous, kink and immigrant communities.

In my role as a Guest Lecturer in at City University (CA), I provided M.A. Counselling students with an introduction to Existential Analysis. Specific focus was made on this modalities origins in philosophy, phenomenology, and its unique system of diagnostics and 16 individual forms of coping reactions based on unmet fundamental existential needs.

In my role as a Co-Facilitator at the Men's Action Peer Support Group (CA), I helped to bring men out of isolation during the COVID pandemic and fortify meaning and purpose in the participants’ lives.

In my first career in technology, I have worked in roles including Co-Founder, Systems Designer, Human Resources Lead, and Co-Op Intern Student Mentor in several for-profit and non-profit organizations. I continue to provide leadership and systems design consultation on a part-time basis. I have had the pleasure of managing teams of programers as the transform abstract ideas into tools that help people practically improve their lives.

Training

September 2023 to August 2026 (expected)

August 2024

September 2023 - August 2024

February 2024

September 2023 - August 2024

September 2023

July 2023

March 2023

January 2023

October 2022 - January 2023

September 2022 - January 2023

November - December 2022

June 2022

April - May 2022

February 2021 - February 2022

June 2017 - February 2022

October - December 2020

Enrolled in the M.Sc. program in Existential Analysis therapy at the University of Salzburg (AT). This program which expands my clinical training in Existential Analysis into a graduate thesis. This program is recognized by the European Association for Psychotherapy.

Ketamine-assisted Therapy Experiential Certificate at Roots to Thrive (CA). Completed 52 hour intensive experiential training in the preparation, treatment, and integration of Ketamine-assisted Therapy (KAT). Completed two KAT sessions from a client’s perspective and two KAT sessions as facilitators.

Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic-assisted Therapy issued by the Vancouver Island Island University (CA). I completed a year-long program exploring the biomedical, pharmacological, phenomenological, ritualistic and therapeutic practice of psychedelic-assisted therapy in multi-disciplinary teams, where medical doctors, nurses, ceremonialists, psychotherapists and energy workers. Completed practicum work in both solo and group psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands and group ketamine-assisted therapy in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Ethical Psychedelic Care at the Synthesis Institute (US). I completed a 10-hour, 3-day training with five workshops: Community and Nature-Based Models for Psychedelic Care with Dr. Rosalind Watts, The Ecology of Ethics in Psychedelic Care by Daan Keiman, Embodied Psychedelic Care: Somatics and Social Justice by Camille Barton, Trauma-Informed Psychedelic Care and Harm Reduction Practices by Meghan Kennedy and Many Ways of Knowing: Indigenous and Clinical Perspectives by Dr. Anja Loizaga-Velder

IFS Level-1at the Internal Family Systems Institute (US). I completed formal Level-1 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) with the IFS Institute. This is the training and organization founded by Richard Schwarts. This expands my previous training completed at IFSCA.

Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC #4221) issued by the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). My membership in the CPCA was granted after confirming my successful completion of the entrance exam, 250 direct client hours and 150 clinical supervision hours and 200 skills development hours in clinical practrocum. CPCA membership requires two supervisor references and a vulnerable population background check.

Harm Reduction at The Flying Sage (CA). Completed training lead by a registered nurse experienced in safe injection facilities in Vancouver's DTES. Key principles included Safe Space, Sitting, Not Guiding, Talking Through - Not Down, Difficult is not necessarily bad.

IFS Advanced Training at IFS Counselling Association (CA). Clinical practice lectures and case studies by senior trainers Dick Schwartz, PhD, Derek Scott, RSW, Robert Falconer, RHT, Loch Kelly, M.Div., LCSW, Edward L. Yeats, Ph.D. and MS, LCPC. Topics included Unattached Burdens, Ancestral Burdens, The Nature of Core Self, & Psychedelics.

Counselling Therapist (CT #2583) issued by the Association of Counselling Therapists of Alberta (ACTA). My membership in the ACTA was granted after confirming my successful completion of counselling training, a minimum of 750 currency hours, including 500 direct client hours within the last three years. ACTA membership requires two references and a vulnerable population background check.

Riding The Wave: Principles of Psychedelic Harm Reduction at Psychedelic Support (US). This course provides an extensive introduction to the mechanisms and potential risks and benefits of traditional and non-traditional psychedelics.

What Clinicians Need to Know About Non-Ordinary States by Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD (US). Introduction to non-ordinary states of consciousness and their potential therapeutic applications. Specific attention was given to experiential mindfulness exercises led by Dr. Siegel which helped clinicians experience altered states and visual simulations of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. The exploration and practice of differences between empathy and compassion were excellent.

Stepping Stones at the IFS Counselling Association (CA). Completed a introduction of the IFS model for clinical practice. The technical skill and competence level are intended to provide Level-1 equivalent training from the IFS Institute. The “Stepping Stones” course emphasizes skills practice with peers with direct feedback & mentorship from seasoned practitioners.

Animist Psychology at Ancestral Medicine (US). Identify and build common ground between ritual practice, psychology, and cultural healing. From Dr. Foor’s dissertation “Shamanic and Psychotherapeutic Healing of Trauma”

IFS & Psychedelic Medicines at the IFS Counselling Association (CA). Nicholas Brüss EdD, LMFT, a Ketamine-Assisted Therapist introduces the IFS model and its use of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy for client preparation and intention setting, in-session guidance and post-session integration of the psychedelic experience.

IFS Self-led Grief at the IFS Counselling Association (CA). Completed training for IFS practitioners working with clients suffering from loss and grief. Specific case studies from trainer’s Derek Scott, RSW, experience in palliative care for HIV/AIDS patients and survivors in the 1980s-1990s.

Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration at Numinus (CA). Introductory workshop on the practice of Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) by Joe Flanders, Ph.D. OPQ. How best to educate clients about altered states of consciousness and integrate these experiences.

Phenomenology Skills Workshop at EA Society of Canada (CA). Completed workshop on supporting and enhancing the use of phenomenology and intersubjectivity in Existential Analysis (EA) therapy.

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC #2850) issued by the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). My membership in the ACCT was granted after confirming my successful completion of counselling training diploma and final exam, 200 direct client hours and 40 direct clinical supervision hours. ACCT membership requires two supervisor references and a vulnerable population background check.

Authentic Living Workshops Facilitator Training at EA Society of Canada (CA). Completed train-the-trainer workshop on facilitating authentic living. Workshops are led by Existential Analysis (EA) certified therapists and are suitable to groups learning principles of living authentically.

The Integrated Trauma Therapist at PESI (US). Completed course offered by Frank Anderson, M.D. titled “The Integrated Trauma Therapist: Incorporating IFS with EMDR, SP, CPT, AEDP, DBT, and Psychedelic Medicines for Treating Complex Trauma and PTSD”

Diploma of Professional Counselling issued by the Vancouver College of Counsellor Training (VCCT). Completed intensive one-year, 16-course program, including nine weeks of peer-client skills practise with feedback. Introductory training in Gestalt was included as a special elective.

Certificate in Existential Analysis (EA) & Logotherapy issued by the Existential Analysis Society of Canada . After 4 years of training and passing the final competency exam, I was granted a Certificate in Existential Analysis (EA) & Logotherapy by the Existential Analysis Society of Canada. EA & Logotherapy were founded by Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D and Viktor Frankl, M.D. , author of “Man’s Search for Meaning”.

Foundations of Ritual at Ancestral Medicine (US). Completed course by Daniel Foor, Ph.D. exploring ritual practices in non-colonised healing systems. This course is derived from Dr. Foor’s book titled “Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing”.

Testimonials

Éric Morrissette, PsyD

Psychologist, Psychedelic Facilitator

"Graham’s warmth, sensitivity and great concern for safety supports a state of trusting vulnerability. Graham understands the importance of rituals and ceremony and his careful attention to details allows to create a magical therapeutic container for the journeyers that work with him."

Odessa Holt, MSW, MPH, LICSW

Psychotherapist, Social Worker

"I had the privilege of attending a retreat with Graham in February 2024. Graham’s thoughtful curation created an experience where I felt physically and emotionally safe to explore the medicine and my inner self. Our preparation sessions helped me to slow down, clarify my focus, and build a trusting relationship with the facilitators, which gave me confidence going into the medicine session.

From the moment the retreat began, it was clear that safety was a top priority. The group dynamic was incredibly supportive and encouraging. Graham demonstrates great respect for plant medicine and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy by honoring the historic and indigenous roots of this practice and artfully weaving in clinical modalities like IFS and Existential Analysis. These elements turned our retreat space into a warm, nourishing container where we were able to open our hearts and completely immerse ourselves in the experience.

Following the retreat, our Integration sessions facilitated understanding and synthesis of the thoughts, images, and emotions I experienced in the medicine session. It has been a delightful surprise to me that this medicine journey has stayed with me over time, continuing to unfold with additional insights that have strengthened my resilience."

Stephanie Hartselle, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP

Psychiatrist, Clinical Associate Professor

"I cannot say enough about Graham’s deep knowledge, empathetic responsiveness and intuitive guidance during our retreat. He meets you wherever you are in your professional and your personal life with understanding and grace. I recommend him enthusiastically and unreservedly -particularly for those in the healing professions. He has a rare talent for helping those who help others."

Sarah Wichman, LMSW, DSW

Palliative Care Social Worker, Faculty Advisor

"I had the opportunity to work with Graham for a ceremony in 2024. He was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and kind. Graham was extremely attentive to my worries and needs, and prioritized my sense of safety and comfort. He facilitated a warm and supportive space for all of us in the group on many levels—interpersonal, physical, and spiritual. He clearly has a deep connection to this work and great respect for the wisdom and history of plant medicine traditions. Graham is also a brilliant therapist, which I really appreciated during the preparation and integration phases of our work. Some people are clearly called to this work, and Graham is one of those people. And above all, Graham is a good and caring person who takes this work seriously and is truly invested in helping and healing."

Natasha Dharshi, M.Cog.Sci., MSW, RSW

Social Worker, Counsellor, Clinical Director

"Graham’s ability to create a deep-felt sense of safety in both my body and my mind during a psychedelic journey is akin to magic. His presence allowed me to fully support my vulnerability while being met with kindness, generosity, compassion and wisdom. Being able to step into my feminine alongside working through the symptoms of my chronic illness with Graham’s energy as a soft-landing space has been a remarkable moment on my wellness journey. For those who have the ability to work with Graham, you will leave the experience with immense gratitude."

Chen Vu, MA, RCC

Counsellor, Trainer

"The retreat with Graham was beautifully curated from start to finish, resulting in a deeply nourishing experience. He wove IFS and Existential Analysis modalities into the preparation and integration sessions, which helped me to deepen, expand, and anchor myself. Through Graham's genuine and heartfelt presence, I felt connected and cared for every step of the way.

The space itself was enchanting and sacred, making me feel at one with nature and my ancestors. Graham demonstrated great respect for my culture and adapted the protocol to honor my roots. I appreciated his trust in my inner knowings and felt supported by his guidance and knowledge.

I felt a profound sense of safety and trust with Graham, which allowed me to be fully free in my journey. After my mother's recent passing, this experience helped me to reconnect with her through a new dimension. Within my deep grief, a new sense of quietude emerged. This pivotal juncture altered my life path, and the shared reverence I felt with Graham was incredibly meaningful to me. My spirituality has reached new heights, and I will forever be grateful that my soul was able to reunite with my loved ones."

Emily Anderson, RCC Candidate

Intern Counsellor, M.A. Counselling Student

"I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with Graham. His approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy is respectful, grounded, and supportive. From the very beginning, he created a safe and nurturing space that honored the medicine, the land, and Indigenous traditions. His intentional facilitation in a setting close to nature allowed me to unplug, connect, and fully engage in the healing process.

What stood out most was Graham’s steady presence and genuine care. Even during the more challenging moments of my journey, I never felt alone. His compassionate and considerate guidance helped me feel supported and allowed me to trust the process. I also appreciated how he customized the experience to align with my values, thoughtfully incorporating spiritual elements that made the journey deeply meaningful.

This experience with Graham was about much more than the medicine itself—it was the entire journey, woven with intention and care, that had a lasting impact on my healing and perspective. I am deeply grateful for his wisdom and authenticity."

Krystal Mark, RPC Candidate

Counsellor, Youth Educator

"Graham curated a safe, warm, and thoughtful environment all while ensuring the journey was self-led based off of my comfortability. His attention and care was there throughout the session and I felt greatly appreciative to be accompanied by him through my journey."

Jake Froese, RTC

Counsellor, Elder Care Coordinator

"Graham has led a number of retreats for me. With Graham, I feel supported and safe. In his presence I feel personally by the cosmos and deeply connected. He knows or senses when to intervene and when to let me battle with what I’m experiencing. Not only is he trained in psychedelic integration, his in depth training in existential analysis and internal family systems training inform his work. Personally, I have never had an easy journey but with Graham, I know it’s safe to face myself, my experiences and my past."

Simon

Theatre Maker & Artistic Researcher, 33 Years Old

"Graham and Zoe accompanied me on a journey in the winter of 2024 at the Dutch seaside. It has been a groundbreaking experience in the best sense of the word. Not only the modalities of IFS and shape of our sessions following the ideas of Existential Analysis, but their very warmth, depth of compassion and a sense of respect and playfulness got me to explore some of the most hidden and uneasy parts of my history. Actually, the word I used months after the journey was revival. I see a lasting impact of this event. Following Zoe’s lead I have ever since been deepening my relationship with my breath, and continue to expand my somatic vocabulary in daily life in order to regulate. There is something beautiful about both Graham and Zoe’s capacity to witness - quite unforgettable. I feel it inspires me to serve other people in my artistic profession better, and to place-hold for others with a renewed sense of curiosity and compassion."