Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

At one point, licensed facilitator Patrick Winczewski was the only full-time facilitator in the state of Oregon — one of two states able to provide legalized psilocybin, a psychedelic mushroom, for clients. Now, Winczewski is no longer the only one.

Inner Guidance, located in North Albany, allows for individuals or groups to experience psilocybin, which, according to the pamphlets offered in the lobby, is “A naturally occurring compound found in many species of fungus… and has been used by humans for spiritual and ceremonial purposes for thousands of years.”

Psilocybin contains psilocin, which closely resembles serotonin, both as a molecule and the effects it has on the brain. It allows the brain to maintain neuroplasticity — which develops new neural connections, creating new habits for individuals or stimulating mental growth.

“If you imagine you’re sledding down a hill, and if you always slide down the same route, that route — that rut — is going to get really deep and it (can be) really hard to get out of it,” said Winczewski. “The metaphor is that (psilocybin) is like a fresh blanket of snow to help you pick new routes, help you get out of the rut you were in and find a different pathway. So if you’re wanting to work on yourself, wanting to process trauma, get over whatever addiction concerns you have — that’s the time to do it.”

At the location in North Albany, the mushroom is offered in three variations: capsule, powder and its natural growth. The powder is most popular, since it may be mixed in with applesauce or other substances, and the effects occur quicker in comparison to the other options.

“It’s interesting because I think a majority of the people who do psychedelic mushrooms do have an excellent time,” said Winczewski. “A lot of people that we see are looking for a supportive space because they have things they’re needing to work on. They have trauma they need to process and they want to do it in a supportive environment. We don’t like to use the term ‘bad trip’ because even if an experience is challenging, which a lot of them are, that doesn’t mean it’s not productive.”

Winczewski is a facilitator — a far different job from a therapist. In his position, Winczewski sits with the clients “journeying” and does not interject. Individuals are free to follow their experience without his influence, but facilitators will offer support when necessary alongside their non-directive approach.

The facility offers various rooms — Earth, Sand, Water and Space — with instruments, coloring books, stuffed animals and more displayed for use. Clients may sit in comfy, reclining chairs, indulge in music or eat snacks. 

During preparation, the first appointment for any client, clients disclose their medical information to Winczewski and learn about psilocybin and the main goal of a facilitator, which is to make the client feel comfortable.

It is the second appointment — known as administration — that the client will experience the effects of psilocybin. Clients must be dropped off and picked up before and after the appointment, which ranges for hours, with the highest dosage being a minimum of a six hour stay.

“A lot of people think we’re guides. We know a lot about it obviously, but I think some people expect to have more answers given to them, and interpretations given to them, but we’re required not to do that,” said Winczewski.

The final appointment, which is optional, exists to provide consultation regarding the experience. Clients may meet with their facilitator to go over the event, something facilitators believe every person should have the opportunity to do. Winczewski recommends waiting a week before meeting for the integration appointment, leaving time to collect, reorganize and apply what they’ve learned to their day-to-day life.

Facilitators are required by Oregon state law to pass an Oregon Health Authority curriculum-approved training program, which, for Winczewski, took six months. The training consisted of indigenous presentations from Shamans on the drug, neurochemistry lessons, counseling, comfort training and ethics. The War on Drugs is evaluated alongside history surrounding psychedelics.

Winczewski hopes that Oregon having legalized psilocybin in certain circumstances will allow for a reformed system across the nation. “It’s a natural medicine. It has profound effects that no other pharmaceutical drug has or does. It’s been used — it’s proven safe. It’s proven effective,” said Winczewski. “This really connects people with their past, their ancestors, their earth, to their God, in a way that other medical systems do not.”

Winczewski admits he is a big fan of mushrooms — that a substance like psilocybin may cure America’s lack of emphasis on preventative and natural medicine and change lives.

“I feel like my soul is on fire after a really good session,” said Winczewski. “People work through so much stuff. We have group sessions and they all just love each other so much — there’s a camaraderie that’s built.”

Psilocybin is still a vastly unexplored tool, with clients not always understanding the true nature of the plant. “Part of my job as a facilitator is also to reduce people’s expectations. You can read one hundred different books on psilocybin journeys — most of them written by white men — but you’re not going to get the answers for what your session will be like by reading all these stories,” said Winczewski. “Because yours is going to be unique, but also beautiful, and we’re here to support you in any way that is necessary.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu