EMBARK
Core Mechanism
Structured attention to the six domains that emerge in psychedelic states enables integration of the experience into lasting psychological change, while the four care cornerstones ensure ethical, trauma-informed, culturally competent delivery
Ontology
A whole person whose psychedelic experience activates multiple dimensions simultaneously — existential, somatic, relational, affective-cognitive — requiring a multi-domain therapeutic response rather than a single-mechanism model
Therapeutic Voice
"Which of these domains felt most alive during your experience? Let's start there."
View of the Person
A whole person whose healing requires attention across existential, somatic, relational, and cognitive dimensions simultaneously
Evidence
Not in major clinical guidelines; recognized in psychedelic-assisted therapy research context
Used in two RCTs at Cybin; 79% full remission from depression three weeks post-treatment in Phase 1/2a trial
Emerging; Frontiers in Psychology model description (2022)
Open-sourced to the clinical community. Transdiagnostic and trans-drug — adaptable to psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, DMT. Developed at Cybin in response to gaps in existing PAT models including insufficient attention to body, ethics, and cultural competence. 4,000+ clinicians registered for foundational training. Available as free open-access course at embarkapproach.com.
Conditions
Epistemology
Blind Spots
Developed within a pharmaceutical research context (Cybin); limited independent replication; open-source status means variable implementation quality; requires specialized training not yet standardized across programs
Contraindications
Same medical and psychiatric contraindications as the specific psychedelic being used; active psychosis, severe cardiovascular conditions, medications with dangerous interactions
Training
EMBARK foundational training (open access online); EMBARK Certified Facilitator program for clinical trial contexts
EMBARK Certified Facilitator
Open-access foundational course: ~4 hrs; full certification: intensive training with supervision
Open-access course: free; certification training: varies by program
Equity & Cultural Adaptations
Philosophical Roots
Grof (non-ordinary states); James (varieties of religious experience); harm reduction philosophy; CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic traditions integrated
Related Modalities
Test Yourself
What does EMBARK stand for?
Show answer
Existential-Spiritual, Mindfulness, Body Aware, Affective-Cognitive, Relational, Keeping Momentum — six domains that commonly emerge in psychedelic experiences.