Advanced Facilitator Training

Sept - Dec 2026
Virtual & In-Person (California)
~

For experienced practitioners seeking an expanded framework to
5-MeO-DMT facilitation

Join a cohort of 6–9 experienced psychedelic facilitators for a multi-month program combining live online classes with a 5-night, 6-day experiential learning retreat

~

Explore a pioneering framework for guiding 5-MeO experiences through adaptive facilitation and dynamic dosing

~

Develop a more nuanced approach to assessing, responding to, and guiding each participant’s unfolding process

~

Learn alongside experienced peers through case discussions, supervised practice, and real-world application

~

Challenge and expand your existing approach to 5-MeO-DMT facilitation

~

Meet each participant exactly where they are—dose by dose

who is this for?

Established 5-MeO-DMT facilitators seeking more nuanced approaches to dosing, adaptive facilitation, and ongoing therapeutic relationships.
Psychedelic-assisted therapists with personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT.
Experienced psychedelic guides working with other medicines who have personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT
Graduates and alumni of facilitator training programs looking to deepen and broaden their existing practice.
Clinicians and researchers who work or have worked in clinical trials and/or research studies and have personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT.

who is this not for?

Individuals with no experience facilitating psychedelic or medicine-assisted sessions.
Individuals with no personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT.
Those seeking an introductory or foundational course in psychedelic facilitation.
Practitioners looking for a fixed protocol or one-size-fits-all approach to 5-MeO-DMT facilitation.

If you’re unsure whether your background is a good fit, we encourage you to schedule a call with chad and attend the open house.

how is this an advanced training?

This training is designed for experienced facilitators who have already developed and established a practice, regardless of the context.

Rather than revisiting the foundations of facilitation, the training offers an expanded framework for understanding and working with 5-MeO-DMT. Through a specialized orientation to dynamic dosing, participant assessment, and adaptive facilitation, you will develop a more nuanced way of perceiving what unfolds during sessions and responding accordingly.

Whatever path brought you here—formal training, Low 5 workshops, mentorship, or years of practice—this course builds upon your existing experience.

when &
where?

Virtual Classes, September - November 2026
In-person experiential learning retreat in California November 12 - 17, 2026
Virtual Classes, November - December 2026

in the online portion of this course you will:

Learn a pioneering theoretical model—Threshold Dynamics™—before arriving in California.
Study and apply Threshold Dynamics™ as an adaptive approach to working across low and high doses.
Learn to recognize different forms of unconscious material as they emerge.
Explore the distinctions between surrender & submission, dissociation & transcendence.
Analyze real case examples and discuss decision-making with experienced peers.
Prepare for the experiential retreat by forming small group pods: intake/preparation
Witness and share intervention methods with experienced peers from different backgrounds.

in the in-person portion of the course you will:

• Assess and respond to a client’s capacity for continued dosing

• Guide through empowered surrender—not forced submission

• Where & when to apply your own interventions during sessions

• Build therapeutic relationships based on shared responsibility and attunement

• Move beyond templated dosing models and into intuitive, flexible facilitation

• Refine your own somatic listening, presence, and real-time decision-making

- Learn where and when to apply your own interventions during sessions

the tuition

Tuition varies depending on accommodation:

Single room
$4,000 Early Bird*

$4,400 Regular
Shared room
$3,500 Early Bird*

$3,900 Regular

* Early Bird tuition ends July 31st at 11:59 PM ET USA/CANADA

Each accommodation type has limited capacity. Preferences will be noted in the application process and honoured on a first come, first serve basis.

DEPOSIT, PRICING, REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

The deposit is USD$1000 and is nonrefundable.

If there is cancellation after the training begins on September 10, full payment will be expected.

If an application is accepted, the deposit is sent, and for some unforeseen reason the accepted application is revoked, the deposit will be refunded in full, minus transaction fees.

Deposit payment details will be given after the call with chad.

Payment plans are available and can be discussed on the call.

the teacher

Since 2016, chad charles has been developing optimal one-on-one approaches to 5-MeO-DMT experiences with more than 1,400 facilitated sessions with around 1000 individuals. Since 2020, a psycholytic-psychedelic hybrid therapy has emerged as the core of his praxis, bridging what is sometimes called "low 5" with potential "peak" experiences.

Drawing on these years of documented practice, observation, mentorship, and research, he has developed a pioneering model—Threshold Dynamics™—for understanding and working with 5-MeO-DMT. This framework is now being taught via an upcoming book as well as the trainings and mentorship through the Recognitions Academy.

Recognitions Academy, the education arm of the newly formed Recognitions platform, is dedicated to advancing the practice of 5-MeO-DMT facilitation through continued practitioner education, mentorship, and specialized orientation. Recognitions Academy uses the Considerations for Practitioner Guidance Relationships (concerning Mentorships, Apprenticeships, and Trainings) by the Conclave to help define a good fit for admission to trainings and mentorship.

Developing "know-how" through experiential learning is a cornerstone of chad’s approach to education. By combining conceptual understanding with supervised practice, observation, and reflection, the Academy aims to help experienced facilitators broaden their framework, deepen their judgement, and continue developing their craft.

application flow

(every applicant completes the same application process before admission)

book a call with chad

Connect with chad to answer questions, discuss opportunities and begin the application process.

A 1:1 call with chad is required to apply.

Book a call

join the virtual open house

Join us Wednesday July 29th at 9AM PT USA/CANADA | 6PM CET EUROPE to learn more about the training, meet your facilitators, and ask questions live.

A 1:1 call with chad before or after the open house will nevertheless be required to apply.

Register here

frequently asked questions

I already know I want to attend. What do I do?

Schedule a call with chad. The application process will be the same for everyone and it begins with the call.

What is the Open House?

A live info session where chad answers questions from interested practitioners. Recording is available (video or audio) upon request. Join us Wednesday July 29, 2026 @ 9AM PT USA/CANADA | 6PM CET EUROPE

Attending the open house is not part of the application process, but it is highly encouraged. Booking a call with chad to start the application process is required to apply.

What is the cancellation policy?

DEPOSIT, PRICING, REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

The deposit is USD$1000 and is nonrefundable. If there is cancellation after the training begins on September 10, full payment will be expected.

If an application is accepted and the deposit is made, and for some unforeseen reason, the accepted application is revoked, the deposit will be refunded in full.

Deposit payment details will be given after the call with chad.

I’m new to offering 5. What are the conditions to apply?

Who is this for?

Established 5-MeO-DMT facilitators seeking more nuanced approaches to dosing, adaptive facilitation, and ongoing therapeutic relationship relationships.
Psychedelic-assisted therapists with personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT.
Experienced psychedelic guides working with other medicines who have personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT
Graduates and alumni of facilitator training programs looking to deepen and broaden their existing practice.
Clinicians and researchers who work or have worked in clinical trials and/or research studies and have personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT.

Who is this not for?

Individuals with no experience facilitating psychedelic or medicine-assisted sessions.
Individuals with no personal experience with 5-MeO-DMT.
Those seeking an introductory or foundational course in psychedelic facilitation.
Practitioners looking for a fixed protocol or one-size-fits-all approach to 5-MeO-DMT facilitation.

If you’re unsure whether your background is a good fit, we encourage you to schedule a call with chad and attend the open house.

I want to become a facilitator! Can I join?

This cohort is for established guides who already have a crafted offering. If you are unsure about this, please attend the open house and schedule a call with chad.

There are a handful of entry-level, structured foundational trainings that exist. Here are a few:

Mind Scape Institute

F.I.V.E DMT Facilitator Training

Step Wise

The Conclave’s Consideration for Practitioner Guidance Relationships (concerning Mentorships, Apprenticeships, and Trainings) can also help navigate the different pathways to facilitation.

Is there a certificate?

We do not currently issue a certificate for this course. This course is modelled as a continuing edcuation course, for professionals already in the field.

I use toad medicine. Can I still join?

Yes. But only if you wish to learn how to work with vape pens. Chad‘s praxis uses vape pens as a delivery device and that is what will be used and taught with.

Most teachings in the trainings are translatable to those using bufo as well as other delivery devices with 5

I want to attend but need a payment plan option.

Payment plans are available for 2 participants, to be granted in order of application received.

The plan:

- 1000 Deposit in full
- 1000 2nd payment (cash) on first day of training
- 250 monthly transfers until tuition is fully paid

"What a blessing it was to get to learn from a master practitioner directly! To receive years of experience distilled and synthesized into the most recent version of Chad’s practice was an invaluable gift. To get to witness him work his craft in real time, experience the container of co-visibility amongst peers, and to receive direct feedback from Chad and my fellow practitioners was pivotal in up-leveling my practice."

—Andrew, USA

“I joined the training for a few reasons: to deepen my practice with the pens, to be in those rich breakdowns and first-hand experience moments where the learning is soo rich, and to make new connections and allyships within this space. I feel like I received all of those things in spades and hope to continue to deepen friendships and connections beyond this training with those present.”

— Shane Kennedy, Canada

“Having Chad as a teacher and mirror has been one of the biggest pillars in my journey getting to know myself as a facilitator. His grounding spirit and presence has held me during many transformations. His knowledge of the molecule and the way he communicates is absolutely beautiful and one of deep reverence. His unique style and understanding of the fine connections between power and vulnerability still ripples deeply. Chad brings so much care and clarity to every space he enters. His work is so important for our community and I am forever grateful for our connection.”

— A.A., Germany

“I graduated from the [F.I.V.E.] 5-MeO-DMT Facilitator Training in the fall of 2024, and while the program itself was incredibly rich, [training] with Chad Charles took my learning into a whole new dimension.

His presence, professionalism, and generosity have shaped how I approach this work at every level.

I can’t recommend Chad enough. It’s an experience that deepens your skill, your confidence, and your heart in this medicine."

— Cynthia Howell, Canada

“I am extremely grateful to Chad -- without his guidance, I would not be where I am today.

I learned so much by sitting with my peers in initial calls, and by witnessing the different skills and ceremonies that my peers brought.

So so grateful to have had the experiences I did and to know him.”

— Willow Rose, USA

"What really sets chad’s training apart is that the learning doesn’t begin and end with the in-person sessions. The prep calls, the opportunity to shadow chad and observe his process, and the thoughtful feedback from both chad and the group before, during, and after the retreat created a rich learning experience that lasted.

Our discussions were deep, fresh, and spontaneous—often going into the night. There is nothing like sitting on a big comfy couch with your peers and sharing wisdom, vulnerability, and humor. It was enlightening and grounding. I felt grateful the whole time—kind of wanted to pinch myself at times—I felt it was such a special moment in my lifetime.

The slow, steady inquiry that I learned has served my clients and myself in numerous ways. I pay attention to every interaction I have with my clients and look for growth opportunities. I see so many more opportunities now."

—Sarah D., Mexico

I come from a Hakomi background, which is a mindful somatic psychology, and this felt like a weaving of all of these different modalities that I've been learning for so many years into the 5 work because of the ability to check in with your client and be more present to work with these lower doses.

Instead of coming in with some preordained idea of how I wanted to go about dosing, it felt so flexible, so attuned.

I loved working with the pens because there's no guessing. You stay connected and not only attuned but really work with the client in this psycholytic space. You're really able to connect with and get curious about the current experience of the client. It's a game changer in the work that I do.

— Skye Weaver, USA

When I first learned about this course, I knew I wanted to be part of it, as I already had developed tremendous respect for Chad's experience and reputation, and I knew he would bring together a great group of facilitators that I could learn from. His training and the retreat setting both exceeded my expectations and I can honestly say that it was one of the most meaningful growth experiences I've had.

Chad's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for this work is infectious, and I appreciate his ability to make complex concepts accessible.

Everything about the setting and the structure of the retreat was rooted in authenticity, humility, and genuine care, and I left this training with greater knowledge and confidence, lasting friendships, and an even deeper appreciation for what conscious, skillful 5-MeO facilitation can be.

— Greg, USA