With the passing of the Psilocybin Services Act in 2020, Oregon is the first state in the country to provide a regulated and legal psilocybin assisted therapy program.
Psilocybin, often referred to as “Magic mushrooms” has been used for ceremonial and healing purposes by tribal and indigenous communities around the world for centuries.
Misako is now a licensed psilocybin facilitator, offering safe and supported individual and group journeys at the Cora Center in NE Portland. No referral or diagnosis needed.
Misako received a fellowship award from the Healing Advocacy Fund and a scholarship from the Alma institute to pursue her psychedelic facilitator training. In of May 2024, she began working with the Cora Center, a unique licensed psilocybin service center, which is rooted in indigenous wisdom, collective community healing, and social justice.
What exactly is psilocybin and how does it work?
Psilocybin is the active component in numerous strains of “magic mushrooms” (growing naturally world wide) that when ingested, interact with serotonin receptors in the brain to induce non-ordinary and expanded states of consciousness; emotional openness; resurfacing of memories and emotions; and other transformative states. Communication between different parts of the brain may also occur, potentially encouraging new neural pathway connections. This can be important in rewiring the brain's habitual patterns to allow for greater flexibility in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
What conditions have been researched?
Research shows promising and positive effects for treatment resistant depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, racial trauma, and alleviation of fear related to “end of life distress”. See the Scientific Literature Review and Cultural and Anthropological Information for detailed information.
Working with Veterans
The Cora Center was honored to receive the nation’s first group of veterans and veteran spouses last month as part of the Heroic Hearts Project, an organization providing access to psychedelic healing and other resources for veterans and their spouses and families suffering from PTSD. An estimated 800,000 veterans from post 9/11 wars and the Vietnam war suffer from PTSD. Misako had the great privilege of supporting a traditional psilocybin assisted Andean sound healing ceremony for a group of veteran’s wives, led by two of her mentors, Claudia and Julian, each experienced medicine carriers from South America. During a one month follow up integration and support circle that she was a part of, reports from participants included: improved connections with friends and loved ones; reduction in anxiety and negative thinking; feelings of joy and purpose; and being able to stay present in the moment.
Interested in Learning more?
This psilocybin work and licensure is separate from Misako’s ongoing acupuncture practice. She will continue both “medicines” independently but believes each can enhance and deepen the therapeutic impact of the other. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about how psilocybin assisted therapy can support you, feel free to email Misako. She would be happy to set up a short phone call to answer any of your questions.
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