Fireside Project: Supporting Psychedelic Experiences

Welcome to Fireside Project, a trusted resource for individuals seeking support during and after their psychedelic experiences. Our mission is to provide emotional support and guidance to ensure safe and transformative journeys. Through our Psychedelic Support Line, staffed by compassionate volunteers, we offer a listening ear without judgment, so you can feel heard and supported wherever you are on your psychedelic path.

Key Takeaways:

• Fireside Project offers emotional support for individuals during and after psychedelic experiences
• The Psychedelic Support Line is available every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm PT
• Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and provide non-judgmental listening
• We emphasize the importance of safety, research, and setting intentions and boundaries
• Fireside Project is committed to creating a Beloved Psychedelic Community that celebrates all identities

Resources for Safe Psychedelic Use

The Fireside Project recognizes the importance of conducting thorough research and implementing safety measures when engaging in psychedelic experiences. By providing valuable resources and guidance, they aim to support individuals in navigating their journeys with mindfulness and care.

Research Psychedelics

To ensure a safe and informed experience, it is crucial to research the specific psychedelic substance you plan to explore. Understanding factors such as dosage, duration, potential risks, and contraindications can help you make informed decisions. A reliable source to start your research journey is Erowid, which provides comprehensive and unbiased information on a wide range of psychedelics.

Set and Setting

Another fundamental aspect of safe psychedelic use is considering your “set” and “setting.” Set refers to your psychological and emotional state, while setting refers to the physical environment in which the experience takes place. It is essential to cultivate a calm and equanimous mind before embarking on a psychedelic journey. Creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment can contribute to a positive and transformative experience.

Safety Measures

Fireside Project recommends taking necessary safety measures during a psychedelic journey. It is advisable to have a sober friend nearby, especially for solo experiences. Alternatively, you can utilize their app or support line number for remote guidance and support. It is also important to ensure that basic needs such as water, a restroom, and comfortable clothing are easily accessible during the journey.

Resources	Description
Erowid	A comprehensive online resource that provides accurate and unbiased information on a wide range of psychedelics, including dosage, effects, and experiences.
Fireside Project App	An app that offers remote guidance and support during psychedelic experiences, connecting you with trained volunteers who can provide assistance and reassurance.
Fireside Project Support Line	A support line available every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm PT, staffed by compassionate volunteers who provide emotional support during and after psychedelic experiences.

By utilizing these resources and implementing safety measures, individuals can enhance the potential benefits of their psychedelic journeys while minimizing potential risks.

Post-Journey Integration

After a psychedelic experience, the Fireside Project emphasizes the importance of taking it slow and integrating the insights gained. It is crucial to create a safe space for reflection and growth to support personal development and emotional well-being. Here are some recommended practices for post-journey integration:

Sharing and Processing

Sharing the psychedelic experience with trusted individuals can provide a sense of validation and support. Whether it’s with a close friend, a therapist, or a integration coach, verbalizing the journey can help process and unpack the insights gained. Expressive arts, such as journaling or creating art, can also be powerful tools for reflection and integration.

Take it Slow

It’s important to give yourself time to integrate the experience before making any major life decisions. Psychedelic journeys can offer profound shifts in perspective, but rushing into significant changes immediately after the experience may not allow for a thoughtful and grounded approach. Take the time to reflect, process, and understand how the insights gained can be applied to your daily life.

Nature and Mindfulness

Spending time in nature can be incredibly healing and supportive during the integration process. Connecting with the natural world can help cultivate a sense of grounding, presence, and interconnectedness. Practicing mindfulness through meditation or other somatic practices can also facilitate the integration of the psychedelic experience.

Summary

Post-journey integration is a vital part of the psychedelic experience. By creating a safe space for reflection, engaging in expressive arts, and taking the time to integrate insights, individuals can enhance personal growth and emotional well-being. Nature, mindfulness, and sharing with trusted individuals can further support the integration process. Remember to be gentle with yourself and allow for the necessary time and space to fully integrate and embody the lessons learned from your psychedelic journey.

The Fireside Project Team

The Fireside Project is comprised of a dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about supporting psychedelic experiences and promoting mental health. Led by founder Joshua White, the team consists of peer support advocates, psychedelic researchers, and professionals from various backgrounds.

Josnua White: Founder, Lawyer, and Psychedelic Researcher

Joshua White, the founder of Fireside Project, is a lawyer, peer support advocate, and psychedelic researcher. With a deep understanding of the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences, Joshua believes in the power of peer support and support lines in the mental health ecosystem. He has volunteered as a counselor on Safe & Sound’s TALK Line and as a psychedelic peer support provider for the Zendo Project.

Jessica Bilbrey: COO with Healthcare Industry Expertise

As the Chief Operating Officer of Fireside Project, Jessica Bilbrey brings over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her expertise lies in operational excellence and driving growth. Jessica’s focus is on improving the support provided to callers and enhancing volunteer training to ensure the highest quality of care.

Peer Support Advocates, Psychedelic Researchers, and More

In addition to Joshua and Jessica, the Fireside Project team includes dedicated volunteers with backgrounds in psychedelic harm reduction, integration coaching, anthropology, nursing, and therapy. Their diverse skillsets and experiences allow them to provide compassionate and quality care to those seeking support.

Team Member	Role
Joshua White	Founder, Lawyer, and Psychedelic Researcher
Jessica Bilbrey	Chief Operating Officer
Volunteers	Peer Support Advocates
Various professionals	Psychedelic Researchers and Therapists

The Fireside Project team is driven by their passion for supporting individuals in their psychedelic experiences and promoting mental well-being. Their collective knowledge and commitment to compassionate care make them an invaluable resource for those seeking support.

The Name and Mission of Fireside Project

The Fireside Project derives its name from the warmth and sense of community often experienced around a crackling fire. Just as friends and loved ones gather around a fireside to share stories and connect, the Fireside Project aims to create a sense of belonging and support for individuals navigating the realm of psychedelic experiences. Their mission is to provide compassionate peer support, promote public education, and further the understanding of psychedelics through research.

At the heart of the Fireside Project is a commitment to mental health and well-being. By offering a range of resources and support services, they strive to create a safe space for individuals to explore and learn from their psychedelic journeys. The Fireside Project welcomes and celebrates individuals of all identities, seeking to foster a beloved community that embraces diversity and provides the necessary guidance for transformative experiences.

To achieve their mission, Fireside Project emphasizes the importance of community-building and education. By connecting individuals with trained volunteers who offer emotional support, they aim to minimize the risks associated with psychedelic experiences. Additionally, Fireside Project actively contributes to the field of psychedelic research, advocating for responsible and informed use.

Fireside Project Mission Statement:

“To support individuals in minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefits of psychedelic experiences through compassionate peer support, public education, and furthering psychedelic research, while creating a beloved community that celebrates and welcomes individuals of all identities.”

Guiding Principles of Fireside Project

The Fireside Project operates based on a set of guiding principles that shape their work. These principles include humility, compassion, curiosity, accountability, feedback-focus, transparency, rigor, vulnerability, creativity, and a data-driven approach. They strive to provide support in a sacred and responsible manner, actively seeking improvement and learning from their community and callers. The Fireside Project also adheres to the North Star Ethics pledge, ensuring ethical and responsible practices within the psychedelic community.

At the core of Fireside Project’s guiding principles is humility. They recognize the complexity and individual nature of psychedelic experiences and approach every interaction with a genuine desire to learn and understand. This humility allows them to offer non-judgmental support that meets each caller where they are.

Compassion is another key principle that guides Fireside Project. Their team of volunteers comes from diverse backgrounds and is trained to provide emotional support with empathy and kindness. They understand the importance of creating a safe space for callers to express themselves and be heard without judgment.

Accountability is a fundamental principle for Fireside Project. They take responsibility for the support they provide and actively seek feedback from callers to continuously improve their services. This accountability extends to their commitment to transparency, ensuring that their operations and decision-making processes are open to scrutiny and dialogue.

Data-Driven Approach to Psychedelic Support

To further enhance their support provision, the Fireside Project utilizes a data-driven approach. They collect and analyze anonymous data from their support line interactions, identifying patterns and trends to inform their practices. This commitment to rigor allows them to continuously refine their support services and ensure that they remain effective and relevant.

“We believe in the power of data to guide and shape our work. By tracking the impact and outcomes of our support line, we can make informed decisions and continuously enhance the care we provide to our callers.” – Fireside Project

Transparency and Vulnerability in Peer Support

Fireside Project values transparency and vulnerability in their peer support practices. They encourage their volunteers to be open about their own experiences and challenges, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. This vulnerability allows for authentic connections and empowers callers to share their own vulnerabilities, knowing they will be met with empathy and support.

Through their commitment to humility, compassion, accountability, transparency, and vulnerability, Fireside Project strives to provide a safe and nurturing space for individuals seeking support during and after psychedelic experiences. By adhering to these guiding principles, they aim to contribute to the growth and well-being of the psychedelic community.

Psychedelic Support Line Impact Report

The Fireside Project is dedicated to providing support for individuals during and after psychedelic experiences through their Psychedelic Support Line. As part of their commitment to transparency and accountability, the organization releases an annual Impact Report, highlighting the accomplishments and impact of the support line. This report serves as a testament to the effectiveness and importance of the support provided by the Fireside Project, as well as their dedication to furthering the understanding and responsible use of psychedelics.

The Impact Report showcases various key metrics and insights, offering a comprehensive overview of the support line’s reach and impact. It includes the number of calls and texts received, providing a quantitative measure of the support line’s utilization. Additionally, the report highlights the diversity of the volunteer team, illustrating the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

The Fireside Project Impact Report also features the positive outcomes and testimonials from callers, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the support line. These firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences and the profound impact of compassionate support during these journeys.

Through his work at Fireside Project, Joshua strives to create a platform where individuals can access reliable information, receive emotional support, and engage in integration practices after their psychedelic experiences. His vision for Fireside Project is to build a Beloved Psychedelic Community that celebrates diversity, supports personal growth, and promotes responsible use of psychedelics. Joshua’s dedication and expertise have made Fireside Project a trusted resource for those seeking support throughout their psychedelic journeys.

Jessica Bilbrey: COO of Fireside Project

Jessica Bilbrey serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Fireside Project, bringing over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry to her role. With a focus on operational excellence and driving growth, Jessica is dedicated to ensuring that Fireside Project provides the highest quality support to its callers.

As the COO, Jessica combines her expertise in the healthcare industry with her passion for the holistic well-being of individuals. She understands the importance of fostering a connection between medical and mental health, and she works diligently to enhance the support provided by Fireside Project.

Prior to joining Fireside Project, Jessica led operational projects and teams supporting complex medical and behavioral needs. Her commitment to operational excellence and her drive to improve the lives of others make her an invaluable asset to the Fireside Project team.

With Jessica’s leadership, Fireside Project continues to provide accessible and compassionate care to those who seek support on their psychedelic journeys, ensuring that each caller receives the highest quality of care and guidance.

Key Responsibilities of Jessica Bilbrey as COO:

• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of Fireside Project
• Improving the support provided to callers through operational excellence
• Enhancing volunteer training programs to ensure the highest quality of care
• Driving growth and expanding Fireside Project’s reach in the psychedelic support community
• Fostering collaboration and partnerships within the healthcare industry

Fireside Project’s Technology and Software

The Fireside Project understands the importance of utilizing technology and software to enhance the peer support experience. Jeff Greenberg, the Chief Technology Officer, has played a crucial role in developing and implementing innovative solutions that provide callers with efficient and reliable support.

With a deep understanding of the value of privacy, Jeff funded and built a secure software system that ensures the confidentiality of interactions between callers and volunteers. This technology allows individuals to feel safe and comfortable while seeking emotional support during and after their psychedelic experiences.

In addition to privacy, the Fireside Project’s technology and software aim to improve the overall peer support experience. Callers can access the support line through the Fireside Project app or by calling the support line number. This accessibility ensures that individuals can reach out for help whenever they need it, from anywhere in the world.

The Fireside Project’s commitment to utilizing technology and software showcases their dedication to providing compassionate and quality care to those seeking support. By continuously improving and implementing innovative solutions, they strive to create a seamless and effective support system for individuals during their psychedelic journeys.

Table: Fireside Project’s Technology and Software Features

Feature	Description
Secure Software System	A system built and funded by Jeff Greenberg to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of interactions between callers and volunteers.
Support Line App	An app that allows individuals to access the support line easily and conveniently, providing immediate assistance when needed.
Global Accessibility	The support line can be accessed from anywhere in the world, enabling individuals to seek emotional support regardless of their location.

The Fireside Project’s technology and software features not only enhance the support process but also emphasize their commitment to creating a safe and accessible space for individuals during and after their psychedelic experiences.

Emotional Support and Healing for Veterans

At Fireside Project, we are committed to providing emotional support and healing for veterans through psychedelic experiences. We believe that psychedelics can be transformative tools in helping veterans process their traumatic experiences and find self-love and acceptance. William Tovar, an Air Force combat veteran, is an integral part of our team, focusing on providing the support that veterans need.

William’s personal experience as a veteran and his work with various organizations dedicated to using psychedelics as a tool for healing have shaped his passion for helping others and promoting personal growth. He understands the unique challenges that veterans face and believes in the power of psychedelics to facilitate healing and personal transformation.

Through our Psychedelic Support Line, veterans can receive compassionate and non-judgmental support from our trained volunteers who understand their experiences. We provide a safe space for veterans to explore their emotions, process their trauma, and find healing. Our goal is to support veterans on their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth.

Support for Veterans at Fireside Project
Emotional Support	Our trained volunteers offer compassionate and non-judgmental emotional support for veterans during and after psychedelic experiences.
Psychedelic Healing	We believe in the transformative power of psychedelics in helping veterans process trauma and find self-love and acceptance.
Promoting Personal Growth	Through our support line, we aim to support veterans in their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth.

At Fireside Project, we are dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate care to veterans seeking support. We understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for veterans to heal and grow, and we are here to walk alongside them on their journey.

Testimonial from a Veteran:

“The support I received from Fireside Project was instrumental in my healing journey. The volunteers understood my experiences as a veteran and provided a safe space for me to process my trauma. Through the use of psychedelics, I was able to make significant breakthroughs and find peace within myself. I am forever grateful for the support I received from Fireside Project.”

If you are a veteran seeking emotional support and healing through psychedelic experiences, reach out to our Psychedelic Support Line. We are here for you.

Vanessa Cruz: Indigenous Roots and Psychedelic Healing

Vanessa Cruz, a valued member of the Fireside Project team, brings her wealth of knowledge in indigenous healing practices, herbalism, and psychedelic medicines to provide compassionate support. With a deep commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the psychedelic space, Vanessa’s expertise enhances the project’s mission.

As a nurse and holistic wellness practitioner, Vanessa understands the transformative power of psychedelic healing. She has undergone training in mindfulness-based psychedelic therapy, allowing her to guide individuals on their unique healing journeys. Vanessa prioritizes honoring individual experiences of the sacred in psychedelic medicine, promoting interconnectedness and acceptance within the psychedelic community.

Vanessa’s perspective is deeply rooted in indigenous healing practices, which she combines with her understanding of psychedelic medicines. Her goal is to create a more inclusive and accessible psychedelic community, where individuals from all walks of life can benefit from the healing potential of these medicines. Through transformative coaching and empathetic support, Vanessa empowers individuals to explore their own healing paths and find holistic well-being.