Therapist or Sitter 2026

Therapist or Sitter — A conference on the role of support in Substance-Assisted Therapy is an international gathering scheduled for 8–10 May 2026. Organised by Rotis and the Institute for Substance Assisted Therapy (IST), the event takes place in the historic Rotis seminar centre in Germany. This conference focuses on the practical and clinical dimensions of psychedelic-assisted therapy, moving beyond academic theory to examine the specific nature of therapeutic presence during sessions.

The programme features a rigorous schedule of presentations and demonstrations from experienced practitioners with over a century of combined experience in the field. Key themes include the distinction between the roles of "facilitator" and "therapist," the integration of Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi techniques, and the ethical use of touch in non-ordinary states of consciousness. Speakers such as Manuel Aicher, Sonia Gomes, and Manuela Mischke-Reeds will explore how therapeutic interventions in substance-assisted settings differ from traditional psychotherapy, emphasising somatic attunement and adaptive reprocessing.

Designed as a vital complement to academic training, the conference aims to foster an intensive exchange between speakers and participants through panel discussions and networking opportunities. It is intended for medical doctors, psychotherapists, and students seeking to develop clinical competencies in supporting patients through profound psychological transitions. By facilitating dialogue between researchers and underground or early-permit practitioners, the event supports the professionalisation and ethical standardisation of the emerging psychedelic healthcare sector.