The human behind Psilocycle—and the approach that shapes every session.
Sam X
I Know First-hand That Life Often Throws More at us Than We Can Handle
& HOW IT FEELS, THINKING YOU'LL NEVER FIND ANSWERS.
As a queer + trans + neurodivergent human, a survivor of both abuse and assault, an orphan, a divorcee, and a widow – the struggle to find yourself, and really make sense of your reality, is an experience I am all too familiar with.
Approaches like CBT, DBT, and psychoanalytic therapies can fail us, as external resources that rely on our rational mind to engage with; and even when the brightest parts of my conscious mind could engage, I found that my body kept being left behind. Panic attacks at grocery stores. Anger I didn’t understand. Existential grief I couldn’t outrun. The list goes on.
Once I could finally think and calm myself out of a reaction, my emotional responses and gut instincts were gone.
Somatic therapies and plant medicines brought me back to my body – back to the world I so love savouring and to all of the things I delight in exploring. Rediscovering and understanding the microcosm of energy within even brought me back to astrology, tarot, and the magic of the macrocosm of energy around us.
After a lifetime of personal journeying through therapeutic modality after therapeutic modality, half a decade of professional experience in social services and therapeutic work, and over six years education in multiple modalities and plant medicines, I am so thrilled to be bringing powerful approaches as Somatic Therapy, Holy Fire Reiki, and more to you through Psilocycle.
HOW COULD I HEAR WHAT I SPENT YEARS SILENCING?
HEALING DOES NOT HAPPEN IN A VACCUM...
Our bodies are shaped not only by personal experiences, but by the systems, communities, histories, and cultures we move through every day.
Psilocycle is committed to providing affirming, trauma-informed care for people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, relationship structures, abilities, neurotypes, spiritual backgrounds, body sizes, and life experiences. I am especially committed to creating safer, more supportive spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ communities, transgender and nonbinary people, neurodivergent individuals, Disabled and chronically ill people, BIPOC communities, survivors, and those whose identities exist at multiple intersections of marginalization.
I recognize that racism, colonialism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, classism, fatphobia, and other forms of oppression can profoundly impact our nervous systems, sense of safety, and access to care. These realities are not separate from healing—they are part of the context in which healing takes place.
My approach is rooted in curiosity, consent, collaboration, and accountability. You do not need to leave any part of yourself at the door to receive support here.
Your Full Humanity is Welcome Here
The Work Behind the Work
My work is shaped by both lived experience and ongoing professional development. The trainings below represent years of study across somatic therapy, trauma-informed care, plant medicine support, grief work, mental health, meditation, and holistic healing practices – all to help crystallize my lived experience into powerful supports for you.
Integrative Somatic Therapy Certification [TEL]
Psychedelic Somatic Therapy Certification [TEL]
120+ hours of additional somatic therapy training
SOMATIC THERAPIES + EMBODIED HEALING
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certification
ASIST Certification
Landscapes of Possibility Training [Groundfire CCW]
Expanding Fluency for Clinicians [Groundfire CCW]
Multiple certifications in Anxiety + Depression support
Additional suicide prevention training
MENTAL HEALTH + EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Trauma-Informed Practices (multiple certifications)
Nonviolent Therapeutic Crisis Prevention Certification
Multiple harm reduction certifications
Various trainings in equitable and accessible service provision
TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE
DeathSchool Certified [DeathWives]
Additional fractional trainings in grief support
DEATH, GRIEF, AND END-OF-LIFE SUPPORT
Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Teacher Certification [Gaden Samten Ling]
Holy Fire Reiki Certification, Level I and Level II
SPIRITUAL CARE + ENERGY WORK
THE EXPERIENCES, RELATIONSHIPS, AND COMMUNITIES THAT CONTINUE TO SHAPE MY PRACTICE
Beyond the Credentials
Since 2021, I've supported more than 150 clients – including over 50 plant medicine programs – while drawing on years of experience in social services, community development, teaching, and consulting.
My work has included supporting unhoused and underserved communities, across various intersectionalities of marginalization, focusing on substance use supports, complex mental health cases, and intergenerational trauma. I have spent countless hours contributing to the growth of organizations like the Skipping Stone Foundation, guest lecturing in Psychology and Social Work programs across Turtle Island, and consulting with organizations seeking to queer-ify and decolonize mental health and healing supports.
I have had the honor to be invited to participate in and learn at over a dozen sweat lodges with Niitsitapi, Siksikaitsitapi, and Nêhiyawak elders, and alongside this, my practice continues to be informed by teachings from Indigenous elders, my ancestral Egyptian lineage, and ongoing mentorship in psychic mediumship and trance healing – each deepening my commitment to providing care that is compassionate, culturally responsive, and rooted in lifelong learning.
IN ALIGNMENT WITH VALUES OF EQUITY, COMMUNITY, AND JUSTICE, PSILOCYCLE WILL ALWAYS OFFER ALL SERVICES ON A SLIDING SCALE BASIS.
Fees + Options
Sliding scale pricing means that there are multiple fee options available for each offering or service. You are given the freedom and responsibility of choosing the correct fee option for you, so that you can access these services in the way that works for your life and needs.
What is a sliding scale?
The standard fee you see on the booking page is representative of actual operating costs for your session (see "where is my money going?" for more info). This is the level to use if you have savings/investments, travel recreationally, own a home, or exist with social privileges (race, gender, able bodied, college degree, family supports, etc).
For those who may not be able to pay the full fee, you can access a 20% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have some income beyond your basic needs, have few or no dependents, have access to family money in times of need, but may live with some form of marginalization or chronic pain, etc.
For those who struggle to meet their living needs, there is the opportunity to access a 40% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have no savings, have significant debt, live with chronic illness or disability, are exiting or surviving abuse (including financial abuse) or exist at several intersections of social inequity.
To access sliding scale rates, just select your tier when you book!
How do I choose a sliding scale?
Each hour of client-facing time is supported by approximately two hours of personalized preparation work and research, and all income is taxed at approximately 40%, as well as 10% of income being returned to mutual aid (plus all those pesky business expenses like paying for this website).
This results in each hour of client fees being reduced by approximately 50% and then distributed into a total of 3 hours of work – that means the hourly fee of $280 results in pay of $44/h for your practitioner.
where is my money going?
Yes! Thank you so much for asking.
There is always the option to add a small bonus and pay it forward to help underprivileged community members to access support.
Some clients choose to simply add $10 to each session fee, while others have provided lump-sum grants or scholarships. You get to decide!
This results in each hour of client fees being reduced by approximately 50% and then distributed into a total of 3 hours of work – that means the hourly fee of $280 results in pay of $44/h for your practitioner.
Cancellations, changes of plans, and unexpected life events happen to everyone!
Cancellation or rescheduling up to 24h in advance is always fine. If you late-cancel (within 24h) or no-show an appointment without cancelling, you will be required to pay a partial session fee.
This policy may be waived on a case-by-case basis – let me know what’s up, and we’ll talk!
The standard fee you see on the booking page is representative of actual operating costs for your session (see "where is my money going?" for more info). This is the level to use if you can meet all of your basic needs, have savings/investments, travel recreationally, own a home, or exist with social privileges (race, gender, able bodied, college degree, family supports, etc).
For those who may not be able to consistently pay the full fee, you can access a 15% lower rate. This is the level to use if you can meet your basic needs and/or have access to family support, but have financial stress, some dependents, or live with a form of marginalization, chronic illness, etc. [coupon code LUNAR]
For those who do not have the capacity to pay the full fee, you can access a 30% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have concerns about meeting your basic needs, have debt, are underemployed, have limited access to healthcare, do not have savings, or live at multiple intersections of social inequity. [coupon code SOLAR]
For those who struggle to meet their basic needs, there is the opportunity to access a 40% lower rate. This is the level to use if you qualify for government assistance programs, have no savings, have significant debt, live with chronic illness or disability, are exiting or surviving abuse or exist at several intersections of social inequity. [coupon code STELLAR]
To access sliding scale rates, use the relevant coupon code provided on the booking page.
how do i choose a sliding scale RATE?
Yes! Thank you so much for asking.
There is always the option to add a small bonus and pay it forward to help underprivileged community members to access support. Some clients choose to simply add $10 to each session fee, while others have provided lump-sum grants or scholarships. You get to decide!
can i pay it forward?
Payment is accepted at the booking link. If you prefer, you can receive an invoice through Paypal by using the coupon code INVOICE.
Sliding scale pricing means that there are multiple fee options available for each offering or service. You are given the freedom and responsibility of choosing the correct fee option for you, so that you can access these services in the way that works for your life and needs.
what is a sliding scale?
Each hour of client-facing time is supported by approximately two hours of personalized preparation and admin. Additionally, all income is taxed at approximately 40% in Portugal, as well as 10% of all income being returned to mutual aid (plus all those pesky business expenses like paying for this website).
This results in each hour of client fees being reduced by approximately 50% and then distributed into a total of 3 hours of work – that means the hourly fee of €175 results in pay of €28/h for your practitioner.
Yes! Thank you so much for asking.
There is always the option to add a small bonus and pay it forward to help underprivileged community members to access support.
Some clients choose to simply add $10 to each session fee, while others have provided lump-sum grants or scholarships. You get to decide!
CAN I PAY IT FORWARD?
Payment is accepted at the booking link. If you prefer, you can receive an invoice through Paypal by using the coupon code INVOICE.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A PAYMENT
The standard fee you see on the booking page is representative of actual operating costs for your session (see "where is my money going?" for more info). This is the level to use if you have savings/investments, travel recreationally, own a home, or exist with social privileges (race, gender, able bodied, college degree, family supports, etc).
For those who may not be able to pay the full fee, you can access a 20% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have some income beyond your basic needs, have few or no dependents, have access to family money in times of need, but may live with some form of marginalization or chronic pain, etc.
For those who struggle to meet their living needs, there is the opportunity to access a 40% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have no savings, have significant debt, live with chronic illness or disability, are exiting or surviving abuse (including financial abuse) or exist at several intersections of social inequity.
To access sliding scale rates, just select your tier when you book!
HOW DO I CHOOSE A SLIDING SCALE RATE?
Absolutely! All services are available on a payment plan.
Individual sessions can be billed at the end of the month, rather than at each session, using coupon code INVOICE at bookingPrograms and cohorts can be paid on month-to-month plans for up to six months, using the payment plan selector at booking.
Sliding scale pricing means that there are multiple fee options available for each offering or service. You are given the freedom and responsibility of choosing the correct fee option for you, so that you can access these services in the way that works for your life and needs.
Payment is accepted at the booking link. If you prefer, you can receive an invoice through Paypal by using the coupon code INVOICE.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A PAYMENT?
Absolutely! All services are available on a payment plan.
Individual sessions can be billed at the end of the month, rather than at each session, using coupon code INVOICE at booking. Programs and cohorts can be paid on month-to-month plans for up to six months, using the payment plan selector at booking.
Can I do a payment plan?
Yes! Thank you so much for asking.
There is always the option to add a small bonus and pay it forward to help underprivileged community members to access support. Some clients choose to simply add $10 to each session fee, while others have provided lump-sum grants or scholarships. You get to decide!
CAN I PAY IT FORWARD?
If after considering our sliding scale options, you still feel that you are unable to afford the lowest sliding scale point, please reach out.
I am always working towards equity in the world and want to help you access the support that you need.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
The standard fee you see on the booking page is representative of actual operating costs for your session (see "where is my money going?" for more info). This is the level to use if you have savings/investments, travel recreationally, own a home, or exist with social privileges (race, gender, able bodied, college degree, family supports, etc).
For those who may not be able to pay the full fee, you can access a 20% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have some income beyond your basic needs, have few or no dependents, have access to family money in times of need, but may live with some form of marginalization or chronic pain, etc.
For those who struggle to meet their living needs, there is the opportunity to access a 40% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have no savings, have significant debt, live with chronic illness or disability, are exiting or surviving abuse (including financial abuse) or exist at several intersections of social inequity.
To access sliding scale rates, just select your tier when you book!
Absolutely! All services are available on a payment plan.
Individual sessions can be billed at the end of the month, rather than at each session, using coupon code INVOICE at booking
Programs and cohorts can be paid on month-to-month plans for up to six months, using the payment plan selector at booking.
can I do a payment plan?
If after considering our sliding scale options, you still feel that you are unable to afford the lowest sliding scale point, please reach out.
I am always working towards equity in the world and want to help you access the support that you need.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
what if i still can't afford it?
Cancellations, changes of plans, and unexpected life events happen to everyone!
Cancellation or rescheduling up to 24h in advance is always fine. If you late-cancel (within 24h) or no-show an appointment without cancelling, you will be required to pay a partial session fee.
This policy may be waived on a case-by-case basis – let me know what’s up, and we’ll talk!
Payment is accepted at the booking link. If you prefer, you can receive an invoice through Paypal by using the coupon code INVOICE.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A PAYMENT?
Yes! Thank you so much for asking.
There is always the option to add a small bonus and pay it forward to help underprivileged community members to access support. Some clients choose to simply add $10 to each session fee, while others have provided lump-sum grants or scholarships. You get to decide!
If after considering our sliding scale options, you still feel that you are unable to afford the lowest sliding scale point, please reach out.
I am always working towards equity in the world and want to help you access the support that you need.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
what if i still can't afford it?
Cancellations, changes of plans, and unexpected life events happen to everyone!
Cancellation or rescheduling up to 24h in advance is always fine. If you late-cancel (within 24h) or no-show an appointment without cancelling, you will be required to pay a partial session fee.
This policy may be waived on a case-by-case basis – let me know what’s up, and we’ll talk!
what if i cancel or forget?
Each hour of client-facing time is supported by approximately two hours of personalized preparation and admin. Additionally, all income is taxed at approximately 40% in Portugal, as well as 10% of all income being returned to mutual aid (plus all those pesky business expenses like paying for this website).
This results in each hour of client fees being reduced by approximately 50% and then distributed into a total of 3 hours of work – that means the hourly fee of €175 results in pay of €28/h for your practitioner.
Absolutely! All services are available on a payment plan.
Individual sessions can be billed at the end of the month, rather than at each session, using coupon code INVOICE at booking. Programs and cohorts can be paid on month-to-month plans for up to six months, using the payment plan selector at booking.
can i do a payment plan?
Payment is accepted at the booking link. If you prefer, you can receive an invoice through Paypal by using the coupon code INVOICE.
Cancellations, changes of plans, and unexpected life events happen to everyone! Cancellation or rescheduling up to 24h in advance is always fine. If you late-cancel (within 24h) or no-show an appointment without cancelling, you will be required to pay a partial session fee.
This policy may be waived on a case-by-case basis – let me know what’s up, and we’ll talk!
what if i cancel or forget?
Each hour of client-facing time is supported by approximately two hours of personalized preparation and admin. Additionally, all income is taxed at approximately 40% in Portugal, as well as 10% of all income being returned to mutual aid (plus all those pesky business expenses like paying for this website).
This results in each hour of client fees being reduced by approximately 50% and then distributed into a total of 3 hours of work – that means the hourly fee of €175 results in pay of €28/h for your practitioner.
where is my money going?
Sliding scale pricing means that there are multiple fee options available for each offering or service. You are given the freedom and responsibility of choosing the correct fee option for you, so that you can access these services in the way that works for your life and needs.
If after considering our sliding scale options, you still feel that you are unable to afford the lowest sliding scale point, please reach out.I am always working towards equity in the world and want to help you access the support that you need.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
what if i still can't afford it?
Absolutely! All services are available on a payment plan.
Individual sessions can be billed at the end of the month, rather than at each session, using coupon code INVOICE at booking. Programs and cohorts can be paid on month-to-month plans for up to six months, using the payment plan selector at booking.
Each hour of client-facing time is supported by approximately two hours of personalized preparation and admin. Additionally, all income is taxed at approximately 40% in Portugal, as well as 10% of all income being returned to mutual aid (plus all those pesky business expenses like paying for this website).
This results in each hour of client fees being reduced by approximately 50% and then distributed into a total of 3 hours of work – that means the hourly fee of €175 results in pay of €28/h for your practitioner.
where is my money going?
Sliding scale pricing means that there are multiple fee options available for each offering or service. You are given the freedom and responsibility of choosing the correct fee option for you, so that you can access these services in the way that works for your life and needs.
what is a sliding scale?
The standard fee you see on the booking page is representative of actual operating costs for your session (see "where is my money going?" for more info). This is the level to use if you can meet all of your basic needs, have savings/investments, travel recreationally, own a home, or exist with social privileges (race, gender, able bodied, college degree, family supports, etc).
For those who may not be able to consistently pay the full fee, you can access a 15% lower rate. This is the level to use if you can meet your basic needs and/or have access to family support, but have financial stress, some dependents, or live with a form of marginalization, chronic illness, etc. [coupon code LUNAR]
For those who do not have the capacity to pay the full fee, you can access a 30% lower rate. This is the level to use if you have concerns about meeting your basic needs, have debt, are underemployed, have limited access to healthcare, do not have savings, or live at multiple intersections of social inequity. [coupon code SOLAR]
For those who struggle to meet their basic needs, there is the opportunity to access a 40% lower rate. This is the level to use if you qualify for government assistance programs, have no savings, have significant debt, live with chronic illness or disability, are exiting or surviving abuse or exist at several intersections of social inequity. [coupon code STELLAR]
To access sliding scale rates, use the relevant coupon code provided on the booking page.
Cancellations, changes of plans, and unexpected life events happen to everyone! Cancellation or rescheduling up to 24h in advance is always fine. If you late-cancel (within 24h) or no-show an appointment without cancelling, you will be required to pay a partial session fee.
This policy may be waived on a case-by-case basis – let me know what’s up, and we’ll talk!
what if i cancel or forget?
If after considering our sliding scale options, you still feel that you are unable to afford the lowest sliding scale point, please reach out.I am always working towards equity in the world and want to help you access the support that you need.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
Scholarships are made available when possible, and are assigned and adjusted on a case-by-base basis.
I’ve been in talk therapy since I was fourteen years old, and the therapists would say “you’re so self aware” and I’d be like, “god, I know, but what do I do with it, I still feel all of these things” so learning that there’s these other options that just have been there this whole time, it’s been cool to discover
- AYSH
Doing my work with Sam over the last few years has wildly changed my life.
I struggled with gratitude a lot before. It’s always through a capitalist, white supremacist, consumerist sense. But now I know I needed to feel safe in order to connect to gratitude. And things have greatly shifted for me. I feel more safe, in the sense of being more resourced.
- JUPITER
I used to think there was something wrong with me.
Their magic is so powerful and so needed. They’re so enmeshed in ideals of compassion and understanding. I’m humbled by that, by being lucky enough to have privilege of access to that
- BLAKE