Anam Cara
Centre of Psychedelic and Contemplative Therapies
Bridging contemplative practices with the art and science of healing
Applications now open for our 200-hour Certificate in Psychedelic & Contemplative Therapies. Are you ready to answer the call? We commence October 2026.
Open to registered health professionals, psychedelic facilitators in lawful settings and advanced students. Anam Cara Centre does not provide patient mental-health, NDIS or Medicare services.
The soul friend
A friendship with the soul
The foundation of the Anam Cara Centre lies in the ancient Celtic understanding of anam cara, or "soul friend": a bond that invites deep connection and mutual growth. We support each person to become a friend of the soul, cultivating a compassionate, honest relationship with themselves, with others, and with the earth.
Anam Cara Centre is committed to education and support within the evolving landscape of psychedelic and contemplative therapies, grounded in Australian law, AHPRA's Code of Conduct, and a reverence for global healing traditions.
The spirit of the anam cara invites you to befriend your own life, to shape it with beauty, to cultivate awareness, and to awaken the eternal that sleeps in the clay of your heart. John O'Donohue
The SWIM model
Four currents of the healing voyage
There is vast beauty and salve in the psychedelic ocean of experience, and yet one may rapidly find themselves out of their depth. SWIM is an integrative map that holds psychedelic-assisted and contemplative work in four interwoven dimensions.
The four frames
SWIM
An integrative map for psychedelic-assisted and contemplative work.
- S SomaticThe body's intelligence: notice inner states and let insight become embodied change.
- W WisdomThe art of orienting well: philosophy, contemplation and ethics that keep wonder humble.
- I InterdependenceThe self in relationship: connection is the catalyst, and regulation emerges in contact.
- M MetacognitionThe mind meeting itself: recognise mental activity as mental activity, and respond with flexibility.
Learning to let go
FLOAT
A gentle movement of surrender, held within the wider voyage.
- FFeelMeet what is present in the body.
- LLet goSoften the grip of control.
- OOpenAllow experience to move through.
- Ainto AwarenessRest as the space that holds it all.
- TTranscendBeyond the personal, into the vast.
Our values
EMPATHS
Seven petals of one flower. Our programs are rooted in values that shape the way we teach, the way we learn, and the way we walk alongside others on the path of transformation. Choose a value to sit with it.
Hover, tap or focus a value to reveal its meaning.
Our pillars
Four commitments beneath every program
Anam Cara Centre develops training, clinical and cultural retreat pathways for tomorrow's compassionate, ethical, and skilled psychedelic therapists.
I
Evidence-informed and clinically focused
Our curriculum bridges contemporary psychedelic science with real-world therapeutic applications, equipping practitioners with tools that support safety, efficacy and long-term integration.
II
Cultural holding and reciprocity
Anam Cara honours the diverse cultural roots of psychedelic healing, integrating Indigenous wisdom, ethical reciprocity and community engagement into our approach.
III
Contemplative and wisdom practices
We weave contemplative traditions with therapeutic frameworks, cultivating self-awareness, compassion, deep listening and ethical discernment for clients and therapists alike.
IV
Experiential, embodied, and creative
Learning is embodied. We combine theory with experiential practice, creative expression, somatic modalities and hands-on role play, held by supportive mentorship.
Voices from the field
Stories from those who have trained with us
Lani and Melissa complement each other beautifully, creating a psychologically safe and nurturing environment where participants connect and learn.
There is an emphasis on relational presence and deep honouring of people and the paths that brought them to these medicines. That is the uniqueness of what this course offers.
Their ability to integrate science, safety, and the power of human connection makes this course stand out. Highly recommended.
The founders
Dr Alana (Lani) Roy & Melissa Warner
Anam Cara Centre was founded and is directed by Dr Alana (Lani) Roy and Melissa Warner, co-creators of the SWIM model. Lani is a psychologist, social worker and Chair of AMAPP, with fifteen years in mental health, suicide prevention and complex trauma. Melissa is a researcher at Swinburne University and the Intangible Realities Laboratory, working across neuroscience, contemplative science and psychedelic therapy.
Together they bring clinical depth, cultural reverence and neurobiological insight to a training grounded in ethics, embodiment and relationship.
May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work you do
with the secret love and warmth of your heart. John O'Donohue, Anam Cara
Are you ready to answer the call?
We welcome the next cohort of psychedelic practitioners in October 2026. Begin a conversation with our intake team, or request the CPACT syllabus.