Equanimity Wellness is Pioneering Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Africa
Introducing Africa’s first psychedelic-assisted therapy facility, Equanimity Wellness Centre, a beacon of holistic, science-based well-being. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, this cutting-edge wellness center is dedicated to delivering expert therapeutic services within a broader wellness context. Founded by clinical psychologists Anthony Townsend and Brad Kallenbach, Equanimity Wellness’s mission is to reduce suffering, catalyze healing, and support personal transformation through evidence-based practices. The center aims to address various conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, workplace stress, burnout, and chronic pain.
The cornerstone of the center’s treatment approach is its psychedelic-assisted therapy program, where Townsend and Kallenbach assert, “There is compelling scientific evidence that psychedelics, when used in safe, controlled therapeutic settings, have profound healing potential for various mental health concerns.” Equanimity adheres to the highest ethical and international best practice standards, exclusively employing legally approved medicines and methodologies for therapeutic use.
Key features of the Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Program include:
Comprehensive Screening: Each client undergoes a non-invasive health and psychological screening to ensure treatment suitability and safety.
Preparation: Qualified psychologists provide clients with preparation guidance to optimise the therapeutic experience.
Safe, Monitored Psychedelic Journeys: Qualified medical professionals administer psychedelic treatments in a comfortable, private setting designed for healing and recovery. Each session, lasting approximately 45 minutes, is closely monitored and tailored to individual circumstances.
Integration Therapy: Taking place 3-4 days after each treatment, integration therapy helps clients make sense of their experiences and apply insights gained during their sessions for lasting change.
Equanimity Wellness Centre understands the importance of community education and reducing stigma around mental and physical health struggles. To that end, they have developed South Africa’s first CPD-accredited psychedelic-assisted therapy workshop for healthcare professionals, often host open-to-the-public seminars, create free mental health resources on their social media platforms, and actively seek partnerships to advance the understanding and practice of holistic, evidence-based healthcare.
