MY NAME IS JACOB HAWTHORN
I am a psychiatrist and therapist with a keen interest in the developing area of psychedelic therapy.
ABOUT ME
-
I have been working in psychiatry since 2016 and have experience from across a wide range of specialties.
I have worked primarily in the field of addictions since 2020, in a harm reduction team in the NHS. Since the beginning of 2024 I have also been working in a multidisciplinary resource team for adults with autism & ADHD.
Outside of medical work, I am actively involved in psychedelic education. I helped to design the Professional Certificate in Psychedelic Practice with PsyEdu, where I continue to work as a tutor and facilitator.
Also outwith my medical practice, I have experience of facilitating legal group psychedelic retreats with the Psychedelic Health Professionals’ Network. This work involves supporting individuals before, during, and after their psychedelic experience.
I recently completed a Masters research dissertation, exploring the experiences of people who use psychedelics in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
-
Primary Medical Degree (MBChB), University of Edinburgh (2008-2013)
Postgraduate MRCPsych examinations, Royal College of Psychiatrists (2017-2019)
MSc in Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of the West of Scotland (2021-2023)
Professional Certificate in Psychedelic Practice, PHP Network (2021-2023)
Diploma in Psychological Therapies, Association of Psychological Therapy (2022-23)
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training - Foundational Series, Polaris Insight Center (2022-23)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy training – Level 1, IFS Institute UK (2023)
Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) training – Level 1 & 2, Trauma Resource Institute (2023)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy training – Level 2: A Compassionate Approach to Addictive Processes, IFS Institute UK (2023)
Mindfulness Teacher Training, Mindfulness Scotland (2024-ongoing)
-
I look to adopt a non-pathologising, person-centred approach with the aim of helping you make sense of your difficulties.
I take an integrative approach to therapy meaning that instead of relying solely on one particular type, I use a range of different modalities. I particularly favour Internal Family Systems and the Trauma Resiliency Model. I also draw from other approaches including Compassion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Humans are highly variable and as such, I do not believe in a ‘one size fits all’ model. I will adapt my style based on the challenges you bring and your preferred way of working.
I view each individual as the expert in their own experience and, as a caring and skilled professional, I will endeavour to ask the right questions to help you in finding your way.
-
More Heart Than Brains is my own philosophy of working with people, developed through my experience of working in a system that I feel tends to over-medicalise human suffering.
Whereas the medical model generally tends to view psychological distress in terms of disease, faulty receptors, brain pathology, and genetic determinism; I feel that much of what we call mental illness can be well understood as a reasonable coping mechanism to living in stressful and disconnecting environments.
As such, I feel more aligned with concepts like compassion, sense of purpose, and connection through nourishing relationships - rather than a focus on labels and pathology.