Andrew Essington is a nurse who brings his experience in ICU, palliative care, and inpatient psychiatry settings to his role at Joy In Health. He has trained as a ketamine practitioner through the Psychedelic Research And Training Institute (PRATI) and is completing a graduate-level Certificate in Psychedelic Therapy and Research (CPTR) through the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), as well as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies clinician training anticipating the medicalization of MDMA-assisted therapy.

Andrew strives to create a space when sitting with clients where “all is welcome,” whether that is joy or pain, heartbreak or ecstasy, or simply a sense of reverence for the intersection of science and mysticism. His favorite part of accompanying clients on their ketamine journeys is learning right along with them, and being reminded to be humble and curious when facing the unknown. He is drawn to this work because he strongly believes that psychedelic-assisted therapy can help clients move towards wholeness and live as more authentic versions of themselves. He frequently finds himself in awe of the Inner Healing Intelligence we all possess, and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to facilitate KAP experiences that allow clients to connect with their own innate wisdom. 

He is also passionate about optimal integration practices and how to translate deeply moving, transcendent, and transformative experiences into actionable changes in one’s life, AKA how we turn "states" into "traits."  This process allows us to unlock doors in our psyche and gain greater insight into our internal processes and whether or not they serve our highest good as we navigate the challenges of modern life.

Andrew enjoys using the practices he recommends to clients, including spending time in nature, breath work, meditation, and cold exposure. He is heavily influenced by the work of Alan Watts, Ram Dass, Stan Grof, and Carl Jung.