The District House (Wed. 02/05 with Dr. Elizabeth Wolfson & Samantha Lau)

The District House is a benefit of District216. Come by for a portion or all of the evening, meet amazing members + guests, and interact with speakers on a variety of topics.

Topic: "Mixing up the Medicine: Art + Science of Ketamine-Assisted-Therapy and Getting the Most from the Process"

Description: Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) offers a unique experience insofar as it combines the psycho-biological effects of medicine on our mind-body system within a psychotherapy process. But is psychotherapy an art or a science? This time-tested question has not yet been answered as research studies largely conclude that while any number of therapy approaches and techniques are effective, positive outcome resides at its heart, within the therapeutic alliance.

If so, how do we know what to look for when seeking a professional facilitator? Moreover, once we enter therapy, how can we trust the process with its promise of positive outcomes?

When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 5pm to 9pm (Speaker at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase $25 tickets to The District House evenings.

Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.

Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Wolfson & Samantha Lau

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Elizabeth Wolfson has been a licensed, psychotherapist practicing for over twenty years in Santa Barbara. Currently, she integrates Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychedelic- Supportive Psychotherapy into her practice and is also a consultant to psychedelic companies. In addition to her academic degrees, her training includes Certification in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Research from California Institute of Integral Studies, MDMA Therapy Training from Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy from the Ketamine Training Center. Additionally, she is trained and certified in Embodied Leadership and Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy. From 2020-2023 she served as Vice President of Clinical Services for Field Trip Health, an international Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy company. Dr. Wolfson has published and presented on Psychedelic-Supportive Psychotherapy, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, creativity, intimate relationship, psychotherapeutic processes, trauma, gender, creativity, empowerment, and healthy aging. While her background includes leadership positions within organizations and in academia, her current focus is supporting individual and group healing through psychotherapy and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy.

Samantha Lau is a licensed, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, ketamine psychedelic therapist, and CEO of ELEVATEHER®, LLC—a concierge mental health practice dedicated to empowering women to embrace their authentic, powerful selves. With over 15 years of experience in psychiatry, Samantha combines cutting-edge treatments with a holistic approach to help women feel better, work better, and love better.

As a Steering Committee Member for Psych Congress, Psych Congress Elevate, and the Psych Congress NP Institute, Samantha is a key opinion leader shaping mental health care nationwide. She has also managed collaborative physical and behavioral health programs and developed innovative tools for integrating psychiatric care into primary care settings.

Samantha’s expertise includes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (Polaris Insight Center), MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapy (Integrative Psychiatric Institute/MAPS), and advanced psychopharmacology. Her journey into psychiatry was inspired by a personal connection to healthcare and a passion for guiding others toward emotional alignment, healing, and transformation.

She is most passionate about helping women uncover their true selves by addressing mental health holistically, breaking stigmas around psychiatric care, and creating space for connection and empowerment. Samantha envisions a future of collaborative programs that guide women on their healing journeys, integrating science, empathy, and self-discovery.

Host or Publisher District216