Dr. Clancy Cavnar holds a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California. She maintains a private practice in San Francisco and serves as Co-Founder and a Board Member of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. In addition, she is a research associate with the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP). Her work reflects a broad and interdisciplinary path, bringing together her roles as a clinical psychologist, artist, and researcher. She also earned a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, a master’s degree in counseling from San Francisco State University, and completed the Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). Dr. Cavnar has authored and co-authored articles in a number of peer-reviewed journals and, together with Beatriz Caiuby Labate, has co-edited ten books.
Her clinical focus includes addiction treatment, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, mindfulness-based work, and transpersonal services. These offerings may be provided in one-on-one sessions, group sessions, integration circles, addiction recovery programs, individual therapy, teletherapy, and pre- and post-ritual counseling. Dr. Cavnar is pleased to share her therapy services with the Soltara community.
Dr. Cavnar describes her approach as one rooted in compassionate, informed exploration, believing that personal transformation can be deepened through thoughtful examination. Drawing on her familiarity with psychedelic experience, along with her training as a licensed psychologist with specializations in substance abuse and psychedelic therapy, she provides comprehensive assessment and treatment tailored to each client’s needs. Her background also includes years of work with children, which has given her insight into how early experiences shape adult growth. She incorporates mindfulness and spiritual concepts that she has found valuable in her practice. Her style is open and nonjudgmental, welcoming any topic for discussion and inviting clients to explore the meaning of feelings, visions, and dreams, with greater connection, wisdom, and happiness as the intended outcome.
Although Dr. Cavnar recognizes the potential healing value of psychedelic medicines, she does not work directly with any of them. In full accordance with United States laws and regulations, she does not recommend their use in her practice, does not provide them, and does not refer clients to anyone who does.