About me
Dr. Tobias Penno, PhD
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Specialist
Dr. Tobias Penno is an academic, clinician, and researcher specialising in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT). With a background in Engineering (Bachelor of Science) and Social Work (Masters with Honours), Tobias has completed his PhD focusing on psychedelic-assisted therapy methodologies and frameworks.
His masters thesis, "How Ayahuasca Offers Psychosocial Wellbeing" won the research prize in the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science at UWA. As a lecturer at the University of Western Australia, Tobias brings academic rigour to the emerging field of psychedelic medicine.
The name
In honour of the Hummingbird
In 2015, I travelled to South America, where I learned about the Huachuma cactus from Paul and Sue at the Hummingbird Retreat Centre. The time I spent with them, and with that medicine, shaped how I understand healing - and it is where the name of this practice was born.
Hummingbird Psychotherapy carries their generosity and the spirit of that place into every part of this work.
Core philosophy
Cultivating the conditions for healing
Imagine your well-being as a garden.
At Hummingbird Psychotherapy, we see mental health through a holistic lens, viewing each individual as a unique garden in need of nurturing. Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that mental health challenges are not isolated "disorders," but rather imbalances in the delicate ecosystem of mind, body, and spirit.
Imagine your well-being as a garden. In today's fast-paced, competitive world, many of us find our inner landscapes parched by the drought of disconnection, overshadowed by the towering demands of society, or choked by the weeds of past traumas. Our role as therapists is to be compassionate gardeners, working alongside you to restore balance and vitality to your inner ecosystem.
We begin by acknowledging the broader climate in which your garden exists - the social, cultural, and historical factors that have shaped your growth. Then, with gentle care, we help you tend to the soil of your being, clearing away the debris of past hurts and creating space for new growth. Our trauma-informed, relational approaches act as nourishing rain and sunlight, providing the essential elements for healing and transformation.
Drawing from cutting-edge neurobiology and ancient wisdom traditions, we help you tap into your innate capacity for self-healing. Like coaxing a seed to sprout, we support you in bringing hidden aspects of yourself to the surface, where they can be witnessed, processed, and integrated.
Our ultimate goal is not just to help your garden thrive, but to empower you as its caretaker. We aim to cultivate in you the ability to nurture your own well-being and, in turn, contribute to the flourishing of others around you. In this way, healing becomes a ripple effect, transforming not just individuals, but entire communities.
At Hummingbird Psychotherapy, we don't just treat symptoms; we cultivate resilience, foster growth, and nurture the vital life force within each person. Together, we create the conditions for your inner garden to bloom in all its unique beauty and potential.
Principles
My Approach
As a therapist and guide in the psychedelic space, I believe in honouring both scientific evidence and traditional wisdom. My practice is built on:
- Trauma-informed care that recognises how our bodies hold our histories
- Nature-connected healing that acknowledges our place within larger ecosystems
- Somatic awareness that attends to the body's intelligence and healing capacity
- Power-Threat-Meaning Framework that contextualises distress within social systems
- Holistic integration that weaves insights into sustainable life changes
With insurance coverage now in place, I am fully qualified and authorised to provide comprehensive psychedelic therapy services. Where prescribed medicines are involved, I deliver preparation, in-session dosing support, and integration as part of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside the treating prescribing psychiatrist.
Experience
Professional Highlights:
- PhD in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
- Co-founder of the Western Australian Psychedelic Society
- Coordinator of the Mental Health Professional Network's Psychedelic Community of Practice
- Active clinical practitioner offering preparation, integration, and dosing support
- Experienced therapy team member for clinical trials using psychedelic medicines