Learn if Psychedelic Therapy is right for you
A guide for clients thinking about using psychedelics, such as ketamine, psilocybin and MDMA, in a journey setting to improve their mental health.
First of all, what is Psychedelic Therapy and how is it different from the recreational use of psychedelics?
Psychedelic therapy refers to the medicinal use of psychedelic substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA to expand consciousness, improve creativity, and process emotional, psychological and spiritual material. Unlike traditional medications, these substances are used to catalyze deep psychological insights and emotional connectivity, aiding in the treatment of conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. In short, psychedelics in combination with proper (mind)set, setting and integration can enhance and improve the therapy process.
While the recreational use of these substances can certainly bring about profound insights, emotional awareness and creativity, in the therapeutic context they have been shown to lead people towards discovering the root of longstanding imbalance in the psyche and can lead to improved mental health, clarity, and lifestyle changes.
* Psychedelics are incredible tools for healing, however they are not a magic bullet. Many researchers and therapists believe that while great discoveries can be made in psychedelic journeys, it is in the process of integrating and implementing those insights into your day-to-day life that clients find the long term benefits and pathways to emotional freedom they are seeking.
Let’s talk substances…
Psilocybin: This compound, primarily found in psychedelic mushrooms, is known for its ability to significantly alter perception and mood. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted into psilocin, which stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain. This can lead to altered sensory experiences and a profound sense of interconnectedness with the world, which can be therapeutic for conditions like depression and existential anxiety.
Ketamine: Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has unique antidepressant properties. It works differently from traditional antidepressants by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, often within hours, compared to weeks for other antidepressants. This rapid action can be crucial for those with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly): Known for its strong effects on enhancing emotional and social interactions, MDMA has been particularly effective in treating PTSD. It increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which boosts mood, empathy, and energy, making it easier for patients to engage in trauma-focused therapy sessions.
These substances are administered in a controlled, clinical setting, often as part of a series of therapy sessions. They are given under the supervision of qualified therapists and medical professionals who guide the individual through their psychological journey.
Scientific Effects on the Brain
Psychedelics act primarily by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which can alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. This interaction leads to an increased sense of connectedness, decreased depressive symptoms, and the ability to reframe personal experiences and limiting beliefs, often providing therapeutic breakthroughs that are unachievable with traditional therapies alone.
The Benefits
The benefits of psychedelic therapy can be profound and varied, depending on the individual and the specific treatment plan.
Deep Emotional Release: Many individuals experience profound emotional releases during sessions, which can resolve deep-seated psychological issues. Crying, laughing, and expressing repressed emotions can lead to a sense of lightness and emotional freedom and fluidity that may have hindered emotional health.
Enhanced Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics can increase the brain's ability to form new neural connections, potentially allowing patients to break free from destructive patterns of thought and behavior.
Increased Openness: After therapy, individuals often report increased openness as well as self-compassion and changes in personality traits, which can lead to improved life satisfaction and decreased symptoms of mental health conditions.
Reduction in Symptoms: Clinical trials have shown that psychedelic therapy can lead to long-term reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often where other treatments have not been successful.
Target Outcomes for Psychedelics Combined with Talk Therapy
Combining psychedelics with talk therapy can amplify the benefits of both treatments:
Accelerated Healing: The insights and emotional breakthroughs facilitated by psychedelics can be integrated and understood through talk therapy, leading to accelerated healing processes that might otherwise occur over many years in talk therapy alone.
Improved Cognitive Flexibility: Patients often report a greater ability to adapt to new ideas and change unhealthy thought patterns.
Long-term Mental Health Benefits: Many patients experience sustained improvements in mental health, with reduced symptoms and improved emotional regulation lasting months or even years after treatment.
An example of how psychedelics and talk therapy work together:
Imagine that a patient named Sarah has been struggling with symptoms of depression for several years. She has tried various treatments, including talk therapy and medications, but has not been able to find lasting relief from her symptoms. Sarah's therapist suggests that she try ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as a potential treatment option.
During her first KAP treatment, Sarah lies down on a comfortable couch in a quiet and relaxing room. She is given a low dose of ketamine through an IV, and within a few minutes, she begins to feel the effects of the medication. She notices that her thoughts seem to slow down, and she feels a sense of detachment from her body and the outside world.
As the treatment progresses, Sarah begins to feel a sense of openness and willingness to explore her thoughts and feelings that she has not experienced before. She finds herself thinking about difficult experiences from her past that she has always avoided, but with the help of the ketamine, she is able to approach these memories with a sense of curiosity rather than fear.
Sarah's therapist is there to guide her through the experience and provide support. They encourage her to explore her thoughts and feelings, and together, they begin to identify patterns and themes that may be contributing to her depression. Sarah is able to make connections and insights that she had not been able to before, and she begins to feel a sense of hope and optimism about her future.
After the treatment, Sarah feels tired but also relieved and energized. She has a newfound sense of clarity and perspective on her struggles, and she is excited to continue exploring these insights in her talk therapy sessions.
Over the next few weeks, Sarah continues to attend KAP treatments and integration therapy sessions. She finds that the ketamine helps to open up new avenues of exploration in her therapy, and she is able to make progress on issues that had previously seemed insurmountable. She begins to feel more engaged in activities that had previously been difficult or impossible due to her depression.
Sarah's therapist notices a significant improvement in her symptoms and overall quality of life, and they attribute this progress in part to the combination of KAP and talk therapy.
This example illustrates how ketamine may enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapy by allowing the patient to better process and understand their thoughts and feelings. In this case, the ketamine provided Sarah with a sense of openness and curiosity that enabled her to explore difficult experiences and emotions in a new way. This, in turn, allowed her to make progress in her therapy and improve her symptoms and overall quality of life. It is important to note that every patient's experience with KAP will be unique, and the specific therapeutic benefits will depend on the individual's needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psychedelic therapy right for me?
Consideration for psychedelic therapy should be taken with care, involving a thorough assessment by a qualified mental health professional. It's important for candidates to have a stable health condition and be under professional supervision.
How is psychedelic therapy administered?
The administration of psychedelics is heavily regulated and done under strict professional guidance. Ketamine can be administered orally or through IV or (IM) intramuscular injection. Psilocybin and MDMA are both taken orally. It typically occurs in a comfortable setting designed to promote safety and openness to explore a range of themes that may emerge.
How do I find a psychedelic therapist?
Finding a qualified psychedelic therapist involves several steps:
Research: Start by researching therapists who are trained in psychedelic therapy. Websites like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) provide directories of trained professionals.
Credentials and Training: Look for therapists with proper credentials and specific training in psychedelic therapy. Many therapists who practice psychedelic therapy are also skilled in other forms of psychotherapy and should be licensed mental health professionals.
Consultation: Once you find a potential therapist, arrange a consultation to discuss their approach, your goals for therapy, and their experience with psychedelics. This is also a good time to address any concerns about the therapy process and assess how you feel in the presence of the therapist. The relationship you establish with your psychedelic therapist will typically be a deep and meaningful one, follow your intuition!
Legal Status: Ensure that the therapist operates within the legal framework of your country or state, as the legal status of substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA can vary widely.
Support Networks: Consider looking into support groups, integration circles, or networks that can provide additional guidance and personal experiences from those who have undergone psychedelic therapy.
Are psychedelics safe?
Yes! They are incredibly safe when taken with proper intention, setting and with a qualified practitioner. That said, a good benchmark of a good psychedelic therapist is one who is well trained on medical contraindications and consults regularly with a medical professional. A thorough medical and health evaluation should always proceed psychedelic therapy.
Who Should Not Engage in Psychedelic Therapy?
Psychedelics are not for everyone. Psychedelics can cause harm when not used consciously or taken in the right setting. They are not a cure for all problems. A casual or greedy (“Nothing else has worked, I need healing quickly!”) approach to their healing potential is not advised. The therapeutic use of psychedelics is improved with a balanced understanding of their potential. Please schedule a psychedelic consultation here.
What if I have had a bad trip?
The so-called “bad trip” is usually a result of experiencing psychedelics in an unfavorable setting without proper support.
Psychedelic journeys can certainly be uncomfortable and challenging but we don’t see those experiences as “bad.” Challenging experiences actually yield some of the most meaningful insights.
While certainly uncomfortable in the moment, challenging experiences are a sign that you are exactly where you need to be–encountering an aspect of your psyche that is trying to emerge to be experienced, felt and, ultimately, processed through in a way that leaves you feeling more whole.
This said, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, it is good to ask for help. This is why we recommend journeying with an experienced therapist.
How do I prepare for a session?
Daily journaling
Meditating
Visualizing, intention setting, or prayer if that is part of your practice
Writing down your dreams
Practicing going towards (“in and through”) moments of discomfort in your daily life
Using your body! Dance, exercise, play, run, sing, wrestle, pillow fight…
Eating consciously: drinking plenty of water, limiting stimulants, alcohol and sugar
Prioritizing relaxation and sleep
Limiting technology
Being open to synchronicities and inner guidance
You might still have questions, this is a lot to take in…
If you’re ready to schedule psychedelic therapy with me to discuss journeying safely and want to be connected to my referral network, let’s get started. If you’re still learning and not ready to make a decision, I provide free content to everyone through monthly newsletters about psychedelics.