What is Psychedelic Therapy?
Have you heard about psychedelic therapy but don't understand what it is? This page is a hub of information for importantaspects of psychedelic therapy.
"Preparation is critical for a successful psychedelic experience. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome."
Dr. Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
Before You Start
Psychedelics can offer immense therapeutic benefits, but the process of using them requires a serious and intentional approach. Proper preparation and integration are critical to ensuring a safe and effective experience. Our goal with this page is to provide you with guidance on determining whether psychedelics are a suitable option for your needs, and to outline the steps necessary to take before embarking on a journey.
While the list we've compiled is not exhaustive or in order - instead it serves as a starting point for your preparation. Please take some time to go through this list to educate and ask yourself the questions proposed. We take this process seriously and approach it with empathy and care for your well-being. We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way as you navigate this complex and transformative journey.
Your Purpose
Reflect on why you want to use psychedelics. Is it for personal growth, healing, or spiritual exploration? Understanding your intention can help guide your experience and set meaningful goals.
Your General Stability
Assess how stable your life is right now, both mentally and emotionally. Are you currently experiencing major life changes, such as a divorce, job loss, or illness? Psychedelics can amplify emotions, so it's important to ensure that you are in a stable place before embarking on a journey.
Your Grounding Practice
Consider whether you have a regular practice to help ground and center yourself, such as meditation, yoga, or breathwork. Developing a grounding practice can help you navigate challenging experiences and integrate insights from your psychedelic journeys.
"Psychedelic experiences have the potential to shift our worldview and expand our understanding of ourselves and the world. Education can help us integrate these experiences into our lives in a meaningful way."
Stanislav Grof, M.D., psychiatrist with over sixty years of experience in research of non-ordinary states of consciousness and co-founder of transpersonal psychology
Educate Yourself
Psychedelics can have a profound impact on one's mental and emotional state, so it's crucial to approach their use responsibly. Education is key in helping you understand the mechanisms of action, potential therapeutic applications, and potential risks associated with psychedelics. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions and approach the experience with intention and purpose.
Feel free to start with some of the resources below or click here to be taken to our resources page.
Psychedelic Support
Psychedelic Support offers free courses on psychedelic therapy with over 15,000 students enrolled. The website provides reliable information on the ethical and safe use of psychedelics for medical professionals and interested individuals. Experts in the psychedelic field lead the courses.
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
MAPS provides resources for people interested in learning about psychedelics and their potential therapeutic uses, including information on research studies, harm reduction, and training programs for therapists. The organization also advocates for legal access to psychedelics for research and therapeutic purposes.
Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan's website provides resources for those curious about the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, including information on research studies, news articles, podcasts, and other media on the subject. The website also offers resources for finding therapists who offer psychedelic-assisted therapy.
"Psychedelics are a powerful tool, but they're not a panacea. If you're going to use them, you need to prepare yourself, both physically and mentally. You need to be in a good state of mind, and you need to be in a safe and supportive environment."
Michael Pollan is the author of eight books, six of which have been New York Times bestsellers; three of them (including his latest, How to Change Your Mind) were immediate #1 New York Times bestsellers.
Psychedelic Preparation
Preparing for a psychedelic experience is incredibly important if you want to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with using psychedelics. Many people who have had positive experiences with psychedelics credit their preparation as a key factor in their success.
Preparation can include a variety of things depending on the individual, but some common elements include setting intentions for the experience, choosing a comfortable and safe physical setting, and practicing mindfulness or meditation in the days leading up to the experience. Read below to learn about various aspects of psychedelic preparation.
Set (Mindset)
Set includes your mental state, emotional stability, and physical well-being. Having a good set entails being centered, receptive, and prepared to confront any experiences that may arise during the session. Entering a session with a negative set increases the risk of a challenging or distressing experience.
Setting (Environment)
The environment in which you embark on a psychedelic journey is critical in shaping your experience. A comfortable, safe, and familiar setting can provide security, minimize distractions, and impact your mood. Carefully choosing and preparing your setting can promote a positive and meaningful trip.
Support
A guide who specializes in assisting with psychedelic sessions can play a vital role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for exploring your experience without fear. They offer a compassionate and non-judgmental presence, actively listening to your thoughts and emotions, and creating a comforting space.
"Psychedelic integration is essential for the long-term benefits of the [psychedelic] experience to be fully realized."
Gabor Maté, M.D., a renowned Hungarian-Canadian physician, author, and public speaker, known for his expertise in addiction, trauma, and mind-body health. He is also a strong advocate for the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in treating mental health disorders and spent much of his career in East Hastings in Vancouver, B.C.
Psychedelic Integration
Psychedelic Integration is just as important as the psychedelic experience itself. It involves making sense of the insights and emotions that arise during a psychedelic experience, leading to long-lasting positive changes in one's life.
Without proper integration, the benefits of the psychedelic experience can be fleeting. research has shown that psychedelic integration can lead to significant improvements in mental health (see here), including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
See below for simple framework of psychedelic integration:
Ground
A psychedelic experience can be a profound and life-changing event, but it can also be overwhelming and disorienting. Grounding helps you to reorient yourself and reconnect with your physical surroundings. It's like hitting the reset button on your nervous system, bringing you back to a state of balance and equilibrium.
Process
Insights gained from a psychedelic experience can be transformative and life-changing. They can help you address issues that you may have been struggling with for years or provide you with a new direction in life. However, without proper processing, these insights can remain just a fleeting memory.
Action
By taking action to make positive changes in your life after a psychedelic experience, you are not only benefiting yourself, but also the world around you. Reflecting on your experience and implementing changes can lead to personal growth and increased mindfulness, compassion, and connection with the world. Embrace the transformative potential of psychedelics and use it as motivation for positive change.