"Psychedelic agents such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and ibogaine have been used in many cultures throughout history as tools for psychological and spiritual growth. Recently, psychedelics and substances that similarly produce a non-ordinary state of consciousness have experienced a resurgence due to scientific advancements in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, increased media attention, and changes to legal restrictions. Many people are seeking psychedelic experiences to foster personal growth and healing, but the current legal situation around psychedelics makes this difficult to do safely and effectively.
When psychedelics are used with adequate preparation and in a supportive setting, research shows that they frequently lead to meaningful experiences that can catalyze new and healthier ways of living. However, psychedelic experiences are not always associated with long-term benefit or personal transformation. And particularly when psychedelics are used in uncontrolled or unsafe settings and with inadequate preparation, the experience can be scary, disorienting, or overwhelming. Therefore, the use of psychedelics is best approached cautiously. This includes adequate preparation, assessing the risks and safety of use, and having some method for incorporating lessons learned into daily life. Psychotherapy is one way to fulfill these needs. Psychotherapy can: a) help prepare people for psychedelic experiences and reduce risk of bad outcomes, and b) integrate any gained wisdom into lasting change in order to maximize benefits.
What is psychedelic safety, preparation, and integration?
Psychedelic safety, preparation, and integration includes:
A harm reduction approach whereby clients are empowered to make informed choices and encouraged to educate themselves about risks and benefits of various ways they might engage with psychedelics.
Education about different psychedelic tools and their effects, identification of one"s intentions behind engaging in psychedelic experience, and exploration of alternative means of accomplishing these goals.
Help in integrating what was experienced during psychedelic use into everyday life. After a person has had a psychedelic experience, an open and nonjudgmental approach is used to help clients make sense of and take meaning from their psychedelic experience, as well as implement any desired life changes.
Support in understanding and coping with a negative psychedelic experience that was difficult, confusing, or overwhelming."
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