PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPY
“Neural integration–the linkage among differentiated aspects of the brain – allows for flexibility and adaptability, and expresses itself outwardly as harmony, kindness, and compassion.” ~ Dr. Dan Siegel
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy is a progressive therapy that is showing proven results in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma amongst many other presenting factors of life.
This therapy supports individuals in utilizing the therapeutic process alongside the use of plant medicines.
In my therapeutic practice, I support individuals, couples, and groups that have been supported by the powerful relationship of plant medicines such as Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, Wachuma, or any other psychoactive medicines.
There are 3 distinct processes when supported in this type of therapy.
First Stage - Preparation
The preparation stage sets up the foundation for all parts of the therapeutic processes.
This part of the therapy supports you in preparing for the diet that is best to consume before you ingest (on your own) the psychedelic substance.
This will include best practice, up-to-date contraindications with foods, liaising on data regarding current medications being taken, and referrals to psychedelic-governing organisations and progressive bodies if necessary.
In this stage, we discuss how to best prepare for set and space as these are paramount in this type of work and will support your journey.
The set looks at your personality, behaviours, patterns, and phenomenology.
The space refers to how to set up the space whilst taking your journey, the music you choose, the way the light is in the room, will it be night-time or day-time? All these considerations are discussed.
This stage will also prepare you for the therapeutic process and contracting of the co-creation between client and therapist, as well as the opening of an approach that allows for curiosity and gentleness. Attending to the planning stage supports you to be well prepared for your journey.
Second Stage - The Psychedelic Experience Itself
This is usually done individually and at your own risk. In this process, I can attend the experience if you’re open to this. I’ll utilise the essence of Gestalt Psychotherapy that invites open and non-directive inquiry of the experience.
Third Stage - The Integration Process
This is where the experience is integrated to support you in everyday life. Sometimes having a psychedelic experience can be a lot to carry on your own and the support of a Therapist can greatly support the relational integration.
Being an integrative model, Gestalt Psychotherapy greatly supports this type of deeper work by looking at the relational aspects of self and how this interacts with the relational field. This is highly supportive for plant medicine integration.
It is non-directive in its approach and brings in the essence of curiosity, relational regulation, and somatic inquiry of an individual’s phenomena.