Psychedelic Integration
Interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies has increased dramatically in the last few years, and for good reason. The evidence suggests that clinical use of Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA, and Ketamine can be effective for a wide range of concerns including treatment-resistant depression, addictions, end-of-life anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While treatments with Psilocybin and MDMA are currently not available in the United States, Ketamine is available with a prescription. In our clinic we combine offer ketamine assisted therapy (KAT) which is a specific approach that emphasizes the psychological, emotional, and behavioral work that occurs alongside the medicine. It can also be helpful to work with non-ordinary states of consciousness that do not involve taking a psychedelic.
Altered States Therapy (AST)
When used in a therapeutic context, the induction of non-ordinary states (sometimes referred to as altered states) can aid in the process of psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. In the right environment and with the right intention, these techniques can become a tool for greater self-awareness and exploration. There is a long history in the fields of psychology and psychiatry of using non-ordinary states of consciousness to facilitate deep psychological work. Following models provided by psychedelic therapies (using MDMA, psilocybin, and Ketamine), Holotropic breathwork, and Medicinal Mindfulness, the sessions themselves are largely non-directive. We assist in providing a safe space for the exploration of the non-rational, non-linear, non-verbal aspects of the mind, where many of our unresolved issues and historical traumas reside. These non-ordinary states of consciousness often facilitate increases in awareness, new understandings, and an improved outlook regarding the self and symptoms. This practice can be powerful and is best navigated with a guide or support that has significant mental health training. We use a variety of methods to induce a non-ordinary state including sound/vibration, breathwork, neurofeedback, light stimulation, and evocative music.
Before working with altered states in a session, we will spend 1-3 sessions exploring prior experience with altered states, motivations, and intentions for working with these states. These sessions will also be used as time for the therapist and client to begin building a therapeutic relationship, for symptom assessment, and treatment planning. This is also a time to familiarize the client with the process and method of altered state therapy including mindfulness, visualization skills, and body-focused practices. In some cases, we may work with breathwork, and or neuromeditation protocols as an entry into this type of therapy. Following the non-ordinary states session, we will meet for an additional 1-3 sessions to integrate the experience.
Harm Reduction and Client Accountability
I am a harm reduction advocate. I do not encourage any illegal activities or the use or abuse of cannabis or any other medicine. Nor do I believe that cannabis or psychedelic medicine exploration, even within the confines of applicable laws, is appropriate or beneficial for everyone.
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