Since I began to work as a Psychedelic Psychotherapist in 2018 the realm of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has undergone a transformative renaissance, with more and more research coming out in support of the effectiveness of substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD to treat depression, addiction, trauma and more. However, this resurgence of psychedelic psychotherapy has also come with a lot of misinformation and glamorization of the field. One of the potentially dangerous consequences of this is that many untrained and inexperienced practitioners enter the area of psychedelic psychotherapy with inadequate understanding of how to safely support a patient through psychedelic preparation, experience and follow-up integration. This also means that many people who seek psychedelic therapy are not being safely informed and may be hurt, or at the very least, receive less effective therapy than if they had been more appropriately informed and supported. At Strength in Heart Counselling and our partner Higher Growth Integration, we are experienced and passionate about supporting people to have the most safe and effective non-ordinary state journey possible. Based on all of this, I was pleased to see that the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM) recently created an infographic that aims to shed light on "How Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Works". That being said, while the infographic highlights some positive aspects, I have concerns that some of the wording and information may actually further contribute to the glamorization and misinformation related to psychedelic psychotherapy.
Psychedelics and "Tolerance"
One of the statements in NICABM's infographic that warrants further exploration is the idea that individuals must "tolerate" psychedelics to benefit from them. While it's essential to understand the potential adverse effects and mental preparedness for psychedelic experiences, framing this as tolerance is misleading. In a clinical setting, patients are carefully prepared and guided not toward mere tolerance of their experience, but toward mindful navigation and acceptance of the material that arises. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy largely relies on the patient's inner healing intelligence and their willingness to delve deep into their psyche and confront challenging emotions, which is more than only "tolerating" the substance.
Are Psychedelics Inherently Healing?
The infographic also states that psychedelics are not inherently healing. This statement is somewhat contentious, as research and anecdotal evidence have demonstrated that some of these substances can have profound healing effects on their own, sometimes without any experiential component or psychotherapist support. That being said, from a safety and effectiveness/long term healing perspective it is important to have professional support when working with micro or macro doses of psychedelics, and the follow-up integration process has been found to be critical in the maintenance of long term positive outcomes. The longer term healing aspect often comes from the integration of the psychedelic experience into one's life through therapy.
The Importance of Psychotherapy in Psychedelic-Assisted THERAPY
One valuable takeaway from the NICABM infographic is the spotlight on psychotherapy's integral role in the process. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is not about merely ingesting a substance and expecting miracles. It's a structured, guided journey, and the therapist's role is to provide safe support and guidance for the experience, help the patient make sense of the insights gained, and assist in integrating any pearls of wisdom into daily life.
Psychotherapy in this context is commonly referred to as "integration counselling," our specialty at Strength in Heart, and it plays a pivotal role in increasing the likelihood that the benefits of a psychedelic experience are sustained and life-transforming. This may include helping people to prepare for and navigate difficult experiences, examine the meaning of visual/somatic experiences, explore how to live from a newly recognized understanding or way of thinking, ground insights into meaningful behaviour change, and more.
Destigmatizing Psychedelic Psychotherapy
One of the most encouraging aspects of the NICABM infographic is its role in destigmatizing psychedelic psychotherapy. For too long, psychedelics have been unjustly cast as substances of abuse, rather than powerful tools for personal growth and healing. The growing acceptance of psychedelic-assisted therapy by reputable organizations and professionals is a promising sign of a shifting perspective.
Conclusion
While NICABM's infographic on "How Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Works" raised some questions for me regarding its claims, it undeniably contributes to the ongoing conversation about this emerging field of therapy. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is gaining recognition, respect, and legitimacy, and it is vital that we continue to study, refine, and adapt the approach to ensure that it provides safe and effective therapy for people suffering with mental health issues. As the stigma surrounding psychedelic therapy gradually dissipates, it opens the door to more research, acceptance, and innovation in the field. It encourages us to ask questions, refine our understanding, and continually improve the practices of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, making it a more accessible and impactful option for those in need.
For more information on misinformation or dangerous thinking about psychedelics please read “Taking a Walk on the Dark Side” by Dr. Bruce Tobin.
Carla Mae Leuschen, MPA, MSW, RSW