How Does Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a type of therapy that uses psychedelic drugs, such as Ketamine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, or MDMA, in conjunction with psychotherapy. The goal of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is to help people with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, by facilitating a process of personal transformation and healing.
Psychedelic drugs have been shown to have a number of effects on the brain, including:
Increasing connectivity between different brain regions
Reducing activity in the default mode network, which is associated with self-referential thinking and rumination
Increasing activity in the areas of the brain associated with empathy, compassion, and introspection
These effects can help people to:
Gain new insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Develop new perspectives on their problems
Experience a sense of connection with others and with the world around them
Let go of negative emotions and attachments
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is typically conducted in a safe and supportive setting, with a trained therapist present to guide the patient through the experience. The therapist will help the patient to set intentions for the session, to manage any difficult emotions that may arise, and to integrate the experience into their everyday life.
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a relatively new field of research, but there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that it can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. In a 2020 study, for example, researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy was effective in reducing depression symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant depression. The study participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at six-month follow-up.
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to be a valuable new tool for treating mental health conditions. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, but the early results are promising.
What Does the Research Show?
There is a growing body of research that suggests that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions.
Depression: A 2020 study published in Nature Medicine found that psilocybin-assisted therapy was effective in reducing depression symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant depression. The study participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at six-month follow-up.
Anxiety: A 2021 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psilocybin-assisted therapy was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adults with cancer-related anxiety. The study participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy showed significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at six-month follow-up.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A 2021 study published in Nature Medicine found that MDMA-assisted therapy was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant PTSD. The study participants who received MDMA-assisted therapy showed significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at two-year follow-up.
What Does Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Feel like?
The experience of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can vary widely from person to person. Some people report feeling a sense of euphoria, peace, and connection, while others may experience anxiety, fear, or confusion. It is important to remember that psychedelic drugs can have a powerful effect on the mind, and it is important to be prepared for a wide range of experiences.
Here are some common experiences that people report during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy:
Altered perception: People may experience changes in their visual, auditory, and tactile perception. They may see vivid colors, hear music or voices, or feel sensations that are not actually there.
Thoughts: People may have racing thoughts, or they may experience a sense of clarity and insight. They may also have flashbacks to past experiences, or they may have visions of the future.
Emotions: People may experience a wide range of emotions, including joy, sadness, anger, fear, and love. They may also feel a sense of connection with others and with the world around them.
It is important to note that these are just some of the common experiences that people report during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The experience can be different for everyone, and it is important to be open to whatever happens.
If you are considering psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, it is important to find a qualified therapist who can help you prepare for the experience and integrate it into your life.
Where Can I Find Legal Psychedelic Therapy?
Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is legal in all states in the USA, and we offer it to a wide variety of clients. It’s a safe and effective treatment for depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Colorado recently passed legislation to decriminalize possession of psilocybin mushrooms (aka ‘magic mushrooms’). Colorado is in the process of creating licenses for clinics and individual therapists to offer psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. It is expected this will become available in 2024 or 2025.
Countries outside the US like Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica have differing laws regarding psychedelics. There are legal retreats that offer psychedelic experiences. Some offer guidance and therapy from licensed professionals, and some do not. It’s important to do your due diligence when researching psychedelic retreats.