Integration Therapy

New Insights After Psychedelic Experiences

The last decade has seen a renewed interest in the use of psychedelic substances to address mental health issues. Research suggests that psychedelic drugs can be effective for treating many mental health conditions, especially when utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy. As such, there is an increasing numbers of people trying these substances looking for cures to their mental health problems or just out of curiosity. Despite this shift towards psychedellics, few mental health practitioners must have an understanding of these issues.Outside of clinical trials there is currently no legal pathway in the US for access to psychedelic-assisted mental health treatment. Ketamine is used under the supervision of a licensed clinician, however it is considered off-label use and is infrequently covered by insurance.

Psychedelics have been studied as adjuncts to psychotherapy to treat mental illness. Although there is some belief that certain psychedelics might be better for some conditions than others, the research is still in its early stages. There is no strict correspondence between a particular psychedelic and its use for a specific disorder. For example, an FDA-approved Phase 3 trial, MDMA demonstrated the ability to effectively treat PTSD, but both ketamine and cannabis have been helpful in for people with trauma treatment as well.

Unlike most psychiatric medications, such as SSRIs, psychedelics are not intended as an ongoing treatment. Often, people will take a psychedelic substance only a few times until they have recovered from a particular condition and then stop. For example, research protocols typically only include two or three doses of a substance to demonstrate efficacy and are not intended for ongoing regular use.

The psychedelic experience is unpredictable.

The psychedelic experience is not predictable, as reactions to psychedelic substances are wide-ranging and variable. The setting and the person's mindset can play a large role in the outcome. So, although some people have difficult experiences, many others have blissful, mystical or transcendental experiences. In these cases individuals reach out to a therapist because they just want someone to talk with them about the material that arose in a non-judgmental, safe and accepting container. In either case, clients may feel “raw” or sensitive in the immediate aftermath of a psychedelic experience and need to be supported with care.

Seeing a therapist to digest your experience can provide helpful support to aid in processing these experiences, since they understand the bigger psychological picture around the issues people are dealing with, and we can help you make sense of some of the psychological impacts of the journey in a constructive way. The process of making sense of one’s psychedelic journey is called “integration.” The insights people gain are often intensely personal and clients may ascertain that the material would be best understood by their therapist. If there is a longstanding relationship and existing rapport with a therapist, it can be very beneficial to talk to someone who has prior knowledge of a client’s challenges and who can provide additional perspective on how psychedelics have changed the client’s relationship with those challenges.

Expectations, feelings before the experience, and intentions all play a major role in terms of what emerges from psychedelic experiences, so seeing a therapist can be very important when processing the experience. At BWC, we are trained to assist clients in these experiences, so we encourage you to reach out for help to process any journeys you have had.