Phases of Psychedelic Therapy
Written by Christina Collins, PhD, and originally posted on soulspeakpsychotherapy.com.
Psychedelic experiences often bring greater insight to how an individual has been showing up in their life that often inspires change and growth. Integrative psychedelic therapy supports this journey for each individual in a way that helps them feel connected through the process. While each psychedelic medicine has its own unique experience, a common effect is how each can soften emotions and emotional reactivity. In this way, the therapist is able to access and help patients process difficult experiences they have felt stuck in.
Integration of a psychedelic experiences begins before treatment starts with preparation and clearing of the body and mind. Bringing greater intention to the treatment process before taking a substance allows access to one’s Soul, often setting the groundwork for a more meaningful experience. This is often the first phase of the psychedelic treatment journey where the patient and therapist create a treatment plan and build a relationship of trust. It is also where a patient learns if psychedelic treatment is right for them and which medicine they will explore.
The second phase of the journey is the administration of the psychedelic medicine. Feeling informed and confident in the choice to partake in a psychedelic experience is essential to a positive, meaningful outcome. Psychedelic therapeutic and treatment sessions are closely monitored and occur in warm, safe environments. The patient will have been informed of dosage, depending on the type of medicine prior to administration and at the designated of the patient's clinic. Each substance has a different self life of effect. Treatment sessions can last from 3-8 hours depending on dosage and type.
Typically, during a treatment session patients are lying down in a chair or bed, often with an eye pillow and soft music. Depending on the type of session, therapist’s sit with patients throughout their session offering support yet interfering with the experience as little as possible. In some treatment sessions therapists may facilitate therapeutic techniques for accessing difficult emotions and past experiences. This is where treatment therapy often differs from traditional talk therapy.
The third phase is integrative therapy sessions where the patient explores the meaning of their experience and processes it with a therapist. These sessions occur as a follow up with the treatment team, clinic or administering professional. They also can occur with the patients individual therapist after receiving a treatment outside of their typical sessions. Depending on the individual reason for and response to treatment there may be additional psychedelic treatment sessions.
Learn more about Christina and her practice, Soul Speak Psychotherapy, here and at her website.