Psychedelics in Therapy & the Psychedelic Science Conference
Written by Christina Collins, PhD.
My name is Dr. Christina Collins, I am a psychotherapist in Denver who works with both individuals and couples. Part of my practice is to help clients integrate their experience with psychedelic medicine treatment into their lives and discover greater wellbeing. I wanted to let you know about next week's (June 19-24th) Psychedelic Science conference hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) here in Denver. It will be an excellent place to learn about the growing research on the use of psychedelics for medical and mental health treatment. The research highlighted at next week's conference will note the potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy for healing and psychological wellbeing, as well as discuss the next steps in making it accessible.
Much research has already been undertaken that demonstrates the efficacy and long term success of psychedelic-assisted treatments:
Clinical trials exploring ketamine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and MDMA for treatment of depression have shown promising long term results for reduction of symptoms.
Research exploring psychedelic medicine indicates that therapies incorporating it into treatment can help individuals process and heal from trauma.
Neuroimaging research has shown that psychedelic treatment promotes increased neural plasticity, allowing for new connections and reorganization within the brain.
Other studies exploring addiction and recovery suggest that the profound and transformative experiences induced by psychedelics can lead to increased motivation, self-reflection, and a greater sense of purpose, which can aid in the recovery process.
Many studies also report that participants exploring psychedelic use for questions of spirituality, personal purpose, and overall wellbeing is growing. Research suggests that the intense shifts in states of consciousness experienced through psychedelic treatment can lead to a greater sense of interconnectedness, purpose, and a shift in one's perspective on life and death. Many participants report experiencing sustained improvements in mental health and overall quality of life. Such studies note the long term, positive impact psychedelic use in therapeutic treatment yields for patients. Psychedelic use is also being explored in couples therapy. Many couples report being able to heal challenging relational stuck points through joint sessions of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
While each psychedelic medicine has its own unique experience a common effect is how psychedelics can uniquely soften emotions and emotional reactivity for individuals. In this way, the therapist is able to access and help patients process difficult experiences they have felt stuck in. Psychedelic therapeutic and treatment sessions are closely monitored and occur in warm, safe environments. They typically occur in three phases. The first phase is building a relationship and trust with the therapist and learning about the process and effects of the medicine. This is where a patient learns if psychedelic treatment is right for them. The second is the administration of the psychedelic, usually a small dose (depending on the substance) designated by the patient's clinic. The third phase is an integrative session or sessions with the therapist, where the patient learns the meaning of their experience and processes it with the therapist. Depending on the individual reason for and responses to treatment there may be follow up psychedelic treatment sessions.
Whether seeking to know oneself better, explore deeper meaning in one's life, or to heal from persistent anxiety and distress, the MAPS conference explores the latest research and science on psychedelic use and treatment. While many studies do show promising results it is important to note that the science is still emerging and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy, safety protocols, and long-term effects. Please see the following links for more information on the conference, current research, and therapeutic treatment. If you have questions about my practice please find my website below.
To learn more about the conference please go to https://psychedelicscience.org/
For links to cutting edge psychedelic research go to https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/
For links to more about psychedelic treatment go to https://maps.org/
Christina's website: SoulSpeakPsychotherapy.com