An Essential Primer for Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapies

A resurgence of research on psychedelics for common mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addictions, is rapidly shifting possibilities for trauma-informed therapy and genuine healing in mental health care. Two psychedelic medicines, MDMA and psilocybin, have received breakthrough treatment status from the Food and Drug Administration for PTSD and depression, respectively. Ketamine is being used all over the country off-label in various forms of administration for depression and suicidality. Psychedelic-assisted therapies, however, require shifting the paradigms and practices around how mind-altering substances are used in mental health care. From a historical perspective, some psychedelics have a long history of traditional uses among indigenous communities from all over the world, as well as so-called underground use during the modern era of Prohibition. The roots of psychedelic therapy protocols and values defining the practice today stem from these histories, and require modern practitioners to expand their psychedelic-specific competencies, practice values, and ethics. Therapists and counselors have a significant role to play in preparing, guiding, and integrating the psychedelic encounter with clients experiencing a range of mental health struggles and traumas. This series provides an essential primer for counselors, therapists, and helping professionals wishing to expand their practice to incorporate psychedelic-assisted therapies, with a focus on MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin. Importantly, the key concepts and supporting material covered throughout the series is meant to direct practitioners toward high practice standards and personal integrity for engaging psychedelic therapy and uplift the true potential for deep healing that psychedelic therapies might carry.

3 Learning Objectives

• Summarize the therapeutic uses, effects, and risks of the most common psychedelic substances, including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine.

   

• Examine appropriate roles, competencies, and ethical obligations for counselors and therapists in the psychedelic field.

   

• Discuss key components of the psychedelic therapy experience, including drug, set, setting, and preparation and integration.