"Psychedelics are tools for studying the mind’s potential." - Rick Doblin

Preparation

My formal training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. This specialized training has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to integrate psychedelic therapies into my practice, allowing for a holistic approach to healing transformation that honors the mind, body, and spirit.

Preparation before a psychedelic experience is essential for ensuring a safe, meaningful, and transformative journey. Psychedelics have the power to amplify emotions, thoughts, and sensations, bringing the subconscious mind to the forefront. Without proper preparation, this can lead to overwhelming or distressing experiences. By preparing, individuals can create a strong foundation that allows them to navigate the experience with greater ease and intention.

One of the key aspects of preparation is setting a clear intention. Understanding why you are embarking on a psychedelic journey helps to focus the experience and guides the mind toward areas that need healing or exploration. Whether the intention is to address past trauma, seek spiritual insight, or simply explore consciousness, having a clear purpose provides a roadmap for the journey. This intentionality helps navigate challenging moments, as it reminds the individual of the larger goal behind the experience.

Preparation also involves practical considerations, such as choosing a safe and supportive environment, selecting a trusted guide or sitter, and ensuring that physical and mental health are in optimal condition. The set (mindset) and setting (physical environment) are critical factors that influence the outcome of a psychedelic experience. A calm, comfortable environment, coupled with a positive and open mindset, can significantly enhance the potential for a beneficial journey.

Finally, preparation includes educating oneself about the medicine being used, understanding its effects, potential risks, and the appropriate dosage. This knowledge empowers individuals to enter the experience with confidence and reduces the likelihood of encountering unexpected challenges. By taking the time to prepare thoroughly, individuals set the stage for a psychedelic journey that is not only safe but also deeply meaningful, maximizing the potential for personal growth and healing.

Integration

Integration after a psychedelic experience is crucial for transforming the insights and revelations gained during the journey into meaningful, lasting changes in one’s life. Psychedelic experiences often open doors to deep layers of the psyche, revealing emotions, memories, and perspectives that can be profoundly impactful.

However, without proper integration, these insights can remain fragmented, diminishing their potential to inspire real growth and healing.

During the integration process, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, connect with the emotions and thoughts that surfaced, and explore how these insights can be applied to their daily lives.

This often involves journaling, therapy, meditation, or discussing the experience with a trusted guide or community. Integration helps to bridge the gap between the altered state of consciousness and ordinary reality, making it possible to bring the wisdom gained during the psychedelic experience into practical use.

Without integration, the transformative potential of psychedelics can be diminished, leading to confusion, emotional distress, or even the reinforcement of unhealthy patterns.

Integration supports individuals in grounding their experiences, ensuring that the journey is not just a fleeting moment of insight but a catalyst for enduring personal growth and healing. It is through integration that the real work of healing begins, as the lessons learned during the psychedelic experience are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Please note that I do not provide or offer psychedelic substances as part of my therapy services. My practice is focused solely on therapeutic guidance, integration, and support within the scope of legal and ethical standards.