What Is Psychedelic Integration Therapy?
As researchers and healthcare providers have started recognizing the immense healing potential of psychedelics, many people have started seeking out these medicines on their own, despite the fact that they remain illegal in many places. Some people travel out of the country to retreat centers where their substance of choice is legal, but this option is understandably out of reach for the majority of the population. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is also inaccessible to many people right now while it awaits FDA approval and subsequent insurance coverage. It’s not surprising, therefore, that recent research shows the highest rates of private psychedelic use in decades.
In an ideal world, people would have access to psychedelics along with the support and care necessary to ensure safe, meaningful experiences. In the meantime, many are turning to the internet for tips and hoping for the best. Not only can this be risky, it can simply limit people from experiencing the full potential of psychedelic medicine when used intentionally and skillfully.
Recognizing that people around the world are using psychedelics in unprecedented numbers, from newer synthetic compounds to plant medicines that have been part of indigenous traditions for thousands of years, I’m not here to dictate how, when, where or why folks work with psychedelics. But as a mental health provider and advocate for psychedelic medicine, it is certainly my hope to see people not only using these medicines safely, but with the greatest positive outcomes and the minimal adverse effects possible.
That’s where psychedelic integration therapy comes in. I’ve spoken about psychedelic integration before (in case you missed it, I have a whole podcast devoted to this topic!), but I’ll review quickly: integration refers to the process of taking insights gleaned from a psychedelic experience and incorporating these into everyday life to achieve meaningful, lasting change. In reality, the integration process begins once someone sets the intention to work with psychedelics, even before they ingest the medicine. This part of the process is referred to as preparation, and is equally as important as what happens after the psychedelic experience.
Even for the most experienced psychedelic users, it can be invaluable to work with someone who specializes in integration. In the same way that most therapists have their own therapists, most healing work is enhanced within a relationship rather than attempted on our own. A psychedelic integration specialist, be it a therapist, coach, or traditional healer, can make a difference in the impact of your psychedelic experience on your wellbeing.
In addition to my work facilitating Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, I offer integration therapy to those on their own medicine path who are seeking the confidential support of a mental health professional. I offer Psychedelic Integration Therapy virtually to residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Colorado where I hold professional licenses. Feel free to reach out and we’ll explore whether I feel like the right provider to support you in this sacred work.
