Can You (Therapist) Work With Mushrooms, MDMA, etc?

At Grow with Flo Counseling, I make a point to keep up-to-date on research regarding the mental health benefits of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies. Currently, I only offer ketamine-assisted therapy, as it is the only psychedelic-assisted therapy legal in Illinois. But I also offer harm reduction-focused preparation and integration therapy services to decrease risk and improve therapeutic benefits for those considering the use of other psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA.

Grow with Flo Counseling does not promote, sell, or facilitate the use of illegal or unprescribed substances. I am unable to hold sessions if you are under the influence of any illegal or non-prescribed medications, so please be sure to arrive sober to any therapy sessions with me.

Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

More and more research is coming out about the mental health benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy. However, psychedelics have been used medicinally and ritualistically for thousands of years, with some cave paintings depicting the usage in stone paintings in North Africa and Spain dated around 8500 B.C.E.

Clinical trials within the last decade show psychedelics providing promising results in neuroplasticity to those experiencing treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have been done on MDMA, psilocybin magic mushrooms, and ketamine.

Of that list, ketamine is the only one currently approved by the FDA for anesthesia and is legal in Illinois as a mental health treatment done by a licensed, DEA-registered medical provider. At Grow with Flo Counseling, I can support you with ketamine assisted therapy, psychedelic preparation and integration, as well as harm-reduction and psychedelic education.

Current Therapy Offerings I Provide in the Chicago Area

Everyone’s path to healing is unique. At Grow with Flo Counseling, I offer a variety of paths designed to support your journey safely and intentionally.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine is a legal, highly effective tool for treating treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and trauma. I partner with trusted medical prescribers who handle the medical evaluation and prescription. 

From there, I guide you through the preparation process and sit with you during your ketamine treatment to offer a safe, grounding presence. My role as your therapist is to support you through the journey, being flexible to your needs throughout the process. People experience a wide range of emotions and psychological experiences during psychedelic-assisted therapy, so specific needs are hard to predict without understanding your unique situation. Contact me to set up an initial consultation to discuss any concerns you may have.

I also offer psychedelic group therapy, where I lead small, intimate groups allowing you to share insights, identify patterns, and create meaningful connections together. Whether you are interested in individual ketamine-assisted therapy or a group dynamic, I am always conscious of creating a controlled and safe environment, allowing you to focus on your own experience.

Psychedelic Integration Therapy (PIT) - Mushrooms, MDMA, Etc

I recognize that some people may choose to explore psychedelics therapeutically on their own, regardless of their current legal status. My goal is never to judge, but to meet you where you are and help you navigate these experiences as safely as possible.

While I do not prescribe, provide, or administer psychedelic mushrooms or MDMA, I can offer you support before and after your experiences to maximize the therapeutic benefits. Before you embark on an experience with one of these psychedelic substances, we will work together to better understand their impact and reduce harm:

• Psychoeducation & Resources: I provide education on how psychedelics work, explore your options, and connect you with reputable resources and guide materials.

• Safety & Screening: We will review your medical history, including mental health diagnoses and current medications, to identify potential risk factors.

• Dosage, Set, & Setting: We will discuss how to prepare your physical environment and mindset to prepare for your journey. I can discuss dosages and help you clarify your intentions and expectations.

Substances like psilocybin (mushrooms) or MDMA can bring up deep insights, but they can also uncover unresolved trauma, trigger anxiety, or leave you feeling overwhelmed in the days following an experience. Psychedelic Integration Therapy (PIT) provides a dedicated space to process what came up. Together, we can take the insights, imagery, and emotions from your journey and weave them into practical, everyday mental health practices, turning a temporary experience into long-term growth.

Contact Grow With Flo for More Information on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Finding the right therapeutic fit is one of the most important decisions on your wellness journey. If you are curious about how psychedelic-assisted therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation. We can talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can work together to get you there. Call or message Grow with Flo Counseling today to set up your free consultation.