What Happens During Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy has become a more popular topic of discussion in recent years as research has begun to reliably show the benefits, but we have documentation of medicinal uses and benefits that trace back to B.C.E. 

Due to the variations in state laws regarding the use of psychedelics, many people are unclear about what psychedelic-assisted therapy looks like. At Grow with Flo, I believe that knowledge goes a long way to helping clients make safe and informed decisions. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Northern Chicago 

The structure of psychedelic-assisted therapy will often look similar regardless of the substance. 

Currently, Ketamine is the only psychedelic that is legal to work with, so when we talk about Ketamine-assisted therapy in Chicago, I can refer you to reputable providers who will take the appropriate precautions when prescribing Ketamine for therapeutic purposes. I can also be present with you for your experience. 

If you want to engage with substances such as MDMA or Psilocybin, I cannot facilitate their use or be present for your experience. However, we know that harm reduction approaches - including education on safe preparation and integration -  can make significant differences in the safety and long-term outcomes of use. Therefore, this is the approach I take when clients indicate wanting to engage with illicit or illegal substances. 

Make sure your therapist reviews what happens during psychedelic-assisted therapy.

The Three Phases of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Both psychedelic-assisted therapy and harm reduction methods typically include three phases. 

Preparation

Preparation is one of the biggest factors in the overall safety and success of a psychedelic experience. Whether you see me for Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy(KAP) or you are trying to minimize harm and risk, Grow with Flo Counseling is here to help you prepare. 

In KAP, this is likely going to include a referral to a prescriber and helping you know what to expect in screening procedures. If we are taking a harm reduction approach, this may include referring you to someone who can help you manage the experience and take steps to keep you safe. 

The preparation stage often also includes general psychoeducation, which includes addressing mental health concerns that may increase your risk and other contraindications. I will educate you on the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment, the way your own mindset can impact the experience, and ensure you have what you need to prepare accordingly. 

The Psychedelic Experience

The actual experience is often where we see the biggest difference between a harm reduction approach and KAP. In Ketamine-assisted therapy, I can be present for your Ketamine journey and act as the person to help you in the experience. 

From a harm-reduction standpoint, I am here to help you mitigate risk, but I cannot be present for your experience. 

Integration

Integration is typically the step that provides the most benefit to clients. When you are well prepared, you may be more able to identify certain themes or experiences during your psychedelic journey, but integration afterward is often what helps you tie it back to the trauma, depression, or other mental health symptoms you’re trying to address. 

If you have engaged in a psychedelic experience outside of a clinical or specifically therapeutic setting, you have a higher risk of an adverse experience and lasting emotional distress. This integration session can be critical to your healing journey. 

What To Expect Before a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Session

When you have a Ketamine-assisted therapy session with Grow with Flo, there are several things you can expect before the actual psychedelic experience. The first step is to discuss your general needs and goals to determine if this is the right fit.

When we establish that Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be a good fit for you, I can refer you to a prescriber. 

Medical and Mental Health Screening

Part of determining whether KAP is a good fit is ruling out contraindications. Conditions like schizophrenia or other history of psychosis or mania, substance use or personality disorders,  or other complicating factors need careful consideration and extra support before starting. 

When you contact a prescriber, they will likely run additional health screens to ensure you do not have uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysmal vascular disease, or other significant problems with your physical health. 

Setting Goals and Intentions

Setting goals and intentions is part of the preparation phase. This is where we will work together to help you identify what you want to gain from the experience. This can include the therapeutic benefits you want, as well as identifying what would make the environment feel comfortable and safe to maximize the benefits of your experience. 

What Happens During a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Session

When the time comes for the session, we may discuss some of the finer details of what you want from the environment. This might include things like the temperature of the room, what kind of lighting you want, and the type of background music. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment. 

The Role of the Therapist During the Session

If you are engaging in KAP, my role as the therapist is typically to be non-directive and supportive. I may provide gentle guidance to key you into what your body is doing, or use some reflective listening, but the most important thing is that the therapist is flexible to the client’s needs and centers your psychedelic experience. 

Everyone has different needs and preferred styles, so the specifics of the session are hard to predict outside of individual evaluations and discussions. 

Common Emotional and Psychological Experiences

The emotional and psychological experience when taking psychedelics can vary widely. Most people report a dissociative effect along with altered moods and perceptions. Some people report that these experiences are highly distressing - especially in uncontrolled environments without preparation or support - while others indicate feelings of freedom and connectedness. 

What Happens After the Psychedelic Experience?

At Grow with Flo Counseling, we find that preparation and intention can significantly impact the experience, and integration is key to resolving lingering feelings, particularly after unpleasant or distressing experiences. 

Integration is the process by which we discuss your experience and help you make sense of it. This process can help you find patterns and themes that lead to ongoing changes in your life. 

Grow With Flo is Here to Support a Safe and Therapeutic Psychedelic Experience 

If you think you are a good candidate for psychedelic or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for a free discovery call. We can talk about what you feel you are looking for and help connect you with the resources you need for a safe and effective journey to mind, body, and soul wellness.