Observations after taking a course titled introduction to psychedelic assistance for therapists
What I gained from taking an Introduction to Psychedelic Assist at Naropa University was several insights.
1) The expanding role of the use, and eventual/hopeful return to legality, of psychedelic
substances for the benefit and transformation of mental health concerns is a trend that is being
backed by valid scientific research as well as empirical social participation. 2) The areas of
concern that are foremost in mindful psychedelic communities are cultural appropriation,
disregard for set and setting, lax/minimal/nonexistent integration efforts status post
psychedelic session(s), and the down sides/side effects/contraindications of psychedelics. 3)
Psychedelics are not a panacea. 4) Regardless of the spiritual, emotional, psychological,
physiological, economical, hierarchical, pedestrian, or cultural lens(es) through which one
chooses to view this topic, those in the talk-therapy helping fields (such as counselors, coaches,
clergy) will most likely encounter clients who have the need to process/integrate an experience
with psychedelics (either from a controlled study setting or from a social/recreational
experience) and therefore this topic is pertinent for all who are interested. 5) For those of us
pursuing the role of assistant during psychedelic therapy sessions, there is much to learn both
from a theoretical and legal protection perspective, as well as from a
practical/experiential/supportive role process. 6) Discussion is ongoing as to whether the true
benefit of a psychedelic journey is attributable (in part or wholly) to achieving an Altered State
of Consciousness (ASC) or simply due to the transitory chemical changes to the brain which
allow for patterns of growth and rearrangement at the dendrite level of brain cells.
I will address the first two of the points outlined above in the introductory paragraph.
Many studies are available in research literature indicating benefits from the
known/used psychedelic substances with repeatable improvement above 60 percent for
diagnoses such as PTSD or depression. For example, from Brainfutures.com (March 2022, p.10):
“The world’s first FDA Phase 3 trial using MDMA to treat PTSD found that after three MDMA-
assisted therapy sessions, 67 percent of participants no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis,
and 88 percent experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptoms (Mitchell et al.,
2021).”
Studies such as this example have fueled much interest from entrepreneurs to invest in
more formal research. For example, Tim Ferriss invested over $2M of his own money (along
with several other influencers’ contributions which totaled $17M– see Johns Hopkins YouTube
video link in references announcement with a panel discussion) in support of a new research
lab at Johns Hopkins for the purpose of furthering the psychedelic movement as a promising
ray of hope for the improvement of mental health in the US. With the awareness that many
major universities are engaged in some version of research into the benefits of psychedelics,
the frontier mindset is in full swing in this under-discovered territory.
In terms of cultural appropriation, it was very helpful to be exposed to the indigenous
voices speaking out regarding the origin stories of many of these substances. Michael Pollan’s
Netflix series and book entitled How to Change Your Mind (Pollan, 2019) gave a clear message
when he respectfully declined to participate in a peyote journey after significant deliberation.
This symbolic and conscientious choice helped further the dialogue around who should and
should not be using plant medicines, when, why, and with whom. While much of the
recreational use of various psychedelic plants/substances will not be monitored/managed
safely or respectfully according to any set standards, messages such as the one Pollan offered
helped set the tone for what a mindful deliberation might look like when faced with an
opportunity to partake in a plant ceremony.
Our guest speakers during the final class, Belinda Eriacho, MPH, MT, and Veronica
Lightening Horse Perez, healer and legislation advocate, were both informative and inspiring
voices. Belinda’s lecture addressing cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation and soul
wounding, was a message that we can and should be incorporating in the psychedelic conversation.
I specifically appreciated her response to “why should we care?” as a question
asked by Jamie Beachy that comes up a lot regarding these plants and how they are seemingly
now part of the popular culture rather than purely indigenous in origin. Belinda’s response was
beautiful in that she acknowledged that plants (and chemical psychedelics) have their “own
personality, own healing... they are Grandmother medicine... misuse of peyote is the same as
mistreating a grandmother” (from the recorded 3rd lecture April 8, 2023, at 1:02 mark).
Veronica’s story was extraordinary - I appreciated how she called psychedelics “fear
killers” and put into context the concept of “hurt people hurt people”. Both Belinda and Veronica offered
ways to be culturally sensitive as we engage in explorations involving psychedelics in our own
practices and with clients going forward. I especially appreciated the feminine voice and the
honoring of the transpersonal nature of the gift of these plants/substances.
Set (mindset/preparation) and setting (support/safety/ceremony) are terms that are
used to create a space for the person partaking of a substance (and any supporters/
researchers), whether it is in a private arrangement or within a clinical trial.
One of the most helpful references in this class was the link to Psychedelic Therapy
Frontiers, the podcast of two main hosts: Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison. We were
directed to listen to the episode called: The shadow side of psychedelic therapy with Dr.
Chantelle Thomas (episode 84, Jan 17, 2023). While I appreciated listening to them talk about
the shadow and/or downside of psychedelic therapies (all parties were erudite and intentional),
the way these therapists interact and the level of compassion and insight they bring to any
topic has been a boon to my expanding awareness of psychedelics and their real-life integration
into the world of therapy.
References:
Brainfutures.com, March 2022 Johns Hopkins Launches Center For Psychedelic Research
Mitchell, J. M., Bogenschutz, M., Lilienstein, A., Harrison, C., Kleiman, S., Parker-Guilbert, K., ...& Doblin, R. (2021). MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature medicine, 27(6), 1025-1033.
Pollan, M. (2019). How to change your mind: What the new science of psychedelics teaches us about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence. Penguin.
Thayer & Robison, Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers, episode 84, The shadow side of psychedelictherapy with Dr. Chanelle Thomas, found at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psychedelic-therapy-frontiers/id1573959330?i=1000594924544
