Exploring the psychedelic frontier: How to stay safe in psychedelic therapy sessions

What is psychedelic therapy?

Indigenous communities across the planet have convened with the plant realm for thousands of years. Sitting with plant medicines to cultivate connection, insight, and healing, the soulful urge to explore consciousness weaves back through time immemorial.

In recent years, the Western world has seen a resurgence of interest in psychedelic therapy as a promising approach for mental health treatment. With the potential for self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth, individuals are exploring psychedelics in a range of settings. From traditional Indigenous ceremonies embedded in ancient lineages, to the unnerving world of "back alley shamanism," and the emerging options in psychedelic-assisted therapy—there is much space for hope and equal need for exercising discernment (Johnson et al., 2008).

Here, we'll delve into some key tips on how to cultivate safety while embarking on a psychedelic journey. Finding a qualified guide is essential - our Practitioner Directory connects you with trusted professionals trained in safe preparation and integration techniques.

Choose an experienced and trusted facilitator

An integral part of safe psychedelic-assisted therapy lies in the presence and integrity of the facilitator guiding the session or ceremony. Empathy, trust, spiritual intelligence, ethical integrity, knowledge and experience of psychedelic medicines, and proper safety protocols are all important factors to consider when choosing a psychedelic guide. Ideally, they should have a vetting process and ask you to complete an extensive intake document so they can really get a feel for who you are and your individual needs. A good psychedelic facilitator should encourage open dialogue and promote asking questions to help you feel safe and supported (Phelps, 2017).

Questions to ask when choosing a psychedelic therapist or guide:

• How much experience do they have in the psychedelic space?
• Are they trauma-informed?
• How do they manage difficult experiences?
• Are they connected to, and honoring Indigenous practices related to the medicine?
• Where did the medicine come from? Was it ethically sourced?
• How do they practice reciprocity with the traditional wisdom keepers and natural world?
• Do they encourage an open dialogue around the details of the ceremony or session?
• What is their protocol for medical emergencies?
• How many bathrooms/facilitators/other people will there be?
• Do they offer preparation and integration support? How much?

Feeling safe with your practitioner or guide is important in psychedelic spaces—asking whatever questions you need to feel comfortable and clear is encouraged.

Understand your psychedelic medicine and any contraindications

Psychedelic therapy involves the use of entheogens which can induce altered states of consciousness. Understanding the likely effects, duration, and any contraindications related to your medicine is key. While profound insights, visions, emotional release, and spiritual experiences are possible, psychedelics can also carry potential risks. Understanding how the medicine could interact with your unique psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual landscape will help promote a safe and supportive psychedelic experience for you (Carbonaro & Gatch, 2016).

Key psychedelic contraindications and safety concerns

• A personal or family history of psychosis
• Those who cannot tolerate high blood pressure or increased heart rate, such as pregnant people, and those with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, epilepsy, seizures, or stroke (Nichols, 2016)
• When mixed with antidepressants like SSRIs or MAOIs, psychedelics can lead to life-threatening serotonin syndrome, as they also act on the serotonin system
• Those with significant trauma histories who have not yet developed coping skills or a safety plan

Remember, each medicine is different, and you are a unique being. Prioritize your safety and wellbeing. Consult your medical doctor or facilitator if you have any questions or concerns.

Consider and discuss your personal boundaries in psychedelic sessions

Psychedelics and non-ordinary states can alter our openness and suggestibility. Talk to your facilitator about the use of touch in ceremonies or sessions. Many practitioners may offer feather blessings, bodywork, or a comforting hand during your experience, but this should always be consented, attuned, and optional.

Power dynamics, altered states, and comfort expressing our boundaries can make them difficult to articulate in the moment. Those with a previous sexual trauma history may not have as much access to their words, and conduct should be established in advance.

Effective boundary-setting techniques for psychedelic experiences:

• Feel into any boundaries in your habitual state and communicate them to your facilitator
• Consider having a non-verbal symbol like a consent crystal to signal to your facilitator if your touch boundaries change
• Practice voicing a "no" with your preparation facilitator or a friend before the ceremony if this could be supportive for you

Sexual engagement is not appropriate in either direction in the medicine space. Practice discernment and speak up if something doesn't feel right.

Resources:

• Find Help | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
• Legal Resources Companion to the Guidelines for the Awareness of Sexual Abuse - Chacruna

How to properly prepare for your psychedelic journey

Preparing for a psychedelic session can involve emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects and will vary according to the psychedelic medicine you plan to sit with. Ideally, your facilitator will offer psychedelic preparation sessions, or you could book with one of our trained Psychedelic Preparation Specialists at School of Psychedelics.

Exploring your intention, engaging in practices such as meditation, journaling, or breathwork, and connecting to the spirit of the medicine prior to the journey can be supportive steps in psychedelic preparation. Follow any guidelines from your facilitator regarding particular dietas or how best to prepare for your specific journey. Proper preparation has been shown to significantly enhance safety and therapeutic outcomes in psychedelic experiences.

Creating optimal set and setting for psychedelic therapy

The mental, physical, social, and environmental context in which the psychedelic session takes place plays a crucial role in how your journey unfolds. "Set" refers to mindset and your emotional space, while "setting" refers to your physical environment. Research has consistently shown that set and setting are among the most important factors determining the quality and safety of a psychedelic experience (Hartogsohn, 2017).

Essential set and setting considerations:

Mindset preparation (Set): Are there any fears, questions, or personal situations you'd like to address before the journey to promote a relaxed inner space? What intentions are you bringing to this experience?

Environmental factors (Setting): What kind of environment would support your journey?

• Who would you like to be with you during your psychedelic session?
• What comfort items or meaningful objects would you like to have accessible?
• Consider elements such as lighting, music, temperature, and aesthetics to create a nurturing atmosphere for healing

Psychedelic dosing safety: Why starting low is important

If you're new to psychedelic exploration, it can be advisable to start with a lower dose to gauge your sensitivity and response to the medicine. This harm reduction approach allows for a gentler introduction to the experience, reducing the likelihood of overwhelm if you are feeling nervous. Your facilitator can adjust the dosage based on your individual needs and tolerance. Many experienced practitioners follow the principle "start low, go slow" to ensure safety and comfort, especially for first-time experiences with psychedelic medicines (Fadiman, 2011).

The healing power of surrender in psychedelic experiences

Psychedelics are powerful allies that can bring us to our edges, often catalyzing deep transformation and growth. During the session, surrendering to the experience and cultivating curiosity towards whatever arises is an important part of the healing journey. Psychedelic therapy often brings up deep-seated emotions, memories, and insights that may be challenging to confront.

Research in psychedelic therapy consistently shows that the ability to surrender to difficult emotions rather than resist them is associated with more profound healing outcomes (Roseman et al., 2018). Willingness to explore these inner landscapes with love and compassion, to attune to ourselves and be with ourselves with whatever emerges, is a courageous act. Practice love and patience with yourself. If you need extra support with integration of something challenging, you can reach one of our team at School of Psychedelics.

Psychedelic integration: The essential guide to aftercare

After the psychedelic session concludes, integration becomes crucial for making sense of the experience and incorporating its insights into daily life. Integration is widely considered by experts to be as important as the psychedelic experience itself for creating lasting positive changes (Watts & Luoma, 2020).

Schedule follow-up sessions with your therapist, facilitator, or one of our specialists to process the session, integrate newfound insights, and explore lingering emotions or questions. Allowing adequate time to return to daily life, engaging in self-care practices such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can all be supportive for your process. Proper integration can help translate momentary insights into meaningful life changes and continued healing.

Professional psychedelic training: Become certified in preparation and integration

Embark on a transformative journey with School of Psychedelics as we open doors to passionate individuals ready to dive deep into the realms of psychedelic preparation and integration. Whether you're a therapist, coach, healthcare professional, or someone interested in the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics, our comprehensive training program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these profound experiences safely and effectively.

Upon completion, graduates can join our network of certified practitioners who support clients throughout their psychedelic journeys.

Why choose School of Psychedelics certification?

• Expert-led curriculum: Learn from leading experts in psychedelic therapy, who bring years of research and hands-on experience to your learning journey. Dr. Katherine Lawson is an Integrative Mental Health Specialist, a certified Embodied Imagination® practitioner, consultant, psycho-spiritual counselor, and an international speaker with decades of experience.
• Flexible learning options: Access our comprehensive courses from anywhere in the world, tailored to fit your schedule without compromising the depth and quality of learning.
• Transformative immersive retreats: Deepen your learning and community connections through our immersive retreats in beautiful natural settings, including Costa Rica and Portugal, where you'll practice integration techniques in supportive environments.
• Proprietary Embodied Imagination® methodology: Our program uniquely offers specialization in Embodied Imagination® for Psychedelic Integration, providing powerful tools for transformational client work not available anywhere else.
• Global practitioner community: Join a vibrant international community of psychedelic practitioners, offering peer support, networking opportunities, supervised practice, and shared experiences.
• Evidence-based preparation and integration training: Master essential skills in psychedelic preparation, ethical frameworks, safety protocols, and effective integration practices for lasting client transformation.

Who should join our psychedelic practitioner training?

• Healthcare professionals: Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors looking to expand their therapeutic tools for the emerging psychedelic healthcare landscape
• Wellness practitioners: Coaches, holistic healers, yoga instructors, and wellness professionals seeking to support clients through transformative experiences
• Integration specialists: Those specifically interested in helping clients process and integrate psychedelic experiences into lasting positive changes
• Researchers and educators: Individuals involved in psychedelic research, advocacy, or education wanting evidence-based training

Embark on this enlightening journey with School of Psychedelics and become a certified practitioner in the rapidly expanding field of psychedelic therapy. Join the thousands of students already benefiting from our comprehensive training.

Need support for your psychedelic journey? Visit our psychedelic integration specialist directory to find certified professionals trained in our evidence-based methods.

Education is safety

References

1. Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., & Griffiths, R. R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: Guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 603-620.
2. Phelps, J. (2017). Developing guidelines and competencies for the training of psychedelic therapists. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 57(5), 450-487.
3. Carbonaro, T. M., & Gatch, M. B. (2016). Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Brain Research Bulletin, 126(1), 74-88.
4. Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355.
5. Hartogsohn, I. (2017). Constructing drug effects: A history of set and setting. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 3, 1-17.
6. Fadiman, J. (2011). The psychedelic explorer's guide: Safe, therapeutic, and sacred journeys. Park Street Press.
7. Roseman, L., Nutt, D. J., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2018). Quality of acute psychedelic experience predicts therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 974.
8. Watts, R., & Luoma, J. B. (2020). The use of the psychological flexibility model to support psychedelic assisted therapy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 92-102.