What is psychedelic integration and how is it different from psychedelic assisted psychotherapy?

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy involves the use of psychedelic substances as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy. During a psychedelic-assisted therapy session, a person ingests a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin or MDMA, under the guidance and supervision of a trained therapist. The therapist then provides support and guidance during the experience and helps the person process and integrate any insights or experiences that arise during the session.

Outside of strict research protocols such sessions are only currently legal in Australia

Psychedelic integration, on the other hand, is the process of incorporating the insights, lessons, and experiences gained from a psychedelic experience into your daily life. It can help you make sense of what can otherwise be a very overwhelming experience.

As a term, ‘Psychedelic integration’ is a fairly broad category of care - it can involve a range of techniques and modalities, including talk therapy, mindfulness practices, creative expression, and embodiment practices. Regardless of what way it is practiced, the goal is always the same - to help you integrate the insights gained (during the psychedelic experience) in a way that allows you to live your most rich, full, and meaningful life - on an ongoing, daily basis.

Why is it so important?

Integration is considered an essential part of the psychedelic experience, as it can help individuals avoid potential negative effects such as confusion, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from reality (1). It can also help individuals make lasting changes in their attitudes, behaviors, and relationships, and can promote greater self-awareness, personal growth, and spiritual development (2), (3).

What is very clear from the research is that subsequent integration of the psychedelic experiences through talk therapy promotes improvements in well-being, and may even be integral to the process (4).

Isn’t it illegal?

No. Psychedelic integration is not illegal in Australia, and therapists are able to offer support to individuals who have had a psychedelic experience. However, the legal status of psychedelic substances in Australia is complex.

Most psychedelic substances, including psilocybin MDMA and LSD, are considered illegal in Australia and are classified as Schedule 9 drugs, which are substances that are deemed to have no therapeutic value and a high potential for abuse. This will be due to change as of 1st July 2023, but even after this date, the possession, use, or supply of these substances (outside the scope of heavily constrained clinical research settings) can result in criminal charges and penalties. There has been growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in recent years, and an exponentially increasing number of clinicians and researchers are exploring ways to use these substances in a clinical setting. The use of psychedelics in a mainstream therapeutic context is currently illegal in Australia, but there are ongoing discussions and debates around the potential benefits and risks of these substances and the need for changes to current laws and regulations - so watch this space.

In the meantime, therapists who work with individuals who have had a previous psychedelic experience may focus on integration and support without directly providing or facilitating the use of psychedelics. They may use a range of techniques and modalities, such as talk therapy, mindfulness practices, creative expression, and somatic work, to help individuals integrate their experiences and make meaningful changes in their lives. There is a logical precedent for all psychotherapists in Australia to discuss the previous use of illicit substances with their clients - if such conversations are deemed therapeutically useful and there is no clear and present danger to the client or others.

Whilst I am a psychotherapist and not a psychologist, I generally follow the gold standards of psychotherapeutic practice as set out by the APS (Australian psychological society ) According to these guidelines, psychotherapy is conducted within ethical and legal guidelines that privilege the maintenance of clients' privacy. Situations, where such confidentiality must be breached, are vanishingly rare and would really only come into effect if it can be demonstrated that there is a serious risk of present or future harm to the client or someone else if such information is not disclosed. You are neither in breach of the spirit nor the letter of the law in discussing your previous psychedelic experiences with me - especially since our goal is to help you improve the quality of life for both yourself and those around you.

Why do you offer one-on-one online psychedelic integration instead of running integration circles?

Both online psychedelic integration and in-person, open groups for psychedelic integration can offer you valuable support and resources if you wish to integrate your psychedelic experiences. However, there are some potential benefits to individual online integration that may be worth considering:

1. Accessibility: Online integration can be much more accessible than evening group sessions - especially if you have kids or a busy work schedule.

2. Anonymity: Online integration offers you a much greater degree of anonymity, and this can be deeply important if there are things you want to disclose away from the ears of strangers.

3. Flexibility: Online integration offers you much greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and frequency of sessions. We can talk about what works best for your current lifestyle.

4. Individualized support: I have a lot of experience running groups, so I am well aware of the magic that can occur within this dynamic. However, when we are working one-on-one I can focus solely on your experience and your needs. Shifts can occur a lot faster as a result.

5. Safety: simply recalling powerful psychedelic experiences can be disorienting. Sometimes being ‘in situ’ in your safe home environment after a challenging online integration session is preferable to having to navigate the drive home in the dark after a particularly profound in-person sharing circle.

6. Validation: Whilst the tide is certainly turning, many more conservative psychologists and GPs are still fairly clueless about the profound psychedelic paradigm shift that is happening (in the field of mental health) under their very feet. It can be very invalidating to discuss challenging and confusing psychedelic experiences with poorly informed clinicians who are dismissive of your experiences. Psychedelic insights are profound, important, and disorienting. I get it. At this stage, there is nothing you can report back from your trip that will make my eyebrows raise or my brow furrow. it is all welcome!

In-person, open groups for psychedelic integration can offer unique benefits as well - such as a sense of community and connection with others who have had similar experiences. Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person integration will depend on your needs, preferences, and circumstances, and you can always do both. Find the right fit for you.

How can I organize an appointment - and what does a typical session look like?

When you feel you are ready simply contact through this form. please provide the best number and time to be contacted.

I will be in touch to have a brief, confidential, and no-obligation phone consult with you.

If we feel it will be a good fit in both directions, we will then organize a tailored online integration session accessed through a simple link.

Can you direct me toward underground psychedelic-assisted psychotherapists?

No. I make it very clear that I do not in any shape or form advocate for the injudicious use of psychedelics. I do not offer psychedelics, I do not practice psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and I will provide absolutely no signposting to underground therapists who do - so please don’t ask!

Refereences

1. Carhart-Harris et al. (2018). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(5), 356-366.

2. Ross et al. (2016). Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1165-1180.

3. Griffiths et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197.

4. Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., Day, C. M., Erritzoe, D., Kaelen, M., ... & Taylor, D. (2018). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology, 235(2), 399-408

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