What Is Psychedelic Therapy?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an innovative approach to mental health treatment that combines carefully selected psychedelic medicines with guided psychotherapy. These medicines help quiet the default mode network in the brain—essentially softening rigid patterns of thought—and open the door for emotional breakthroughs, deep reflection, and healing.

This work is most effective when done in a structured process:

• Preparation therapy to set intentions, uncover trauma, and ensure readiness

   

• Guided medicine sessions (where legal)

   

• Integration therapy to process insights and create lasting change
  

Psychedelic therapy is not just about the medicine—it’s about what you do with it.

Many companies are currently seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration for psychedelic-assisted therapies. If approved, this therapy could become more widely available to patients seeking mental health treatment.

Researchers are also using neuro-imaging instruments like PET scans and fMRI to get a glimpse into how psychedelics affect the brain. To do this, biomarkers in the brain are identified and used to predict one’s treatment response. 

Disclaimer: These recent findings are definitely exciting, but more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of psychedelic therapy for mental health. Due to the nature of the treatment, psychedelic therapy should only be facilitated under the guidance of a trained professional in a safe and controlled environment.

Psychedelic journeys are often described as dreamlike, visual, and emotionally rich. Clients may feel a deep connection to nature, memories, or a sense of spiritual insight. Music, used during the experience, plays a powerful role in guiding emotion and memory.

Sessions are typically done using:

• Eyeshades to encourage inward reflection

• Curated music playlists to facilitate emotional release

• Trained guides or therapists present to ensure safety and support

Many clients describe the experience as “profound,” “clarifying,” and “incredibly healing”.

In a clinical setting, with medical oversight and therapeutic support, psychedelic journeys are very safe. The term “bad trip” is often misunderstood. What people often mean is that the experience was emotionally intense, not that it was harmful.

In fact, encountering difficult material is often where the healing happens.

Safety comes down to three things:
– The right set (your mindset)
– The right setting (the environment and therapist)
– The right support (before and after)

Most distressing stories come from unsupervised use (e.g., at concerts, mixing drugs, or sourcing unknown substances).