Integration and Psychedelics at Dalliance Sexual Wellness Collective
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is often considered important when used in conjunction with psychedelic medicine for several reasons:
Integration and Meaning-Making: Psychedelic experiences can be intense and profound, often leading to insights, emotions, and realizations that may be difficult to fully comprehend or integrate into one's everyday life. Talk therapy provides a structured and supportive environment where individuals can process their experiences, explore their thoughts and feelings, and make sense of the insights gained during the psychedelic journey. This helps individuals integrate these experiences into their sense of self and life narrative.
Emotional Support and Safety: Psychedelic experiences can bring up a wide range of emotions, including both positive and challenging ones. Talk therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can express and explore their emotions with the guidance of a trained therapist. This emotional support can be crucial in helping individuals navigate any feelings of confusion, anxiety, or distress that might arise from the psychedelic experience.
Personal Growth and Insight: Psychedelic experiences often lead to increased self-awareness, new perspectives, and shifts in personal beliefs. Talk therapy facilitates the exploration of these changes, helping individuals uncover deeper insights about themselves, their behaviors, and their relationships. This can lead to personal growth, enhanced self-understanding, and the development of healthier coping mechanisms.
Preparation and Integration: Talk therapy isn't just about post-psychedelic experiences; it can also be valuable before and after the actual psychedelic journey. Before the experience, therapy can help individuals set intentions, address any fears or concerns, and establish a supportive mindset. Afterward, therapy assists in processing the journey, making connections to real-life situations, and planning how to apply the insights gained to their daily life.
Reducing Potential Risks: While psychedelic medicine has shown promise in various therapeutic applications, it's not without risks. Some individuals might experience challenging or difficult trips that could lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, or even exacerbation of pre-existing mental health issues. Skilled therapists can help individuals navigate such situations, provide grounding techniques, and support their emotional well-being.
Personalized Approach: Everyone's experience with psychedelics is unique. Talk therapy allows therapists to tailor their guidance and support to each individual's needs and experiences, ensuring that the therapeutic process is personalized and effective.
Ethical Considerations: In some therapeutic contexts, talk therapy is considered essential alongside psychedelic medicine to ensure responsible and ethical use. It can help therapists monitor a patient's mental and emotional state, provide ongoing assessment, and determine if the use of psychedelics is suitable for the individual.
Regulation and Legitimacy: In many jurisdictions, psychedelic therapies are being reintroduced and regulated for medical and therapeutic use. Incorporating talk therapy into these treatments helps establish a more comprehensive and standardized approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy, contributing to the legitimacy and acceptance of these therapies within the medical community.
Overall, the combination of talk therapy and psychedelic medicine can enhance the therapeutic benefits of both approaches, providing individuals with a holistic and supportive framework for personal growth, healing, and transformation.
Trisha Andrews, MA, LMFT, CST is currently offering in-office Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), with sublingual ketamine as well as post-journey integration sessions for clients interested in journeying with other non-legal psychedelics.
Trisha has completed Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Certification training through Integrative Psychiatry Institute in Boulder, CO as well as Skylight Psychedelics Ketamine-Assisted Therapist training.
*Please note that Trisha Andrews, MA, LMFT, CST nor Dalliance Psychedelics provides or sells psychedelic medicine. We have partnered with Skylight Psychedelics to provide sublingual Ketamine for KAP. While psilocybin is decriminalized for personal use in Denver, it is not approved for clinical use until 2024.
