Exploring the Psychedelic Frontier: How to Stay Safe in Psychedelic Therapy Sessions
Written for Awake in the Dream- School of Integrative Consciousness
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 amounts for exercising discernment.
Here, we'll delve into some key tips on how to cultivate safety while embarking on a Psychedelic journey.
1. 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 things to consider when choosing a psychedelic guide. Ideally, they should have a vetting process and ask you to fill out 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 an open dialogue, and promote asking questions to help you feel safe and supported.
Here are some questions you might like to consider 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.
2.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.
What are some key psychedelic contraindications?
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
When mixed with antidepressants like SSRI or MAO-Is, 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.
3. Consider and discuss your Boundaries
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 no, can make boundaries 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.
Tip: Feel into any boundaries in your habitual state and communicate them to your facilitator.
Tip: Consider having a non verbal symbol like a consent crystal to signal to your facilitator if your touch boundaries change.
Tip: You could 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.
Find Help | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).
Legal Resources Companion to the Guidelines for the Awareness of Sexual Abuse - Chacruna
4. 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 here.
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.
5. Create a supportive Set and Setting
The mental, physical, social and environmental context in which the psychedelic session takes place plays a crucial role in how your journey unfurls.
Set refers to mindset, your emotional space, and setting refers to your physical environment.
Things to consider:
Set: Are there any fears, questions or personal situations you’d like to address before the journey to promote a relaxed inner space?
Setting: What kind of environment would you like to support your journey?
Who would you like to be with you? What would you like to have with you?
Consider elements such as lighting, music, temperature, and aesthetics to create a nurturing atmosphere for you.
6. Consider starting with a Lower Dose:
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 substance. This can allow 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.
7. Cultivate Surrender and Openness:
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. 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 here
8. Schedule Integration and Aftercare:
After the psychedelic session concludes, integration becomes crucial for making sense of the experience and integrating its insights into daily life. 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.
If you would like to book a session with Tess, you can connect here.
If you're a therapist, coach, or simply someone interested in the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics, the comprehensive training offered by Awake in the Dream School is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to navigate these profound altered state experiences safely and effectively. To find out more, please reach out.
