Harm Reduction Therapy
In Australia psilocybin and MDMA have recently become legal. This means that Psychiatrists will be able to prescribe these medicines for those who have Treatment resistant depression or PTSD.
Clinical trials have given practitioners helpful guidelines to follow in providing psychedelic assisted therapy, however, at this stage in Australia it is early days in terms of providing this in a clinical setting- we will be watching closely on how this is adapted into practice.
Therefore, at this stage we provide only preparation and integration sessions as a form of harm reduction for those who choose to take these medicines of their own accord.
Preparation
Preparation for a psychedelic experience is extremely important. Ensuring one properly screens for any adverse medical or mental health conditions prior is crucial. Ensuring that one is in a safe space with people they trust and feel comfortable with when they complete the active session.
Research suggests that central to the approach is:
Preparatory: Understanding the patient’s history and intentions, and educating the patient on the likely experience during the active session.the importance of set (i.e. psychological)expectations
setting (i.e. physical environment)
having a trust-based therapeutic clinician–patient relationship.
Psychedelic Integration
Integration: Arguably the most important step. The issues are interpreted and there is integration of this experience into long-term positive change.
Psychedelic integration refers to taking the gained insights, emotions, or attitudes from your experience, and processing them into desired areas of your life. Integration as a general definition means “bringing parts together to make a whole.” Psychedelic integration helps to achieve a sense of oneness or wholeness.
