Going to the Washroom

Health professionals should instruct clients to give them lots of advance warning if they feel as though they need to go to the washroom.

When it is time to do so, health professionals will help clients off the couch and check their stability and balance before walking. If there are two health professionals present and one is of the same gender as the client, then it is that health professional that should accompany the client to the washroom. The accompanying health professional should offer the client their arm for the client to hold as they walk to the washroom. If the client is particularly unsteady on their feet, then the client can rest their hands on the health professional’s shoulders and they both walk in the same direction with the client in tow. If this is the case and a second health professional is present, then they should walk behind the client to ensure that they do not fall backwards or sideways.

Please ensure that you read through all items before proceeding by selecting each title.

The health professionals help the client into the washroom and then close the door behind them. The health professionals let the client know that they will not be locking the door so that they can get back in to help if they are needed. They also let the client know that they will be standing outside waiting for them to finish and that they can simply call out if they need anything. Health professionals should give a gentle knock on the door and verbally check-in with the client every few minutes as needed.

If the client ends up staying in the washroom for a prolonged period, then the health professional should strongly inform the client that it is time to return to the therapy room. Health professionals must either keep the washroom door unlocked or have a key readily available if needed.

Under no circumstances should clients have the opportunity to lock or barricade themselves in the washroom.

Although it is not common, it is possible that some clients may throw up during a Medicine Session. There should be a purge bucket available in the therapy room in case this occurs. If health professionals have the sense that the clients may be sick, they should offer them the purge bucket. When this occurs, it is important that the health professionals be supportive without encouraging or discouraging the purge but treating it as a normal occurrence. Cleaning supplies should also be available onsite if any additional mess is made.

While it is unlikely, a client may lose bladder or bowel control during a psychedelic session. In preparation for this, the couch in the therapy room should be covered with an accident-proof cover. In the event that this occurs, health professionals are to remain calm and treat the experience as though it is a normal occurrence. Health professionals will help clients to the washroom to clean up and should elicit the help of an available staff person at the clinic to change any soiled bedding. If there are two health professionals present, then one health professional can take the client to the washroom to clean up while the other changes the bedding. There should be ample extra bedding and blankets on site. There will also be cleaning supplies available if any additional mess is made.

Summary of Recommended Supplies

It is recommended that you have the following supplies in the therapy room:

  • Key to unlock the washroom if a client locks themselves inside

  • A purge bucket

  • An accident proof cover on the bed or couch

  • A change of bedding and blankets if the bed becomes soiled

References

Haden, M. (2019). Manual for Psychedelic Guides.