Preparation

A significant aspect of the preparation phase, prior to the ingestion of the psychedelic medicine, is to create a harm reduction and preparation plan.

This is to protect both the client and the health professional offering PHRI services.

Health Professional Tip

The health professional should be aware of potential legal and ethical issues and consider risks to themselves in delivering PHRI (Jade, 2018).

A Harm Reduction Approach

A harm reduction approach generally refers to a shift in perspective away from viewing substance use as criminal, immoral, or a disease. Rather, substance use is seen as a complex process consisting of multiple variables including psychosocial and biological elements.

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Video: Trauma-Informed Therapy with Atira Tan

3:52

Trauma impacts both physical and mental health than most people typically consider. It is highly likely that clients who seek out psychedelic-assisted therapy have some type of trauma–whether or not they realize. A history of trauma is a transdiagnostic factor for mental and physical wellbeing. As a result, it is important to learn about how trauma can show up in the body and mind. As a brief introduction, please watch this video.

Resource

To help you remember what tasks to complete during Preparation Sessions, please download this Preparation Session Checklist.

References

Jade, R (2018) Integrating Underground Psychedelic Use: A Cautionary Note for Licensed Health Care Provider.

Tatarsky, A., (2002) Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems. Rowan & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Fluence (2020). Psychedelics 101 & 102 Harm Reduction Informed Preparation & Integration. Liberty Psychological Services, PLLC.