Overview of the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Model

As you are already familiar by now, there are three key phases to psychedelic-assisted therapy: Preparation Sessions, Medicine Sessions, and Integration Sessions. You will participate in one of each of these sessions as part of your experiential learning.

One of the main areas of focus for Preparation Sessions is psychoeducation. Since you will only be participating in one Preparation Session as part of the experiential period, this pre-work module will focus on the key pieces of psychoeducation normally discussed with the therapist across several Preparation Sessions.

Video: Inner Healing Intelligence

5:11

In the Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy course, we learned about our own innate inner healing intelligence. In this video, Dr. Stephen Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison reiterate the power of our inner healing intelligence as it relates to psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Psychological Flexibility

Psychological flexibility is an individual’s ability to cope with, accept, and adjust to difficult situations by distancing from current mindsets and considering other possible mindsets, in a way that is congruent with personal values (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). Those who experience psychological dysfunction have also been associated with psychological inflexibility (Bond et al., 2011). During your Medicine Session, you may experience challenging moments, especially when you resist what arises through the journey.

Recall the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) hexaflex model which describes the processes related to increasing psychological flexibility.

Please ensure that you read through all items before proceeding by selecting each of the six components of the diagram.

Contact with the Present Moment

Closely related to mindfulness

Values

Contact with values

Committed Actions

Steps to take aligned with values

Self as Context

Flexible perspective taking

Defusion

Also known as meta-awareness, de-centering or disidentifying from thoughts

Acceptance

The inverse of experiential avoidance

Activity

As part of your preparation for the Medicine Session, you should reflect on your own personal values and share them with your therapist in your Preparation Session.

If you aren’t sure about what your values are, consider completing this Values Exercise. Once complete, you can print your results to share with your therapist. Note: if you navigate away from the page, you will need to restart the activity.

Please record your values in your Experiential Period Preparation Worksheet for your portfolio.

Health Professional Tip

Aside from working through this pre-work module and the Preparation Sessions with the lead therapist, what are some ways I can prepare for my Medicine Session?

It is recommended that you take it easy the night before your Medicine Session and plan to take the day off after your Medicine Session. As we have learned, set and setting have a significant impact on the quality of psychedelic experiences. Ensuring that you are well rested and in a calm and open headspace (as much as possible) prior to your Medicine Session can help with your mindset.

Taking the day off after your Medicine Session is important to give yourself time to rest and recover and space to reflect and process your experience. It’s ideal if you can create more space than usual in your schedule for rest and reflection for several days after the Medicine Session.

In your Preparation Session, please focus on building a positive rapport with your lead therapist. You are encouraged to address whatever fears or concerns you have about the experiential session. These practices will contribute to a positive set and setting since your therapist is part of your setting.

Safety Reminders

During the Medicine Session, it is important to remember the following safety tips:

  • If you decide to stand or move around the room, don’t be afraid to hold on to secure objects in the room to help keep yourself stable
  • It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers. You may choose to remove layers if you are warm, but you must remain clothed at all times during the session
  • You must agree to remain in the therapy room for the duration of the session. You will only be permitted to leave the therapy room to go to the bathroom or if directed by your therapist in the event of an emergency
  • The bathroom will be kept unlocked at all times, for your safety
  • You are asked not to hit anyone or break anything
  • Your therapist will be present to ensure your safety at all times throughout the Medicine Session
  • Remember that the effects of the medicine are temporary, and your altered state of consciousness is not permanent

References

Bond, F., Hayes, S., Baer, R., Carpenter, K., Guenole, N., Orcutt, H., . . . Zettle, R. (2011). Preliminary psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - II: A revised measure of psychological flexibility and acceptance. Behavior Therapy, 42.

Kashdan, T., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical psychology review, 30 7, 865-878.