(Psilocybin, LSD, Ayahuasca, Mescaline, SAn Pedro, DMT, etc.)

We do not provide these medications or provide services to clients while they are on these medications. All of the traditional psychedelics outlined above are illegal and pose a risk to individuals who decide to use them. A harm reduction approach to psychedelic medicine represents an acceptance that people will use these substances as part of their own self-directed healing journey and should have access to support in order to reduce harm and promote healing. Understanding that, Athens Psychedelic Therapy provides preparation (before) and integration (after) sessions while remaining neutral about the use of psychedelics.

Preparation

Preparation is exactly what it sounds like. Prior to using psychedelics there are numerous things to consider, especially safety and intention. We will work with you to enhance your perspective on the use of psychedelics, including weighing your personal risks and rewards. We will discuss safe use and seek to reduce risk. Finally, we will work to identify your goals and intentions for psychedelic use. These could range from resolving depression to deepening one’s sense of spirituality or connection. Research supports the idea that intention is critical. Setting intentions is a way of preparing your subconscious mind to reveal important information using psychedelic medicine as a tool. Set and setting are also important factors. Set refers to your mindset going into psychedelic use, and setting refers to the environment in which you decide to use psychedelic medicines. These concepts weave together to prepare you for your journey.

integration

Integration is the process of bringing your psychedelic experience into everyday living. You and your therapist will process your psychedelic experience and discuss how to manifest any new insights or perspectives into your life. This step is crucial. While the medicines have a powerful short-term effect, their results are likely to be temporary. Think of the brain as a ski hill that has seen a lot of traffic. The paths carved into the snow by skiers are like the well worn synaptic pathways in the brain. These neurological pathways might be negative beliefs, urges, worry, or rumination. Psychedelics can function like a snow fall or a reset. The skiers have a blank canvas to enjoy, and the psychedelic user has the opportunity to create and strengthen new adaptive pathways. Note that it is an opportunity and not a given. Should a person cave to the ego’s demands and continue to use old pathways, the benefits of a psychedelic session may be lost. With integration therapy, we target ways to change these former maladaptive perceptions and patterns with specific cognitive and behavioral change.