This week's podcast episode covers some fascinating territory in the emerging realm of psychedelic-assisted therapy with Daniel McQueen, MA. Daniel is a Psychedelic Specialist, Psychedelic Therapy Educator, Activis and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness, one of the first legal psychedelic plant medicine centers in the United States. 

Daniel joins me to discuss working with cannabis as a psychedelic in a therapeutic setting, a major topic in his book Psychedelic Cannabis.

Daniel specializes in using Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy and we learn that with the right strains and dosages, cannabis can open up and soften areas of stored emotional pain and memory, allowing them to be processed and integrated. 

The conversation then shifts to what it takes to be an effective psychedelic guide. The therapist emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, compassion, and the ability to hold space. A psychedelic guide should remain grounded and centered, creating a safe container for the psychedelic experience to unfold. Their role is to facilitate healing, not direct or control. 

The episode wraps up with a discussion of the art of holding space during a psychedelic session. This requires being fully present with the patient’s process, without judgement or attachment. The guide must allow the experience to unfold naturally, trusting in the wisdom of the psychedelic plant medicines. Afterwards, the guide helps the patient integrate insights and lessons from the session into their life. This thoughtful episode illuminates key principles and practices for utilizing psychedelics therapeutically to catalyze healing.

There are several ways to connect with Daniel’s work in Colorado and online:

medicinalmindfulness.org - psychedelicsittersschool.org

https://www.instagram.com/medicinalmindfulness/

https://www.instagram.com/danielkmcqueen/

Host Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and integrative specialist. Get a free guide to Breathwork for Integration at ⁠⁠beacons.ai/bluemagicalchemy⁠