summaryIn this episode, Christopher Brown, a licensed clinical social worker, discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy and the different types of psychedelic treatments available. He shares his personal journey with mental health and how it led him to explore psychedelic therapy. Chris explains the three-phase psychedelic-assisted therapy model and the importance of preparation and integration sessions. He also discusses the various ways psychedelics are administered, including ketamine clinics, research trials, psychedelic churches, and retreats. Chris provides guidance for therapists and referring providers on identifying reputable providers and red flags for unethical practices. In this conversation, Christopher Brown, LICSW, discusses the use of psychedelics in therapy and the ethical considerations involved. He emphasizes the importance of proper training and supervision for therapists engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Brown also highlights the potential risks and contraindications of using psychedelics, such as the activation of ego and the need for self-regulation skills. He provides resources for therapists interested in learning more about psychedelic-assisted therapy and emphasizes the need for licensed therapists in this field. The conversation also touches on recent developments in MDMA trials and the importance of ethical guidelines in ensuring client safety.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a promising form of treatment that can help individuals with mental health issues.The three-phase psychedelic-assisted therapy model includes preparation, experiential (dosing), and integration sessions.Different types of psychedelics, such as ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT, are being used in research trials and clinical settings.Psychedelics can be administered through ketamine clinics, research trials, psychedelic churches, and retreats.When referring clients to psychedelic providers, it's important to ensure they follow ethical practices and offer comprehensive preparation and integration support.Therapeutic touch is a topic to discuss during informed consent and can be an important aspect of psychedelic-assisted therapy.Therapists should stay informed about the evolving regulations and legislation surrounding psychedelic therapy.Psychedelic therapy shows promise in creating neuroplasticity and facilitating positive outcomes in therapy. Proper training and supervision are essential for therapists engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapy.Psychedelics can activate the ego and may require self-regulation skills for a positive experience.There are potential risks and contraindications for using psychedelics, such as psychosis, untreated PTSD, and certain medications.Resources such as newsletters, consultation groups, and online directories can help therapists learn more about psychedelic-assisted therapy.Recent developments in MDMA trials highlight the need for ethical guidelines and licensed therapists in this field.Sound Bites
"I spent a good year and a half, two years in pretty intensive individual and group therapy benefiting from EMDR back then as a client.""There's really something to these plant medicines and these psychedelic experiences that make the brain more able to heal and work through really difficult things.""Going into an altered state of consciousness that I had never experienced before. And being able to kind of see the ups and the downs that that might entail and how to make sense of that sort of perceived reality.""If it's something that they just completely dismiss and they're like, you know, I'll hug you, I'll touch you, whatever, or no, I'm not going to even go there.""Psychedelics can activate the ego and folks who have narcissistic tendencies, it can get amplified and there becomes this like cult-like sort of narcissistic I am right no matter what, you're gonna do what I say and it's like a very unhealthy toxic a lot of toxic potential can exist.""It's against the law for us to consult with an underground guide because of our licensing laws. We just, can't, we can't collaborate with somebody who is providing illegal substances."
