Psychedelic assisted therapies have been demonstrated as remarkably effective interventions, with large effect sizes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and social anxiety, with shorter treatment periods, that sustain for significantly longer than controls. Furthermore, it is known that psychedelic experiences are often associated with spiritual growth by experiencers.
Although not yet definitive, emerging evidence is indicating that the acknowledgement and integration of existential and spiritual dimensions makes psychedelic assisted therapy increasingly effective.
Research participants often report:
- A sense of being interconnected and consciously united
- Profound personal insight
- An increase in appreciation of life
- Sustained transformations in meaning and values
Integration in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Alterations in perception and insights gained during psychedelic experiences can be particularly valuable when ‘integrated’ into your life. Sometimes these gifts can remain within the direct psychedelic experience without being applied to the broader context of your life, particularly when these kinds of experiences are seen as purely recreational. This is where the ‘therapy’ element comes in. Therapy can help to ground changes in everyday life.
Where psychedelic experiencers acknowledge their experiences with a spiritual, or existential view, this integration may be further enhanced. The non-ordinary nature of psychedelic experiences seems to fit with some of the non-ordinary narratives in spirituality.
What is a Psychedelic Crisis?
Not all psychedelic experiences that are entered into are supported therapeutically, of course, and they can be induced in a number of ways, not only with drugs (for example, through meditation, or breathwork). These experiences can be any combination of pleasant and unpleasant, any combination of welcome and unwelcome.
If a psychedelic experience becomes overwhelming, distressing, or difficult to integrate, it can be called a ‘psychedelic crisis’. You might be more familiar with the term “bad trip”.
A psychedelic crisis (or ‘emergency’) may include:
- Confusion about reality, or identity
- Intense anxiety, or fear
- Sustained distress
- Impaired functioning following the direct experience
Can a Psychedelic Crisis be Part of Personal Growth?
A psychedelic crisis can ultimately be therapeutic. They have the potential to kickstart “profound personal growth“, in a similar way to how an existential crisis can kickstart a more meaningful and fulfilling life. If not properly supported, a psychedelic crisis can, however, lead to an increase in confusion upon return to ordinary life.
Spiritually oriented Psychedelic Assisted Therapy focuses on balancing spiritual elements, such as oneness and universal connection, with the practical reality that we live as separate individuals. It is not a case of ‘either, or’, but a matter of co-existing truths.
Therapeutic integration can help you:
- Make sense of your experience
- Enjoy reconnecting with daily life
- Embed a centredness and sense of stability
- Activate meaningful changes from profound insights
