Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is an emergent field of treatment that combines traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with the controlled use of psychedelic substances. Psychedelics are believed to temporarily increase the brain's neuroplasticity, or its ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This heightened state of plasticity during a psychedelic experience allows clients to break out of entrenched patterns of thought and behavior, potentially making therapeutic interventions more effective. During a psychedelic session, individuals often experience shifts in perception, emotion, and self-awareness. This can lead to profound moments of introspection and the re-evaluation of past experiences, personal identity, and behavioral patterns. Psychedelics have been shown to reduce the activity of the 'default mode network,' a part of the brain associated with the maintenance of one's ego. With these defenses down, individuals may find it easier to access repressed memories or emotions, confront their fears, and adopt new perspectives, leading to therapeutic insights and therapeutic breakthroughs