Preparation Guidelines
Psychological Preparation
The Therapeutic Relationship
A key element for a safe psychedelic experience is the relationship you have with the people guiding you. Trust in your therapist and medical guide is essential. Take time to build a trusting relationship with your therapist, so you can be vulnerable during the experience. When you can trust, you are able to let go and fully immerse yourself in the psychedelic experience.
Setting Intentions
Setting clear, personal intentions for your therapy session can be incredibly powerful. Reflect on what you hope to achieve or gain from the experience:
- What do you want to explore or understand?
- What emotional or psychological issues do you want to address?
- Are you seeking emotional healing, creative insights, or spiritual growth?
A clear intention can provide focus and direction during the session, but also remain open to unexpected insights that may arise.
Exploring Expectations and Fears
During the preparation phase, discuss your expectations and help yourself orient to how you might approach and appreciate the psychedelic experience. Also talk about fears, concerns, and uncertainties, and identify with your therapist how you might approach these if they arise during treatment. This includes exploring trauma and other life experiences that might be disturbing.
Inner Healing Intelligence
At the core of psychedelic therapy lies the concept of inner healing wisdom or intelligence. The idea is that within each individual, there is a deep aspect of the psyche that is naturally driven toward healing, wholeness, and integration. During the psychedelic experience, defense mechanisms and barriers are lifted, and the inner healing intelligence "takes the wheel." During preparation, you explore how to develop a trusting relationship with your own healing intelligence.
Mental Preparation
Understand the Process
Before your session, take time to understand what psilocybin therapy entails. Familiarize yourself with the role of psilocybin, how it interacts with the brain, and what to expect during and after the session. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and set a positive tone for your experience.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga in the days leading up to your session. This can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. It's also helpful to journal your thoughts and feelings prior to the session to process emotions that may arise.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset
While it's natural to be concerned, try to focus on the potential for growth and healing. Remember that challenging moments during the session can lead to profound insights. Approach the session with an open mind and willingness to embrace whatever arises.
Communicate with Your Therapist
Open communication with your therapist is essential. Discuss any concerns or questions you have about the session beforehand. Sharing your intentions, fears, and expectations can help your therapist tailor the experience to your needs and provide the necessary support during the session.
Physical Preparation
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
In the weeks leading up to the session, try to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep. This will put your body and mind in the best possible state for the experience.
Avoid Alcohol and Other Drugs
Refrain from consuming alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 48 hours before the session. These substances can interfere with the effects of the psychedelics and may compromise the therapeutic process.
Create a Comfortable Environment
The environment in which you have your therapy session plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Ensure the setting is comfortable, safe, and free from distractions. This includes a serene, cozy space with soft lighting, calming music, and comfortable seating. A positive, nurturing environment can help you relax and make the experience more beneficial.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear clothing that you feel comfortable in and consider bringing personal items that may provide comfort, such as a favorite blanket or pillow.
Emotional Preparation
Embrace Vulnerability
Understand that you may be confronted with challenging emotions or memories. Approach these with an open heart and trust in the process.
Identify Sources of Pain
People seek therapy to heal wounds, and it's essential for guides to understand the sources of such pain, and what it means to the person experiencing it. How do you make meaning of your suffering? What is the story around this pain? During preparation, internal narratives can be discovered and exploration can be made of what life would look like if these stories had less control or dominance in one's life.
Predictability
No one can predict how the psychedelic journey will unfold, and much of the preparation involves developing willingness and openness to whatever experience arises. However, the therapist can predict exactly how the "procedure" will unfold, in terms of what you can expect from them and the sequence of events. During preparation, the process of your session is walked through multiple times and any questions you have about it are answered.