Overview
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a type of mental health treatment that involves the use of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, under the guidance of a trained professional. This approach aims to enhance conventional therapy practices by inducing altered states of consciousness that can facilitate deep psychological insight and emotional processing. It has been shown to be potentially beneficial in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It's crucial that this type of therapy is conducted in a safe, controlled environment under the supervision of a qualified professional. PAT is conducted utilizing a three-phased approach. Read on to find out more.
Please note: At this time, I am trained to provide Psilocybin Assisted Services under the state of Oregon's measure 109, which passed in 2020 and is regulated by the Oregon Health Authority. I do not promote the use of illegal substances and do not assist individuals in obtaining illegal substances.
Three Phases of PAT
Preparation
Administration
Integration
Preparation
Preparing for a psychedelic journey is an essential part of the experience and involves both mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual preparation. In this phase, I will work with you to ensure that you properly and sufficiently prepare for your journey. I will thoroughly explain the process, answer any questions you have and explore with you your current coping skills and preferences for your journey. We will also reflect on your motivation for undergoing this type of treatment, as well as discuss your intentions for your journey.
Administration
The administration phase is also sometimes referred to as the "ceremony" or the "journey" phase of PAT. In this phase, you will ingest psilocybin. Your safety and wellbeing are a priority during the administration of a high dose of psilocybin. Having a facilitator present during this phase provides an essential layer of safety and support. During your administration session, I will be there to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe throughout the process and assist you during any challenging moments should they arise.
Please Note: At this time, I am only able to provide administration sessions in the state of Oregon. If you live in any other state, I can assist you with harm reduction focused therapy and integration sessions only.
Integration
The integration phase is the process that involves the development of new insights and meaning. Uncovering this new material can be daunting and overwhelming. It is common for individuals to overlook the integration phase of a psilocybin journey, however this phase is just as crucial as preparation and the journey itself. As such, it is essential to give this phase the time and attention it deserves for a complete and beneficial psilocybin journey.
Statement on Equity and Decolonial Practice
As a white, cisgender individual, it is important to me to approach psilocybin-assisted therapy with cultural humility and a strong focus on equity and social justice. Psychedelic substances like psilocybin have a rich history in many indigenous cultures, and I am committed to honoring and respecting these origins. I practice a decolonial approach, which means that I acknowledge these cultural roots and do my part to uplift indigenous voices and make my services more accessible to members of the BIPOC community.
Let's Connect
FAQs
What happens if I have a "bad trip"? It's important to understand when embarking on a psilocybin journey that the concept of a "bad trip" is often misunderstood. While some experiences can be challenging, these experiences are better referred to as "difficult" rather than "bad". In fact, these challenging experiences can often lead to the most significant personal growth and understanding. They can provide deep insights into oneself and can be a catalyst for positive change. It's vital to approach every psilocybin journey with an open mind and heart, understanding that sometimes, difficult experiences are a part of the process.
Where will by psilocybin journey take place and how long does the journey last? Preparation and Integration sessions will be conducted in a therapeutic setting via zoom. The administration (journey) session will occur in a place where you feel the most safe and comfortable, most likely in your home, but together we can explore other options. The journey will generally last 6-8 hours.
What is the cost of PAT services? My rate for preparation and integration sessions is $250 an hour. Discounted rates are available to BIPOC individuals.
In what states are you able to provide psilocybin assisted administration sessions? At this time, I am trained to provide Psilocybin Assisted Services under the state of Oregon's measure 109, which passed in 2020 and is regulated by the Oregon Health Authority. I do not promote the use of illegal substances and do not assist individuals in obtaining illegal substances. If you live in any other state and wish to seek my services, I can assist you with harm reduction focused therapy and integration sessions only.
Where can I find information about the FDA clinical trials? You can find more information on the FDA clinical trials of psilocybin below in the "further reading" section.
What kind of education and training do you have? I received my certificate in Psilocybin Assisted Therapy from Fluence in March of 2023. This program meets the educational requirments for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Psilocybin Service. My training with Fluence was a year long program designed specifically for mental health professionals. It included an experiential practice and training on trauma-informed approaches.
Explore Further
The following articles and podcasts are suggested if you wish to further your knowledge and understanding of the healing potential of psychedelics including psilocybin.