Common approaches to anxiety treatment include medication and therapy. However, these methods may not work for everyone due to possible side effects. This has led to an increased interest in alternative solutions like psychedelic therapy, which employs substances such as “magic mushrooms Montreal” and others.
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[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Psychedelic therapy combines the curative effects of psychedelic substances with traditional talk therapy to enhance the healing process.
- Psychedelic therapy can boost emotional health and overall quality of life through spiritual journeys.
- The integration process is an essential mechanism in psychedelic therapy intended to ensure the enduring effectiveness of the therapy session.
Anxiety Disorder Trends in Canada
According to the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey, there has been an alarming increase in the prevalence of anxiety disorders in Canada. The percentage of Canadians aged 15 and older diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in the year before the survey has risen from 2.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2022.
Contrasting Traditional Treatment and Psychedelic Therapy
Standard treatments for anxiety disorders generally combine psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as psychological counselling, is a collaborative effort between a therapist and the patient to mitigate anxiety symptoms.
On the other hand, anxiety medications ease symptoms by tailoring treatment to the particular type of anxiety disorder and considering any concurrent mental or physical health issues. Although treatment may differ based on individual situations, psychotherapy and medication form the core strategies.
In psychedelic therapy, sessions are unique as they involve one or two doses of a psychedelic substance, in conjunction with other therapeutic
Methods:
The Practice of Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy is a treatment strategy that capitalizes on the positive effects of psychedelic substances to enhance the healing journey. Known for their hallucinogenic properties, these substances have been integral to holistic medicine and spiritual practices across diverse cultures for millennia.
The two substances most frequently leveraged in this therapeutic approach are Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. LSD induces alterations in mood, perception, and consciousness. As per the information available on the Health Canada website, psilocybin is the potent compound present in magic mushrooms. Consuming these mushrooms can activate sensory perceptions, leading to experiences like visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations.
Determining Dosage for Multiple Sessions
In the process of psychedelic therapy, professionals assess patients to determine the appropriate dosage of psilocybin for their respective sessions. The dosage range is diverse, with some patients beginning at moderate levels, while others can withstand larger quantities. The treatment typically comprises one to three medication sessions, each spanning six to eight hours, with a few weeks of gap in between. This regimen differs significantly from traditional medications that require daily intake until a healthcare practitioner indicates otherwise.
A Journey of Spiritual and Personal Transformation
Unlike regular anxiety medications which are designed to manage symptoms, therapy aims to tackle the root causes of the disorder. Psychedelic therapy can exert a profound impact on emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
These immersive experiences can result in profound realizations, heightened self-awareness, and enhanced emotional processing. Such outcomes can drive personal development, encourage positive behavioural adjustments, and elevate overall mental health.
Consequences
| Expanded Consciousness | Altered states of consciousness offer a rejuvenated viewpoint of the world. | Such enhanced awareness typically results in the following: Deep insightsEpiphaniesImproved comprehension of oneself and the surroundings |
| Emotional Healing | Enables emotional healing by offering the chance to face and process unresolved trauma, grief, or emotional distress. | This procedure helps in:Accessing deeply repressed emotionsReleasing emotional barriersPromoting emotional wellness |
| Increased Self-Awareness | Amplifies connections between sensory brain regions while reducing connectivity within the default mode network. This network integrates interconnected brain regions involved in self-focused cognition and the subjective perception of oneself.” | The functions of these regions include: Changing negative thought patterns, beliefs, and habitual behaviors. Empowering users to gain profound insights into their true selves, motivations, and interpersonal interactions. |
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy, while not traditionally linked to psychedelic therapy, is gaining prominence for its potential benefits. This body-centric approach explores the connection between the mind and body. It’s based on the idea that past traumas can result in sensations being trapped within the body. Somatic therapists help individuals identify these bodily sensations and utilize therapeutic methods to alleviate this tension.
Integration
This offers a platform for clients to attain clarity, acquire perspective, and glean wisdom from their psychedelic experiences. The transformation process occurs during integration sessions with the therapist and the client’s proactive efforts outside of psychedelic explorations. Integration enhances the transformative impact of psychedelics by actively engaging with surfaced insights and emotional revelations.
Types of Integration
- Journaling. Documenting experiences helps individuals solidify memories for easier future recall. It also enables clients to examine their experiences from various perspectives to discover different meanings, implications, and connections.
- Art. This provides an effective way to encapsulate the complex emotions and feelings from a psychedelic journey in a creative and visually expressive manner.
- Nature-based Practices. These can be as simple as taking mindfully aware walks in the forest or finding peace near a calm body of water. Therapists can help clients recognize intricate patterns in nature or suggest using natural elements like plants, stones, water, and candles as grounding tools.
- Participation in Integration Groups. Group sessions with individuals sharing similar experiences provide a valuable opportunity for reflection, support, and connection. The ability of psychedelic therapy to foster a sense of interdependence and shared understanding beyond individual boundaries is fundamental.
The Role of These Techniques in Treating Anxiety
The basic pharmacological principle behind all psychedelics is their ability to act as agonists, or stimulators, of serotonin (5-HT) 2A
Empower Your Life, One Session at a Time
Commonly Asked Questions
What kind of magic mushroom is used for psychedelic therapy?
How long does a psychedelic therapy session last?
Several sessions are included in the course.
Does the therapist guide the patient on their spiritual journey?
During this stage, experts such as therapists or other team members may steer the patient. Studies suggest that Spiritual Health Practitioners (SHPs) contribute distinctively and indispensably to improving the well-being of participants and facilitating their advancement throughout their spiritual journey. Some people seek the help of an SHP, while others rely on the therapist or specialist at hand.
Does the concept of “set and setting” play a role in psychedelic therapy?
Yes, both the individual’s mindset (set) and the physical environment (setting) are essential in safely guiding spiritual experiences during a psychedelic therapy session. The individual’s mental condition molds their spiritual journey, affecting the experience both before and throughout the psychedelic session. Factors such as beliefs, expectations, emotional states, and intentions determine the direction and depth of the experience.
Primary Source: Psychedelics as Emerging Treatments for Anxiety Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges in a Budding Field – PMC (nih.gov)
About the Authors:
Franklin King, IV, MD. and Rebecca Hammond, M.D.
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