Conventional anxiety treatments often involve medication and therapy. However, these methods may not always be successful for everyone due to possible side effects. This has led to a growing interest in alternative approaches such as psychedelic therapy, that employs substances like “magic mushrooms Montreal” among others.
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[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Psychedelic therapy combines the therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances with traditional talk therapy to expedite the healing process.
- Psychedelic therapy can bolster emotional health and enhance the quality of life through spiritual journeys.
- The integration process, a crucial method in psychedelic therapy, is designed to ensure the enduring success of the therapy session.
Anxiety Disorder Trends in Canada
The 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey’s data shows a concerning increase in the prevalence of anxiety disorders in Canada. The percentage of Canadians aged 15 and above diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in the year preceding the survey rose from 2.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2022.
Contrasting Traditional Treatment with Psychedelic Therapy
Standard treatments for anxiety disorders typically include a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also referred to as psychological counselling, is a collaborative process between a therapist and the patient aimed at reducing anxiety symptoms.
On the other hand, anxiety medications mitigate symptoms by tailoring treatment to the specific anxiety disorder type and considering any concurrent mental or physical health conditions. Though treatment may differ based on individual situations, psychotherapy and medication remain the primary approaches.
In psychedelic therapy, sessions are unique as they include one or two doses of a psychedelic substance, alongside other therapeutic
Strategies:
Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy refers to a therapeutic approach that harnesses the potential of psychedelic substances to enhance the healing process. Known for their hallucinogenic effects, these substances have been integral to holistic medicine and spiritual rituals across various cultures for millennia.
The two primary substances used in this form of therapy are Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. LSD triggers alterations in mood, perception, and consciousness. Psilocybin, according to the Health Canada website, is the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. Consuming these mushrooms can stimulate sensory experiences, such as visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations.
Dosage Guidelines for Three Sessions
In psychedelic therapy, specialists assess patients to determine the appropriate psilocybin dosage for their sessions. Dosage ranges vary, with some patients starting with moderate levels, while others can handle larger amounts of the substance. The treatment protocol typically involves one to three sessions of medication, each lasting six to eight hours and spaced out over several weeks. This method is different from traditional medications, which require daily intake until a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
Experiencing Spiritual Transformation
Anxiety medications don’t induce transformative visions or feelings of divine connection. Their role is to control symptoms, while therapy aims to treat the root causes of the condition. Psychedelic therapy can significantly impact emotional health and the quality of life.
The immersive experiences can lead to profound insights, increased self-awareness, and improved emotional processing. These effects can encourage personal development, inspire positive behavioural changes, and enhance overall mental health.
Impacts
| Expanded Consciousness | Altered states of consciousness offer a new outlook on the world. | These heightened states often lead to the following: Deep insightsEpiphaniesIncreased understanding of oneself and the surrounding environment |
| Emotional Healing | Encourages emotional healing by providing a chance to face and process unresolved trauma, grief, or emotional pain. | This process helps in:Reaching deeply hidden emotionsReleasing emotional barriersPromoting emotional well-being |
| Enhanced Self-Awareness | Boosts connections among sensory brain regions while reducing connectivity within the default mode network. This network integrates brain regions that are interconnected, addressing self-focused cognition and the personal perception of oneself.” | These regions aid in: Modifying negative thought cycles, beliefs, and routine behaviors. Allow users to gain profound understanding of their authentic selves, motivations, and interpersonal exchanges. |
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy, even though not typically linked with psychedelic therapy, is increasingly being recognized for its potential benefits. This body-centered approach explores the connection between the mind and body. It is built on the belief that previous traumas can result in sensations becoming confined in the body. Somatic therapists help individuals identify these physical sensations and use therapeutic methods to alleviate this tension.
Integration
This offers a platform for clients to gain clarity, achieve a broader perspective, and cultivate wisdom from their psychedelic journeys. The transformative process unfolds during integration sessions with the therapist and the client’s proactive steps 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 can help solidify memories for easier future recollection. It also enables clients to critically evaluate their experiences from various perspectives to reveal different interpretations, meanings, and connections.
- Art. This provides a powerful way to capture the complex emotions and feelings from a psychedelic journey in a creative and visually expressive manner.
- Adopting Nature-based Strategies. These can be as simple as mindful forest walks or seeking tranquility near a calm body of water. Therapists can help clients recognize intricate patterns in nature or suggest utilizing natural elements like plants, stones, water, and candles as grounding instruments.
- Participating in Integration Groups. Group sessions with individuals sharing similar experiences offer a valuable opportunity for reflection, support, and connection. The ability of psychedelic therapy to spark a sense of interdependence and shared understanding beyond personal boundaries is fundamental.
The Significance of These Techniques in Treating Anxiety
The basic pharmacological principle behind all psychedelics is their ability to act as agonists, or activators, of serotonin (5-HT) 2A
Experience Transformation One Session at a Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a specific type of magic mushroom used in psychedelic therapy?
What is the duration of psychedelic therapy?
Included are a few sessions.
Does a therapist guide the patient on their spiritual journey?
In this stage, professionals such as therapists or other staff members might provide guidance for the patient. Studies show that Spiritual Health Practitioners (SHPs) bring unique and invaluable insights to enhance participants’ wellbeing and support their development during their spiritual journey. Some individuals enlist the help of an SHP, while others rely on the available therapist or specialist.
Does the “set and setting” play a role in the process of psychedelic therapy?
Indeed, both the individual’s mindset (set) and the surrounding environment (setting) are vital for safely guiding spiritual experiences in a psychedelic therapy session. The person’s mental state influences their spiritual journey, affecting the experience both before and during the psychedelic session. Factors such as beliefs, expectations, emotional states, and intentions determine the course and intensity 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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