What is Art Therapy:  Canadian Art Therapy Association links

In memory of

Paul. 

Therapeutic Use of Psychaedelics

Psychaedelic therapy is used alone or in conjunction with other therapies to alleviate symptoms (pain, anxiety, depression, etc) being coped with.  Some people choose to use structured programs outside (eg. Ketamine clinics, psychaedelic clinics) while others engage recreationally, noticing shifts in their inner way being as a result.  

There can be both positive and negative impacts of using psychaedelics therapies.  There is more research available on how psychaedelic therapy can help with PTSD and other symptoms, so I sought more information and education around this.  This has provided more understanding about how to support clients in the preparatory and integration stages of the process.  I also use caution and encourage people to become fully informed before engaging it it.  I do not support experimental recreational use (dosages +).  It's important you are informed .    

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There are some risk factors in psychaedelic therapy that people need to be aware of.  Reputable clinics or therapists will include assessment to determine whether pyschaedelic therapy is suitable option or a risk factor for you.  This is to protect you.   Some mental health conditions can be negatively impacted by psychaedelic drug use even in the context of therapy. It can also de-stabalize some people. 

Although there have been many successes (life changing understandings acquired) with more inner peacefulness, there have also been negative outcomes.  This includes increased anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation, depression, suicide, etc.  Sometimes the effects can be temporary, but they can also be more permanent with excessive use.  The Sitting environment is a critical component of the therapy.  Adequate preparation and integration are also essentials.  A reputable clinic or agency with trained professionals will look at any potential risk factors with you.  They will also look at the type of drug and appropriate dosages with you, and how these will be used.  If reputable, they will be completely straightforward if it is not a suitable option.  This is to protect you.  If looking at psychaedelic therapy, it is very important to consider this.    

If you are currently experiencing any negative outcomes for having engaged in psychaedelic therapy, please seek support. 

Your wellness, daily living, & positive experience of life is important.  I can & will help you with this.

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Sitting Service (not provided)

If you are seeking this type of therapy, I can provide you with a referral to another clinician or clinic who does.  I can not provide directions relating to the process (how much to use, what you will experience after psychaelic administration, etc..). This is critical information.  It is critical you seek a trained “sitter” or practitioner to help with this. Your sitter will also help with the immediate integration process.  It’s very important there be safety in your experience - that your “sitter” is fully trained, and the immediate integration is included in the service.

Preparation is required before engaging in psychaedelic therapy.

I am informed around how to support in this way (with limitations). I can support aspects of the preparation process in the context of your own personal therapy goals. This mean exploring what you hope to achieve through psychaedelic experience therapy as this generally corresponds with therapeutic goals (intention, fears, safety, etc.) already established in our work together. This may also include exploring any risk factors that can negatively affect the outcome. Going into a psychaedelic experience without adequate preparation will adversely affect the outcome. I am happy to explore this with you.

Integration is an essential necessary part of the process and usually occurs after the experience, & can take place over weeks. It is when any insights and understandings acquired throught the experience are explored in the context of mental well-being & personal life experiences. In our work together, we will have already been looking at this therapeutically, so work in this area will fit into established  therapeutic goals.

If you have any questions around how I can support you in your journey, feel free to connect with me in a "meet & greet" session.