The first step is for us to have a discussion to determine if psychedelics are a good fit for you. If you are experiencing a major life transition, waiting until life is calmer and you are ready to do deep inner work is best.
Before a medicine journey, we will have 3-4 Zoom meetings to prepare you for the deep inner work that will take place. Several worksheets, videos, and podcasts are part of your preparation and discussions about your intentions for the journey.
The journey itself lasts 6-7 hours at my home. You will need to arrange a ride home and preferably have 1-2 days free from work or activities after that.
We will then arrange for 1-2 integration sessions to help make sense of and integrate the learnings that you experienced. These are essential to the process.
Think of a psychedelic coach as a sports coach. Just like a sports coach guides athletes through challenges, a psychedelic trip sitter or coach provides support and guidance for individuals navigating the depths of their psychedelic experiences. They offer a steady presence, help manage difficult moments and encourage exploration, much like how a sports coach assists their team through highs and lows on the field or court.
A psychedelic experience can differ from normal talk therapy in its intensity and depth of introspection. While talk therapy often relies on verbal communication and cognitive processes, a psychedelic journey can lead to profound insights through altered states of consciousness, potentially revealing underlying patterns and emotions in a more visceral way. Additionally, the therapeutic effects of psychedelics may extend beyond the duration of the experience, promoting long-lasting changes in perception and behavior.
I frequently liken a medicine journey to the equivalent of 10 years of talk therapy, given its ability to delve into deeper, more spiritual realms beyond the confines of conscious thought.
When you're just chilling and taking mushrooms for fun, it's often about having a good time, feeling the vibes, maybe seeing some cool visuals, and getting lost in the music. It's like floating down a lazy river on a sunny day, just enjoying the ride.
Embarking on a medicine journey brings a whole new level of preparation and intention-setting. Countless conversations have been had to guide you in crafting your intentions for the journey. Discussions about past traumas that might need healing have been deeply explored, and you've delved into several introspective worksheets to pave the way for inner exploration.
With a trip sitter, you can let go even more. You know someone's got your back if things get a bit intense. It's like having a safety net for your soul. Plus, having that extra support can open up new avenues of exploration. You might feel more comfortable diving deep into your psyche, knowing you're not alone in the cosmic sea.
And let's not forget the debrief. After the medicine journey, you have someone to talk to about all the mind-bending revelations you experienced. It's like unpacking your bags after a wild journey and sharing stories around the campfire. This is an integral part of the experience.
If you have ever experienced or been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bi-polar or have had a psychotic incident in the past, psychedelics are not a good choice. In this case, I would recommend Ketamine therapy.
Additionally, if I feel that your level of trauma or circumstances is beyond my scope to deal with as a coach, I am happy to refer you to a psychedelic therapist who can offer greater support.
Psychedelics are considered medicine and referred to as a "medicine journey" due to their potential therapeutic benefits in facilitating profound psychological insights and healing.
When used in a supportive and intentional setting, psychedelics such as psilocybin, and MDMA have shown promising results in treating various mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction. The term "medicine journey" emphasizes the intentional and therapeutic use of psychedelics, highlighting their capacity to promote healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration when approached with respect and reverence.
After a psychedelic medicine journey, individuals may experience a range of changes, both immediate and long-term.
These can include:
Feeling some fear or anxiousness going into a medicine journey is completely normal.
Usual fears associated with a psychedelic experience often include anxiety about losing control, confronting suppressed emotions, or encountering overwhelming visuals. These fears can be overcome by cultivating trust in the process, preparing with a trusted guide, and practicing mindfulness techniques to navigate challenging moments with acceptance and curiosity.
Yes. Signing a waiver before a psychedelic journey is a legal and ethical precaution. It ensures that the individual fully understands and accepts the potential risks associated with the experience.
Psychedelic therapy can induce intense emotional and psychological states, and there's always a possibility of adverse reactions or unexpected outcomes. The disclaimer typically outlines these risks, emphasizes the importance of informed consent, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the participant and the coach.
By signing the waiver, the individual acknowledges their understanding of these risks and consents to participate in the therapy session. It also helps protect both the participant and the therapist legally by establishing clear boundaries and expectations for the session.