Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy – Preparation, Integration and Harm Reduction

I am frequently approached by those who have experienced a challenging time whilst using psychedelics, whether at a festival, alone or on retreat and have not been given the tools, nor the support necessary, to integrate their traumatic experience.

The use of plant medicine is in no way a quick fix and the work is sometimes misunderstood as a ‘cure-all’ for many issues from depression and anxiety through to obesity, eating disorders, addictions, et al. It is not.

Once we begin this journey towards true healing it becomes a life journey through many layers of unprocessed trauma leading us ultimately towards our own healing, the healing of the planet and all forms of life.

It is not an easy route and not for everyone. I work on the premise of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t try fixing it!’ In other words, if you are happy where you are and simply feel like having an experience for the sake of it, then fine, go ahead but be aware that what emerges may not necessarily be very pleasant.

It is not about one journey to Nirvana but rather an ongoing exploration of who you are, why you are and ultimately, what you are.

Mentoring, Supervision and Psycho-Education

As a retired BACP accredited supervisor, I offer mentoring and supervision to qualified therapists in counselling, psychotherapy and psychedelic integration. Many of my former clients have been inspired to undertake their own training and are now in practice as qualified therapists, some of whom have returned and are now being mentored within the field of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.

Working with Dreams

I work extensively with dreams from a Jungian perspective and have, over the course of my career, offered workshops to therapists who wish to explore their own and clients’ dream material.

This approach ties in well in terms of exploring those images which emerge through the use of psychedelics bringing a richness and depth to the work as we explore archetypal, mythical, imaginary figures and symbols as they emerge through the work.

Current and Ongoing Work

My current and ongoing primary work is preparation and integration therapy for those attending clinical trials and/or finding their own private retreat ceremony in legal settings.

Psychotherapy is offered to those who wish to explore at a deeper level and begin to address the layers of trauma being held in the body since conception and before.

A psychodynamic history is taken during the initial assessment when we decide together if I am the right therapist for you. If we decide that we will work together, we begin the journey to true understanding of who you are, warts and all.

Initial Assessment and Sessions

After an initial assessment where notes may be taken, we decide together if we are right for each other (there is no commitment).

Should we both decide to continue, each session will last one hour preferably at the same time and on the same day each week.

Encouragement will be offered to take a journey into the inner world of the client as and when the time is right to do so.

I work with what each client brings at any time which may include working with issues going back to infancy and childhood, family dynamics from birth to present day, relationships – old and new.