Psychedelic Therapy, What is It?

Beyond micro-dosing , which has become a frontrunner in the world of healing in the last few years, for those seeking alternatives to the big-pharma led industry of often toxic + unsuccessful drugs, psychedelic treatment in a therapeutic setting is a growing field that harnesses the power of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), MDMA, ketamine + others to help treat various mental health conditions. When administered in a carefully controlled, therapeutic + professional environment, these substances are used under the guidance of trained professionals to facilitate profound psychological healing + personal growth in individuals stuck in certain recurring cycles of depression, PTSD,

The use of psychedelics in a therapeutic context is not new. Indigenous cultures have long utilized plant medicines in ritualistic + healing practices. However, the modern resurgence of psychedelic therapy began in the mid-20th century + is now experiencing a significant revival as research into their potential therapeutic benefits accelerates. With studies being conducted by institutions all over the world from Johns Hopkins University + MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) to Kings College + Imperial College, both in London, psychedelic therapy is gaining rightful recognition as a legitimate + potentially transformative treatment for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, OCD + more.

Among the psychedelics leading the way is ketamine, which has shown particular promise in treating treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as one of the most researched + widely used psychedelics in clinical settings. Unlike other psychedelics, ketamine is not classified as a classic hallucinogen; instead, it works by disrupting normal brain activity, creating a dissociative state that can help individuals break free from negative thought patterns + emotional blocks. When used therapeutically, ketamine has been shown to produce rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours of a single dose, which sets it apart from traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show results — if at all. It has been especially effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, providing relief when other medications + therapies have failed.

What makes psychedelic therapy unique, particularly with substances like ketamine, is the deep, often life-changing experiences these substances can produce when used in a safe, supportive setting. Unlike traditional therapies that primarily focus on talk therapy + cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychedelic therapy creates an altered state of consciousness that can allow individuals to access parts of the mind that are difficult to reach through conventional methods which can often too take years to come even close to any form of actual healing. In this state, many experience a heightened sense of connection, intense introspection, + clarity, often leading to breakthroughs that can shift long-held emotional patterns + deep seated traumas.

The therapeutic process typically involves preparation, the guided psychedelic experience, + — most importantly, integration with a certified facilitator post the actual dose. During the preparation phase, therapists work with an individual to discuss their intentions, expectations, + potential challenges that may arise during the experience. The actual session takes place in a comfortable, safe environment where the individual consumes the psychedelic substance — be that through IM, IV or orally, depending on the prescribed method of the doctor —+ is guided through their journey by a trained therapist. This session can last several hours, + the therapist is present to provide support, reassurance, + guidance. Afterward, the integration phase is crucial for helping the individual process the experience, reflect on insights gained, + ultimately how best to incorporate these lessons into daily life so as to make long-lasting change.

One of the key benefits of psychedelic therapy — whatever the choice of journey, especially though with substances like ketamine, is its ability to help individuals confront + process deep-rooted trauma in a way that feels more accessible + transformative. For those with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD, traditional therapies may not always be effective, + psychedelic therapy offers a promising alternative. Psychedelics, including ketamine, have been shown to have neuroplastic effects, meaning they can stimulate the brain's ability to form new neural connections, potentially rewiring negative thought patterns + behaviors which can take years + so much energetic + financial investment over years + years.

Moreover, the use of psychedelics in therapy can foster a sense of interconnectedness + spiritual awakening, leading to profound shifts in perspective - something very difficult to truly grasp in conventional methods of therapy or medicine. This can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with existential questions, grief, or a lack of meaning in life. For those who have fought for a long time to survive what haunts them, it can be not onlylfie changing but life saving. The experience often helps individuals realize that their struggles are part of a larger whole, offering a sense of healing that extends beyond the individual self or the struggles they face.

As research continues to unfold, psychedelic therapy — particularly with ketamine — is poised to become an important tool in the mental health landscape. It is definitely not a panacea, + it’s essential that it is approached with care, responsibility, + proper support in environments that are legal + professional. Yet, for those seeking deeper healing, it promise a new frontier in the treatment of mental health, providing a path toward self-discovery, emotional release, + lasting change.

For more resources + research articles, I find Dr. Michelle Weiner in the US an incredible wealth of knowledge + pioneer in the space. Other amazing resources include: Mabel Life (Micro-dosing Pioneers in Europe), Michael Pollan (his book How to Change Your Mind was one I read many year ago + is where I was first introduced to the topic), Dr. Andrew Weil (a wealth of knowledge on mushrooms for healing), The Synthesis Institute (a retreat hosting company in Amsterdam who also have great information to share).

Consistency within the Uncertainty of a Depressed Mind

In piecing together thoughts on my own mental health it comes with a slight (ok, a rather huge) unease of coming across as moan-y or self-obsessed. Yet in putting that to the side as much as my brain possibly can + pushing through that naked vulnerability fear, here we go. Again.

So you may already have read some of my pieces on, or heard me speak about, my personal journey with depression + eating disorders as a result of childhood trauma. While thankfully I’ve made massive strides over the years I will admit, it’s been a bloody long road, one that I seem to either be trudging along with whatever strength I can muster - a power that seems to dwindle + simultaneously strengthen each time I’m sucked back into the downward spiral of depression - or in the other very much welcomed less intense times, you’ll find me on a path nearby - loving every moment, day, week + hopefully month of actually living.

This year has seen me more often than not on the bathroom floor of cafe d’epresso - as I call it. A state of depressed where I find myself lacking the ability to see beyond any current state + sometimes in a frightening depth of a type of despair I don’t really know how to voice or explain without sounding like I’m seeking attention or being too dramatic, other than to say, it’s brought me to an edge I’d known before, yet the very edge I hadn’t so seriously found myself at in many years + it scared me. It really scared me.

I feel the need to write this, not just for you who might also find yourself in those dark places + in need of a reminder, but for myself, both future + present, so I can read my own words + remind myself of what I CAN do + what DOSE work when faced with the blindness.

Ultimately.. I know, I know, I am getting there I promise, the point of this piece + the point I’m getting to understand more + more is that even in times when it seems like nothing works to alleviate the absence of hope or ignite any amount of lightness, what I can share with 100% certainty is there is one thing. Consistency. One thing that works is to practice consistency. Small, baby steps - as my loving Husband + best friend remind me of daily - made consistently is exclusively the only way to move through + eventually beyond the debilitating stagnant state depression often causes. Whatever you can or wish to be consistent with is up to you. And whatever it is, is enough.I know options don’t really help in those times so for me there’s a list of positive things that I know will help me once I get to doing them consistently. And even if the consistency isn’t in one particular thing but rather in doing one thing on your list.

I can relate too, if you find yourself thinking, but like FFS Rebecca nothing works + there’s nothing that makes any real difference when you’re this low. I get it. I say these very words + feel it myself when I’m there. It’s some weird phenomenon that I can’t ever quite get my head around too that when I’m in a serious state of depression, the very thing I know, when in the whole of my health, helps if I do it each day, is the exact thing I can’t seem to bring myself to do or implement in my routine. Getting up + actually showering, getting dressed + taking our dog for a walk WILL make things a tiny bit better when done daily - but your brain comes in + says, but what is a tiny bit better when the depths of this shit is so deep it’s like trying to let the light of a pocket torch, shone from the opening of a well, reach 10 miles under ground. It’s seemingly impossible + makes absolutely no difference. So what’s the point? There is none, says the brain.. And plus you don’t have the energy. I manage to shower one day, promising myself I’ll do it again tomorrow + yet days pass + I can’t seem to get myself undressed + under the water again. The simple things are crippling never mind having to keep up with + uphold a life that I love. Trust me, I get it. The overwhelming sense of confusion + frustration too at not being able to bring yourself to do the things that work.. what is that?! you say. And then, the guilt. The f-ing guilt.

HOWEVER, in relating to all that, I bring it back to the basics of consistency + the fact that the only way forward is tiny steps made with commitment despite how you feel on in the inside. I think too, it’s about leaning into the most simple things + asking for help where you can, not thinking you can do it all in one go or go from zero to one hundred with a day or a week. If managing the shower daily or getting the go for a walk each morning is your daily thing, then be proud of that. And for other things that will help, perhaps you can bring them in a few times a week + over time, the brain definitely begins to notice that oh she’s still able to do the things despite how she’s feeling.. that’s progress.

I know this isn’t rocket science + I certainly don’t claim to be a genius. And it can all feel beyond the bounds of possibility but I recently journaled of how it’s the consistency of doing the small things that will bring about a glimmer of lightness, not in a quick-fix manner but over time because let’s be real, doing it once won’t make any real difference however with persistence, you begin to feel a shift.

Again I’m no authority + certainly don’t claim to have all the answers but what if, in doing one thing daily - be that whatever you need - imagine where you might be in a week, a month or a year. And screw it, even if I’m still depressed, at least I might have clean hair + fresh clothes on. Consistency. Patience. Growth.