Why prepare for a psychedelic experience?
Articles and anecdotes about the benefits of psychedelics abound. Yet, the key role that intentional preparation before a psychedelic experience plays in these positive impacts is often overlooked.
It’s clear that, when used intentionally and carefully, psychedelics are powerful medicines. They can support depression, anxiety, and addiction, among many other conditions. They can also be used to improve our relationships, deepen our connection to the planet, and spark creativity.
But psychedelics are not pharmaceuticals. Accessing the benefits of these medicines is not as straightforward as taking a pill.
Psychedelics are complex substances whose impacts on our bodies and minds are strongly influenced by our physical & mental state and our physical surroundings. Taking the time to prepare our minds, bodies, and spirits for a psychedelic journey is, therefore, a central and necessary part of the experience.
This is something traditional cultures have known for millennia and that modern research is beginning to prove scientifically.
But in the modern era, where the norm is to incorporate pharmaceutical medicines into our lives without much intentional preparation, working with psychedelics can require a deep shift in our approach to healing.
Although my psychedelic preparation process is always adapted to a person’s particular needs, there are a few things anyone planning to use psychedelics for healing should consider. This is an overview of how I support clients through this.
Screening: Assessing whether psychedelic medicines are the right fit for you.
Personal History Deep-Dive: Exploring your history and current life to understand what has shaped you and why you’re considering a psychedelic journey.
Journey Intention Design: Helping you define clear objectives or questions for your psychedelic experience, providing a framework to prepare for and understand the journey.
Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines: Advising on dietary and lifestyle changes leading up to the journey, including reducing meat, dairy, alcohol, and other intoxicants, while increasing nourishing foods.
Preparation Practices: Sharing mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, and journaling techniques to ground your mind and body before the journey.
Journey Expectations: Explaining potential physical and mental experiences that might arise during the experience and how to deal with challenging moments.
Psychedelics can be powerful medicines when used intentionally in a safe and supportive environment. Dedicating sufficient time to prepare for a journey is a critical part of the process that should not be overlooked.
Image by Corina Rainer on Unsplash.