When thinking of psychedelics, what comes to mind? Besides the 70’s strobe lights and music festivals, there is a significant rise in the usage of psychedelics and/or plant medicines for transformative psychological journeys.

A group of mushrooms on a blue background representing the use of psychedelics and the need for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy in NYC.

Plant Medicines Have Been Used For Centuries

Stemming from indigenous practices, plant medicines have been utilized for centuries for spiritual growth and personal development. Yuria Celidwen, Ph.D. and indigenous scholar at the University of California, Berkeley notes, that these medicines can help heal people as well as
“. . . heal our planet by opening the spiritual gateways to the Ancestors (past and emerging) and promote transcendence through deep connections with Nature, the Universe, and Spirit.” Respecting the traditional roots of this practice is essential to ethically practice psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Experts suppose that psychedelic-assisted therapy may help cope with issues such as depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. As new studies arise, we are still learning about the potential benefits of psychedelics.

Are you exploring the role of psychedelics in your mental health journey? In this blog, we’ll explore how you can safely and effectively incorporate plant medicines into your therapeutic practices.

Ever had a good trip, ever had a BAD trip? What to expect.

Have you ever taken a psychedelic and felt amazing during and after the situation? Whether it’s the feeling of unexpected joy or ease of anxiety, psychedelics can have immensely positive effects. However, sometimes, the reverse happens; perhaps you’re unprepared or you take the wrong drug, and you might be having what feels like THE WORST experience of your life, that doesn’t feel like it will ever end.

Yellow herb on a yellow background representing the use of plant based psychedelics. Work with a Psychedelic Therapist in NYC to get the most from your experience.

How can you prevent this?

It’s important to be intentional, know what your goals and expectations are, and prepare for the experience. Consider the following questions:

Who will be in this space with you?

Do you feel safe around the people who you might be sharing this experience with? Will they also be using Psychedelics? Be sure to be around people you will trust and feel emotionally and physically safe with.

What psychedelics will you be taking?

Choosing the medicine you want to take and where you will be getting it, will not only affect the mental but also, physical side effects. It’s important to decide the best medication for your purposes, assess the side effects, and ensure the source is safe and ethical. As plant medicines such as peyote become more mainstream, be sure it is sourced and fund native communities, not big corporations.

Where?

Do you feel safe at the location where you will have this experience? If this is an indigenous space, are you respecting and compensating the community appropriately?

Why are you on this journey?

Coming into this experience with a goal you need to accomplish won’t work here. You will be in an experience that might or might not meet your expectations. The best thing you can do is prepare and be aware of what you’re walking into.

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry.

You don’t need to answer these questions alone, luckily there are therapists available to educate and support you along this journey. These professionals practice psychedelic harm reduction and integration (PHRI), which erases the stigma of drug use, allowing for a physically and mentally safe experience. PHRI Therapy allows you to integrate psychedelics into your life while minimizing potentially harmful outcomes.

Respecting Indigenous Spaces and Historical Use of Psychedelics

Indigenous people have a long history with psychedelics and the use of plant medicines. Entering this space requires redefining your framework towards medicine, nature, spirituality, and the land you occupy.

With the uptake in the recreational use of psychedelics, there has been increased research and experimentation in the field. These resources are in danger of being alienated from their source in Indigenous communities and Indigenous people’s historic labor and insights that discovered these medicines. As the whitewashing of these practices continues, so does the erasure of Indigenous peoples, their history, and their knowledge of these plant medicines.

It is our duty to prevent Indigenous practices and resources from being repurposed and colonized. In these practices, it is important to be cognizant of the native land being occupied and the natural resources and communities that have been lost. The Keely Group values reciprocity as a fundamental part of their practice. Psychedelic Assisted Therapy sessions can help you integrate psychedelics into your life while respecting Indigenous resources, communities, and culture.

A psychedelic picture of a young man representing someone who has used Psychedelic Therapy in NYC and has benefited from the experience.

Why Consider Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration in Therapy Practices?

Many people do not have a proper education on Psychedelics due to the criminalization, and social stigma associated with them. Their medicinal value, in Western contexts, has been disregarded. For this reason, Psychedelics can often be used unsafely, leading to detrimental outcomes for users. However, as we navigate this new terrain, therapists can help teach patients how to utilize plant medicines to improve their mental health. Sometimes that might mean embracing what we don’t or won’t know until we use Psychedelics.

Have the Right Expectations

Although there are benefits to using psychedelics, it’s important to enter with the right expectations. The outcomes aren’t predictable; they vary by the person, by your goals, and the state of your emotions before you take a dose. You may be going in with the expectation to cure your depression, and that might not happen. You may go in with one perspective on life, and have it completely change.

Knowledge is Empowering

Knowledge can help you set yourself up for a productive and fruitful experience. Think about it like this: If you’re about to take a big dip into the water, it might be nice to hire a swim teacher first. In this way, a therapist, like a swim teacher, helps you build the emotional tools to prepare for and take advantage of, the mental experience you will have on hallucinogens.

If You Are Ready to Take the Next Step Reach Out For PHRI Therapy in New York Today.

It may take a few sessions of therapy to be fully prepared to enter into psychedelics, whether through ritual usage, habitual, or microdosing. The Keely Group of therapeutic providers has a mission to support individuals in finding their own strength and power through healing. Our team of therapists is here to help you integrate psychedelics into your life intentionally, safely, and respectfully.

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Other Online Mental Health Services Offered at The Keely Group in New York City
In addition to Psychedelic Harm Reduction Integration Therapy, The Keely Group offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. We understand that you may face other challenges throughout your daily life that can affect relationships and dating, so we offer online therapy services to help you cope with these issues. Our ultimate goal is to help you streamline your life and that's why we offer an array of services such as: