Psychedelic Integration and Harm Reduction
What Is Psychedelic Integration And Harm Reduction (PIHR) Therapy?
Psychedelic Integration is a transtheoretical model of psychotherapy that is guided by harm reduction, mindfulness, and psychodynamic principles and practices. This unique therapeutic method is based on historical and current research on psychedelics, and it’s designed to evolve organically alongside new findings and regulations.
PIHR therapy differs from Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy in that I cannot administer any compounds, and I don’t accompany clients on their journey in the office or otherwise. Rather, Psychedelic Integration involves preparing for and processing the experience afterward. Ideally, this process begins with the harm reduction aspect of PIHR counseling prior to any planned journey.
The Purpose Of Harm Reduction Therapy
The Ask Tell Ask therapy model of harm reduction helps educate people about their experiences by asking them what to expect, exploring what is desired, and discussing outcomes. In the preparatory phase, we look at the hopes and goals for the journey, which could range from overcoming grief, low self-worth, or PTSD to navigating existential issues or achieving a spiritual awakening.
For a lot of people, psychedelics may feel like their last, best hope for healing and change. So, harm reduction focuses on managing expectations, navigating any letdowns, and learning how to mitigate some of the potential physical/psychological risks involved. That could mean identifying one’s safe spaces, understanding how to use substances responsibly, and managing the prospect of change (or the lack thereof).
How Psychedelic Integration Works
Psychedelic Integration is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to make significant breakthroughs where other forms of therapy have fallen short. This part of the process is about reflecting on and developing meaning in one’s psychedelic experience in such a way that its benefits or insights can be maintained and woven into everyday life.
Some conditions narrow the psychological field of vision so much that people can’t see themselves in any other way than how they have in the past. However, these psychedelic experiences actually offer alternative ways of feeling and existing by allowing the default mode network of the prefrontal cortex to go “offline” temporarily. At that point, new paths and truths can emerge.
Ultimately, Psychedelic Integration is about learning how to bring those new ideas, values, or meanings into daily life in a way that alleviates suffering and creates new meaningful narratives. It’s a very personalized and collaborative process that identifies what a client wants and how to best support them in actualizing those ideas and changes in their lives.
What Other Tools Do I Utilize In Sessions?
To supplement Psychedelic Integration, I may draw from archetypal theory, psychodynamic theory, and numerous body-based treatment models. I believe that the power to heal lies within the person, and sometimes they may access that inner healing wisdom through gentle co-created exploration—and, in doing so, enable people to realize the best version of themselves.
Integration work involves making meaning, which includes reflecting on, analyzing, and drawing meaning from psychedelic experiences. Sometimes, clients will make art, write poetry, or start developing new spiritual practices to help them understand the significance of that symbolism that occurred in their journey and discover what the journey may have been trying to communicate.
For example, a client may realize that they need to work with their hands and honor their creativity, start a new practice of seeking more time in nature, or explore their family’s ancestral story and heal old family wounds. My goal is to help people access and listen to those hidden aspects of the psyche—that internal wisdom that helps them heal, grow, and see their dreams and goals come to fruition.
If clients don't experience "the big mystical" in their psychedelic journey, then we may process any disappointments with a more typical narrative therapy approach.
Whatever your intentions or goals are, I hope to support you in this journey of discovering who you are, how you fit into the world, and what you need to access joy and contentment. We can also do the bigger work of navigating life with a new outlook, which could be managing everyday problems or processing your historical trauma.
If you are drawn to psychedelic work or have been looking for a kind, nurturing, and compassionate therapist who has specific ethical training tailored to honoring the viability of psychedelic work, I would be honored to help you.
My Background In Psychedelic Integration And Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
As a therapist, I felt like it was necessary and ethical to have a working knowledge of the changing landscape of the use of psychedelics in therapy. As of now, Ketamine is used for depression in CA, Psilocybin treatment has begun in Oregon, MDMA is in the foreground for treatment for depression, and people have been increasingly taking spiritual retreats to experience Ayahuasca in journeys with shamans.
I am curious and hopeful about this burgeoning field of psychedelic psychotherapy and wanted to understand best practices in my own approach to healing as a psychotherapist. As of Summer 2024, I will have completed 150 hours of training and workshops for certification in Psychedelic Integration and Harm Reduction Therapy through Fluence, a clinical research-based education program for mental health clinicians.
Among other things, this program involves researching psychedelics, practicing inclusivity, and mitigating the impact of criminalization (e.g., internalized stigma, shame, fear). It was also specifically designed for training mental health clinicians on how certain substances affect the mind-body and how to work with people in a respectful way.
Because of the nature of what I do, the duration of our work together could range from a few weeks to months or longer depending on your preference and needs. If you want some temporary support preparing for and processing a psychedelic experience, we may only need to work together briefly. On the other hand, you may discover something about yourself that requires a longer, deeper discussion.
It’s all about meeting you where you are and helping you get to where you want to be.
Let Me Help Prepare You For Your Path To Self-Discovery
If you need support processing a powerful experience or you’re planning a journey and want help mitigating any risks involved, I can offer you compassionate and ethical guidance. Please call 323 539 7717 for your complimentary, 15-minute consultation to see how Psychedelic Integration and Harm Reduction Therapy may be able to help you prepare for and process what comes next.