What is Psychedelic Medicine?

Medicinal psychedelics are not a new phenomenon. Indigenous cultures have relied on psychedelic substances for thousands of years. But it took modern medicine, and the public at large, a bit more time to catch up to the physical and mental benefits. Psychedelics, including ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA, are known for their ability to influence consciousness through altered thoughts and sensory perceptions. While each drug within this psychedelic class can induce slightly different effects, they share common ground in their ability to open the mind to a new conscious experience.

In the second half of the 20th century, psychedelics became nearly synonymous with tripping. People who dabbled in psychedelics reported the mental (and in many cases, spiritual) journeys—both good and bad—that they experienced as their brains and bodies responded to the drug. And while psychedelics do activate dreamlike responses, their transformational power extends beyond a temporary trip.

The FDA is currently reviewing studies citing the psychotherapeutic benefits of psilocybin and MDMA. Though not currently under review by the FDA, more psychedelics, including LSD and Ayahuasca, are gaining momentum across the mental health landscape through promising clinical trials.

While there is no given timeline as to when more psychedelics might receive FDA clearance, it is apparent that we are on the brink of psychedelics being widely accepted as effective antidotes to mental health conditions.

 I will soon be offering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) which is a therapeutic treatment that includes a medicine component to tap into the healing power of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Oftentimes mindfulness and radial acceptance are therapeutic approaches used with KAP. My main objective is to co-create a space that makes my clients feel safe and heard, above all else. My hope is to work with you to realize strengths and define what is most important to you so that you can live a life that aligns with your values. I consider it a great privilege when someone allows me to enter their life as their therapist and I never take that for granted.