Supporting the Psychedelic Integration Process

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to understand how clinicians can best support the psychedelic integration process. There is currently an overemphasis on the administration of psychoactives in psychedelic-assisted therapy and a lack of attention on the aftercare process termed psychedelic integration. Utilizing a voice-centered and relational approach, five informants were interviewed about their experience of working in the field of psychedelics and integration. All informants had extensive experience working with clients using psychedelics as a therapeutic modality. Interview data was analyzed using the Listening Guide Method (Gilligan, 2015) in order to highlight various voices and perspectives in the field of integration. Many core themes emerged from the data in answering the research question: what makes for good professional integration assistance and support? All informants identified ‘behavior change’ as a critical indicator of successful integration assistance and support in clinical work.