Psychedelic Integration
in Denver
IN-PERSON IN DENVER
AND ONLINE ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Do You Feel That There Is Potential Within You That You Are Struggling To Tap Into?
You know that there is another way to live, but your habits feel like too much to break free from. Maybe you’ve tried other treatments and feel like you’ve hit a wall. Or perhaps you are feeling disconnected from yourself and the world and wonder if other healing approaches may help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Psychedelics have been used for centuries as a means of healing and for finding profound meaning. Limits of current approaches have led to a resurgence of interest and research into the powerful potential of psychedelics.
Psychedelics do not give you the answers, but they may allow you to tap into your innate capacity for healing where you can connect to yourself and what is greater than yourself. They can provide you with immense space to explore, reflect, or perhaps confront what has been keeping you from fully embracing your true potential. Psychedelics can also create a space for “beliefs relaxation”. This means that your mind can stop following its well-worn pathways and instead consider the possibilities that may come through charting a new course.
What If You Could Heal Old Wounds, Find Personal Understanding and Peace, and Gain a Greater Sense of Authenticity?
Although psychedelic-assisted therapy is showing strong potential for the treatment of a variety of conditions, safety is continuing to be assessed. FDA approval for psychedelic-assisted therapy utilizing MDMA or psilocybin is still pending.
MDMA-assisted therapy was recently declined for approval by the FDA. Research into MDMA-assisted therapy is continuing, but its legal use in a therapeutic setting is not yet approved by the FDA.
Psilocybin is still under review by the FDA for nationwide use. However, some regions have begun increasing access. Denver has decriminalized psilocybin for people 21 and older, allowing individuals to grow or possess mushrooms in Denver. However, at this time it remains illegal for state-licensed therapists to utilize psilocybin in session with clients. Regulations to provide psilocybin-assisted therapy in session are in the process of being finalized and will likely be available sometime in 2025.
While therapists are currently unable to recommend or refer clients to psilocybin treatments, many individuals are seeking out experienced “guides” or “sitters” to engage in personal use of psilocybin. If you are considering this approach, research suggests that the benefits of psilocybin are improved by proper preparation and integration of psilocybin experiences. These important aspects of treatment are often not a part of personal psilocybin experiences. Licensed therapists can provide additional supports outside of journeys, which may help you get the most benefit from your experience.
Ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic medicine available for mental health providers to offer and is utilized off label for the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions. Due to its rapid rise in popularity, there has also been a lot of confusion about the best approach for this treatment and many beneficial aspects can often be lost. Some individuals who are working with a ketamine clinic may not be given options for having a therapist present during their sessions nor will they receive preparation or integration surrounding the ketamine sessions. While ketamine can provide some benefits on its own, these benefits are most likely to be maintained with additional therapeutic support.
Some mental health providers are offering ketamine treatments in office. At this time, this is not a service of my practice. However, if you are working with a ketamine clinic that does not provide therapeutic support, I can work with you to gain additional benefits from your ketamine treatment. This may involve preparation and integration sessions and could even include having me present for support during your ketamine sessions at the clinic you attend (dependent upon clinic approval).
I Keep Mentioning Preparation and Integration
What Does This Mean?
Preparation involves helping you develop essential aspects of successfully navigating psychedelic experiences. These aspects are often called “set and setting.”
Set refers to your mindset. One aspect of “set” is intention setting. We will work to identify what you hope to explore in your experience. An intention is different than a goal. We can’t guarantee what might come from a psychedelic experience or how you’ll get there. However, an intention can help set the tone for your experience and provide something to ground yourself back to throughout. “Set” can also involve how you engage with the experience. I can support you in building skills in breathing and other mindfulness strategies that will help you to take an open and accepting stance to better “lean into” the process and feel more prepared to navigate challenging experiences with your guide if they arise.
Setting is the environment you create during your experience. While I would not be your guide during your psychedelic session, I can help you consider what aspects of setting might be most beneficial for you. What should you wear? What should you bring with you? What music may be beneficial? How do you express boundaries around touch with your guide? Setting can also involve what you do immediately before and after the session, which can also contribute to your mindset. I cannot provide recommendations for guides or dosing.
Integration involves helping you explore what occurred during your psychedelic experience.
Part of integration can be sharing your experience with another person who understands the power of these journeys. If you do not have people in your life who have had a similar experience, it can feel somewhat isolating. Integration also includes helping you consider what you want to take with you from the experience and how to integrate these insights into your life. Integration may involve primarily processing your experience or it can include various therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to continue working through themes that emerged in the journey. Ultimately, integration helps you consider ways that you can maintain the benefits of the medicine rather than falling back into old patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
-
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, MDMA, or ketamine, to facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs and insights. Under the guidance of trained therapists, individuals experience altered states of consciousness induced by these substances, which can lead to profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing.
-
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is still being researched and is not yet widely legalized. However, some psychedelics like ketamine are FDA-approved for other uses and can be used "off-label" in therapy settings with a qualified provider. Research with psilocybin and MDMA is ongoing. Psilocybin has been decriminalized in some regions, including in Denver, for individuals aged 21 and older. However, it is still currently illegal for state-licensed therapists to utilize psilocybin in therapy sessions. Additional regulations surrounding this care are pending.
-
Research is still be conducted on this topic and many psychedelics are awaiting FDA approval to assure their safety. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including:
Depression
Anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Addiction (including substance use disorders like alcoholism, nicotine addiction, and opioid addiction)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
End-of-life anxiety in individuals with terminal illnesses
Existential distress
Adjustment disorders
Eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa)
Treatment-resistant mental health conditions
-
The risks and side effects of psychedelic therapy can include potential psychological distress, temporary increases in anxiety or confusion during the experience, and, in rare cases, exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions. However, when conducted in a controlled and supportive environment with trained professionals, these risks are minimized. The FDA is still currently assessing the safety and utility of many psychedelic substances. I am committed to following current safety guidelines laid out for licensed mental health professionals.
-
Yes, psychedelic therapy can be combined with other forms of treatment, such as traditional psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches to mental health. Integrating psychedelics with other therapies can enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment and support long-term healing and personal growth.
