How to Gain the Most Benefit from a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Journey

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy shows great promise in the treatment of mental health concerns.

When Do Clients Experience the Most Noticeable Transformations?

From my experience of working as a psychologist in this field, I have noticed that transformation predominantly occurs when clients engage in mental and physical health-promoting behavioural changes, rather than merely relying on the psychoactive effects of a psychedelic medicine alone. Clients who have a willingness to explore their inner world and partake in their integration process from a space of openness to change, are those who benefit most from the process.

At Equanimity, we treat each person’s journey as a personalised one, as no two minds or experiences are alike. However, we ground each person’s individualised program in best-practice science and research. In this blog, I’ve noted some of the key elements that have helped my clients get the most out of their experiences.

RECAP: What is Psychedelic-assisted Therapy (PAT)? If you are new to the psychedelic-assisted therapy space, here’s a quick recap: It refers to the use of safe, legal psychedelic substances in conjunction with professional psychotherapy techniques to facilitate psychological healing.

While the specific physical and mental health-promoting behaviours may vary depending on every individual’s needs and treatment plan, there are some general recommendations that can be helpful for those entering into PAT. Intention-setting, journaling, exercise, meditation, nutrition, and positive connection are all practices that can promote physical and mental well-being.

Helpful Practices to Incorporate into your Routine

Incorporating these practices into your life before, during, and after KAP can help enhance the therapeutic benefits of the treatment.

Intention-setting

Setting intentions before PAT will help guide the infusion experience and help you focus on what you hope to achieve from the therapy. It can provide direction and purpose for your healing journey. Consider writing down your intentions and reflecting on them before and after each PAT session.

For example, an intention can take the form of: At the end of my journey, I would like to arrive at a place where I can work through and process past traumas, so that I can move towards self-acceptance and self-compassion.

Another example might be: At the end of my journey, I would like to arrive at a place where I can better understand my needs, so that I can regulate my emotions in a healthier way.

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Journaling

Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing emotions, gaining insight into oneself, and tracking progress throughout the therapy. Consider setting aside time each day to write down your thoughts and feelings. You can also reflect on any insights or experiences from KAP sessions. If you feel unsure about how to get started, have a look at 5 Benefits of Journaling (& Prompts to Get You Started) on our Instagram feed for some guidance.

Exercise

Exercise has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing energy levels. Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, even if it’s just a short walk every day. You can also consider adding more rigorous exercise, such as weightlifting or cardio, if it is safe and feasible for you.

Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental clarity. Consider incorporating a daily meditation practice into your routine. You can use guided meditations or simply sit quietly and focus on your breath for a few minutes each day. If you’re new to meditation and perhaps unsure of where to start, please follow this link to find some helpful tips and resources.

Nutrition

Eating a healthy diet can provide the necessary nutrients for physical and mental wellness. Consider incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. It might also be useful to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol as this may contribute to unhealthy dietary patterns and reduce functioning throughout the day. When it comes to nutrition, many of us may feel stuck or overwhelmed by an influx of contradictory opinions and advice, especially on social media. If this is your experience, consider consulting a registered nutritionist or dietician – not to cut out all your favourite foods, but to help you find sustainable balance.

Positive Connection

Connection with others is an important part of mental health. Consider spending time with loved ones or joining a support group. You can also engage in activities that bring you joy and help you connect with others. As simple as that!

What To Consider Reducing Or Avoiding Before & After An Infusion

To maximise the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy, there are several activities to avoid before and after infusion sessions.

Avoid stress or rushing on the day of the infusion.
Fasting is recommended between 4-6 hours prior to an infusion, and it is recommended to avoid consuming heavy or fatty meals, as it may result in nausea or vomiting during the treatment.
Avoid certain substances and medications, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, NSAIDS, stimulants, sedative hypnotics, and muscle relaxants for 48 hours prior to your infusion session.
Refrain from using any other psychedelics for at least 7 days prior to and after infusions.
Avoid any strenuous physical activity or exercise before and after your infusion.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the infusion, as drowsiness may impair your judgment.
Avoid any cognitively demanding tasks, such as work or study, for a few hours after the infusion, as psychedelic medicines can cause temporary impairment.
It is also important to avoid making any major life decisions following an infusion – wait until after an integration session to work through strong feelings and thoughts before acting. Since psychedelic medicines could have the potential to heighten emotion and vulnerability, it is important to make decisions only once processing has taken place.

Closing thoughts

The recommended practices can be applied to various psychedelic-assisted therapies – please consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner for guidance relevant to your treatment plan.

Do you have any other practices you have found helpful? Please let us know in the comments or on our socials – we would love to share them with others for greater comfort and healing during psychedelic experiences.

Note This article is intended to inform, and not to diagnose or recommend one form of therapy over another - always consult a trusted healthcare professional when making decisions regarding your health.

We'd Love To Hear From You

Find out whether PAT might be the right treatment option for your mental health:

Email: gina@equanimitywellness.co.za

Phone: (+27) 10 594 5850 OR (+27) 82 723 5723

Visit: Upper Grayston Office Park, Block B, 150 Linden Street, Sandown

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