Common Misconceptions About Psychedelic Therapy

It’s no secret that I absolutely love and share a deep connection with mycelium and the wonderful world of mycology. I have been deeply in love with this world for many years and have developed a deep connection with the medicine and the nature of mycelium.

Therefore, the recent popularity in Psilocybin Therapy has not come as a surprise to me. The fact is, it has been gaining increasing recognition as a promising treatment for such a wide variety of mental health conditions, and for very good reason!

However, many misconceptions and stereotypes still surround this emerging field and I want to debunk some of the most common myths with you today:

Myth 1: Psychedelic Therapy is Risky and Dangerous

• Fact: When administered in a controlled setting with experienced therapists, psilocybin can be remarkably safe. In fact, there are zero recorded deaths from overdose of psilocybin mushrooms.

• Scientific Research: Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Myth 2: Psychedelics are Addictive

• Fact: Psychedelics are not physically addictive. Unlike substances like alcohol or opioids, they do not create a compulsive desire to use. Psilocybin enacts in the brain in such a way that the brain immediately, upon administration of the medicine, will begin to develop a resistance. It has been shown that psychedelics are in fact helpful in cases of addiction and have, in scientific settings been shown to bring about healing to the addict who, after the therapeutic use of psychedelics, has ceased to suffer from addictive compulsions.

• The Role of Set and Setting: The psychological mindset and physical environment play crucial roles in shaping psychedelic experiences, minimizing the potential for negative outcomes. Psychedelic integration is crucial in helping you understand and integrate your experiences whilst in the psychedelic realm, even if you feel you have had a bad experience, there is important information there for you to learn and grow from.

Myth 3: Psychedelic Experiences are Chaotic and Unpredictable

• Fact: With proper preparation and guidance, psychedelic experiences can be deeply meaningful and transformative. I wont lie, sometimes they are chaotic and unpredictable, psychedelic realms are indeed beyond our current brain comprehension at times, but with the proper guidance and support, you are able to explore these realms and glean many lessons for growth and transformation.

• Therapeutic Setting: Therapists create a safe and supportive environment to help individuals navigate their experiences. Without proper guidance and exploration of your experiences on psychedelics, these experiences wont change or mean anything to you after they are concluded. If you are looking for lasting change and transformation from psychedelics, you need to understand how they work and what they are showing you. A proper, well informed and experienced therapist should do this with you.

Myth 4: Psychedelic Therapy is Only for Spiritual Seekers

• Fact: While psychedelic experiences can be profound and spiritual, the benefits extend beyond spiritual exploration. Psychedelics by their very nature, work in harmony with you as an individual. Each experience is as individual as you are and will take you/show you, what only you need to see and know for your own greatest good. A proper therapist will prepare you for your experience by clarifying what it is you are looking for from this therapeutic medicine, how to maintain your awareness in the psychedelic realm and how to hold on to your truth without getting lost while you are there.

• Mental Health Benefits: Psychedelic therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

By addressing these common misconceptions, we can foster a more informed and open dialogue about the potential of psychedelic therapy. With the availability of media on this topic, there are many videos, podcasts, books, papers, scientific trials and outcomes for you to delve into before making a decision on approaching psychedelics therapeutically. I implore you to know yourself and know your medicine before you drop yourself into anything.

Once you have been called to work with the spirit of psilocybin, you can trust her to take you where you need to go.

Happy healing my friends,

Samantha x