Psychedelic Integration Therapy: What it is and why it’s so important

With media talking of the huge benefits and science exploring the fundamental changes that these medicines create in the body & mind to bring about osmosis and healing, psilocybin therapy has become almost a household phrase.

But what are the benefits and risks of approaching this medicine?

What is Psilocybin?

Lets take a moment to consider that psilocybin mushrooms are natures natural medicine. They grow abundantly all across the UK. There are many forums and platforms from which you can discover their whereabouts and how to identify them, so there’s no need for me to go into that here.

This medicine was illegalised under the psychedelic act as having “no therapeutic benefit” alongside LSD and other schedule 1 psychedelics. However, in more recent years, these therapeutic benefits have been studied and made public, and this illegalisation is being challenged by medical practitioners and the growing number of the populace who have both seen and experienced the therapeutic effects of psilocybin.

The theraputic benefits of psilocybin

We’ve learned psilocybin can have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects that last for several months.

It also appears to be helpful in the treatment of depression and anxiety in people who are terminally ill. And, for nicotine and alcohol dependence.

Psilocybin may also increase the brain’s ability to create new emotional and information pathways.

So much positive research and beneficial outcomes have been proven, that now the legality of psilocybin is being deeply questioned.

What are the risks?

With so many positives to this medicine, I’ll bet you’re wondering what the risks are?

The fundamental risks of self-administering psilocybin therapeutically are a very personal consideration. Are you on any current medication that can contraindicate with the effects of psilocybin? Do you have certain mental health conditions that are extenuated by psilocybin administration such as bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia?

If you answer yes to either of these questions, you should not self-administer psilocybin and should seek out the help of a well-informed mental health practitioner as psilocybin can interact with these complications in a detrimental and unknown way that could have a huge negative impact on you.

If the answer is no and you feel you want to pursue psilocybin therapy, you should consider what it is you want to get from this medicine and why you feel this is the medicine for you.

How does it work?

Psilocybe does not work like western medicine, it isn’t a symptomatic treatment. This medicine will take you on a deep internal journey of self. So if you are suffering with anxiety or depression, this medicine will not make that disappear in the sense that you no longer feel those things, this medicine will take you to the cause of these symptoms so you can do the inner work and heal yourself for good. This medicine brings about the opportunity for lasting change and transformation, it doesn’t make that change or transformation for you, you need to do that.

In my experience, people who go on this journey alone and unconsciously either experience only partial benefit from it or cause themselves more harm than good. This is a complex field of continuously evolving crops to navigate. You need to be prepared and supported to do the work that this medicine will call you to.

How is it administered?

The different routes of self-administration are what is referred to as microdosing – which scientifically means taking such a small amount of something that NO physical or cognitive effects are experienced. Or taking a larger amount to alter your perception entirely, commonly referred to as going on a trip or a journey.

Both approaches have benefits and considerations.

If you are considering taking larger doses for therapeutic reasons you MUST first speak to someone who has the experience and knowledge and who can help you set yourself up for a safe experience. And unless you do the psychedelic integration therapy work after such a journey, you will find that little changes or you may not understand the experience you had or that the medicine didn’t “fix” you. As I have already said, it is you that fixes yourself using the experiences and insights gleamed from the altered consciousness. Without integrating those, you will be the same person after the journey as you were before you went.

Some advice...

What I will tell you, is that set and setting are the most important factor of all when considering a larger dose. You must feel safe, comfortable, and provided for. Make sure you have access to a bathroom, that you are warm and comfortable with extra blankets, have soft music in the background, and will not be disturbed for the 8 hour duration of psilocybin.

There is a wonderful community of people on social media platforms who can offer you support and guidance on this, all you need to do is put some choice keywords in the search box.

Psychedelic Integration Therapy

Psychedelic integration therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and integrate the profound experiences and insights gained from psychedelic experiences. By providing a safe and supportive space, therapists guide clients through the integration process, allowing them to apply their newfound understanding to daily life. This can lead to significant personal growth, healing, and transformation. People may seek psychedelic integration therapy to address issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, or to explore their spirituality.

If you want to connect and talk about your journey, I would love to offer any information or help I can, feel free to book into my calendar for a chat.

Happy and safe journeying my friend, Love always,

Samantha Bird Integrative Therapy x