Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a form of mental health treatment that combines the use of psychedelic substances with guided psychotherapy.
It's facilitated by trained professionals in a controlled and supportive environment.
The goal is to help individuals explore and process deep-seated psychological issues, emotional trauma, or behavioral patterns that are often difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone.
The Psychedelics
Some of the most commonly studied and used psychedelics in therapeutic settings include: Psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy; not a classical psychedelic but used in a similar therapeutic context).
These substances can induce altered states of consciousness, allowing patients to experience shifts in perception, mood, and thought.
The therapeutic process
The process usually consists of three main phases:
Preparation Phase:
The therapist works with the patient to set intentions, build trust, and create a safe emotional environment.Psychedelic Session:
The patient ingests the psychedelic in a supervised setting. A therapist is present to offer support and ensure safety. The session usually lasts several hours.Integration Phase:
After the psychedelic experience, follow-up therapy sessions are very important to help the individual make sense of the experience and integrate insights into daily life for real lasting changes.
What conditions is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy being used for?
Research and clinical trials are exploring its effectiveness for:
PTSD (especially with MDMA)
Depression
Anxiety (including end-of-life anxiety)
Addiction and substance use disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Eating disorders
Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy legal?
In Canada, both psilocybin and MDMA-assisted therapy can be legally accessed through Health Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP) and through participation in clinical trials.
Why use Psychedelics in therapy?
These substances are thought to:
Reduce activity in the default mode network (linked to rumination and rigid thinking)
Enhance emotional openness and neuroplasticity
Help people access traumatic memories or core beliefs from a new, often less defensive perspective
Caution and risks
Not suitable for everyone (e.g., people with certain psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia)
Can bring up intense emotions or challenging experiences
Requires trained professionals and ethical, safe environments
New client?
Taking the first step in your mental health journey can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you. We suggest booking a free discovery call where you get to meet with a counsellor of your choice and see if you're a good fit to work together.