A Worrisome Narrative
I’m writing this article as I’ve noticed a trend in the dialogue within psychedelic communities towards a narrative requiring a psychotherapist (therapist) to effect psychedelic healing of mental illness. Some have even suggested it unethical for those that are not licensed therapists to be involved in facilitating psychedelic use, especially when there is a user intention of healing. This narrative seems to largely be driven by therapists and others with licenses to perform psychotherapy involved in medical legalization efforts of psychedelics, namely those involved in the emerging modality of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). It’s worrisome because it threatens cognitive liberty at a time when decriminalization movements are gaining traction and could end up limiting the widespread adoption of psychedelics back into society.
I have to make it explicit that I’m not opposed to therapists being involved in psychedelic healing
Before I get to what I want to say about this narrative, I have to make it explicit that I’m not opposed to therapists being involved in psychedelic healing. As a clinical pharmacist with advanced training and board certification in psychiatric pharmacy, I wish to make the use of psychotropic drugs safe and effective, especially when they’re being used to achieve a therapeutic end. I do think that preparing a person for a psychedelic experience, having supervision and a safe environment for the experience, and post-experience support and help integrating the experience is an important aspect of using psychedelic drugs therapeutically. I also think that some persons with severe mental illness may be best served by persons with advanced training and experience in mental health.