Psilocybin Therapy Guide for BC

Psilocybin, the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is an agonist at serotonergic and non-serotonergic receptors. It is a classic hallucinogen that can alter sensation, perception, thought processes, emotions, and your sense of time and the nature of reality. It can also cause distorted visual imagery, false or strong hallucinations (such as cascading geometric forms and colors) and altered states of consciousness.

In the context of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, or psilocybin therapy (P-AT), a therapist uses non-directive psychotherapy to create and sustain a safe therapeutic container that frames and supports the effects of psilocybin. This includes the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, an understanding of the drug’s pharmacology and physiology, and non-directive ACT techniques like mindfulness meditation and compassion training. Find out https://www.paththerapy.ca/provincial-guides/bc

Psilocybin Therapy Guide for BC: Safe & Effective Treatment Options

A therapeutic psilocybin experience can be challenging and emotionally intense. Participants may feel a wide range of emotions, including fear and anxiety. They might struggle to understand their experiences. They might feel a loss of control or a dissolution of self-identity. However, a well-facilitated psychedelic experience can help them release a sense of self-control and refocus their attention on the present moment. This can allow them to develop deeper insights and connect with a sense of spirituality or interconnectedness.

A therapist should only conduct a psilocybin-assisted session in a setting where basic cardiac life support (BCLS) is available and can be summoned reasonably quickly in the unlikely event of an emergency. This is important to minimize the risk of physiological adverse events, such as a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure, or, more rarely, psychologically significant psychosis (61, 69). The primary concern associated with psilocybin is its potential to trigger a psychotic reaction, which can be exacerbated by alcohol use or other drugs that affect the central nervous system.