Bay Area Sex Therapist Unveils How Older People Can Embrace Sexuality Through Psychedelics

By: Dr. Denise Renye

An older couple sharing a tender moment, with one partner kissing the other's cheek, capturing their affection and intimacy.

As I’ve written about before, sex remains important in long-term relationships, and that also applies to older people as Dr. Ruth reminded us. As a Bay Area sex therapist, I’m thrilled the stigmas surrounding senior sexuality are slowly dissolving, which allows for a more open and enriched exploration of sexual identity and expression in later life. All too often, sexuality in older people is overshadowed by stereotypes and misconceptions that suggest a diminished or non-existent sexual desire. Contrary to this notion, research and clinical practice reveal that many older people maintain an active interest in their sexual pleasure, health, and relationships. Healthy sexual expression can contribute to overall well-being, enhancing physical health and awareness, emotional intimacy, bodily pleasure, and a sense of identity.

Dovetailing with continuing to explore sexuality later in life, and relevant for older people of today, is the integration of past psychedelic experiences, which is another of my specialties as a Bay Area psychedelic therapist specializing in psychedelic integration. Psychedelic substances, such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, have been used for decades to explore consciousness, spirituality, and healing. Many older people today may have experimented with psychedelics in their youth during the 60s and 70s and they may be continuing to experiment. These past journeys, whether had yesterday, last week, last year, or potentially decades ago, can still hold significant relevance and untapped potential for personal growth and healing.

Revisiting Past Psychedelic Experiences

For older people who had psychedelic experiences in their earlier years, those memories can serve as profound touchstones for current self-exploration and healing. The essence of those experiences—whether a sense of unity, deep emotional release, or a transcendent connection to something greater—can be revisited and integrated into present-day life. This process can be particularly enriching when addressing aspects of senior sexuality.

As a Bay Area sex therapist and psychedelic therapist, I’m well-versed in how psychedelics influence sexuality and the ways to integrate them. What I’ve found is psychedelics can support the following:

An older lesbian couple joyfully smiles and dances together, embodying love and intimacy as they celebrate their relationship, reflecting the importance of sexual expression and connection in later life.

1.     Reconnecting with Authenticity: Psychedelic experiences often break down societal and psychological barriers, revealing a more authentic self. Older people can draw upon these insights to embrace and express their true sexual identities and desires without fear of judgment or shame.

2.     Healing Past Wounds: Psychedelics can bring unresolved emotional issues to the surface. By revisiting these experiences, older people can address past traumas or negative sexual experiences, leading to healing and a more fulfilling sexual life.

3.     Enhancing Intimacy: The profound sense of connection and empathy often experienced during psychedelic journeys can be rekindled, enhancing emotional and physical intimacy with partners. This can lead to deeper bonds and more satisfying sexual relationships.

4.     Spiritual Dimensions of Sexuality: For many, psychedelics open doors to spiritual realms and perspectives. Older people can integrate these spiritual insights into their sexual lives, viewing sexuality as a sacred and holistic part of their being.

After the psychedelic experience, no matter when it happened, there are practical ways to integrate the experience, or in other words, make it real and not something that flits away like a water strider on a pond. These include the following:

1.     Therapeutic Support: Engaging with therapists such as myself who specialize in psychedelic integration can provide a safe and structured environment for older people to explore and integrate their past experiences.

2.     Community and Sharing: Joining support groups or communities focused on psychedelic experiences can offer a sense of belonging and shared understanding, fostering deeper integration.

3.     Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help older people reconnect with the insights gained from their psychedelic journeys, promoting ongoing personal growth and sexual wellness. I have one such meditation in my shoppe.

The integration of past psychedelic experiences offers a unique and powerful pathway for older people to explore and enhance their sexuality. By reconnecting with the profound insights and healing potential of these experiences, older people can embrace a more authentic, intimate, and fulfilling sexual life. As society continues to evolve in its understanding and acceptance of both senior sexuality and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, we can look forward to a future where these elements harmoniously contribute to the holistic well-being of older adults.

If you’re an older person and would like to work with me on sex therapy, psychedelic integration, or something else, reach out.