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.
Read MoreTo be clear, the likelihood of negative consequences from psychedelic use is minimal, it does exist and should be taken into consideration. I mention this because using these sacred medicines comes with risk, as is the case with any treatment modality. The avantgarde, “everyone should take it” ethos we’re seeing flying around is simply not true. It’s also important to point out the study authors said while there are risks for folx with personality disorders taking these medicines, that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from psychedelics, especially if coupled with psychological support.
Read MoreWhen we set a firm intention, it serves as a guiding principle for our behavior. We are more likely to make decisions that align with our intentions, taking steps that lead us closer to our desired outcomes. For instance, an athlete who intends to win a championship will be more committed to training and pushing their limits, while a student aiming for academic excellence will be more diligent in their studies. For a psychedelic voyager, setting intentions is a way to explore spiritual expansion, childhood experiences with more compassion, or mystical experiences. Intention is also helpful in a sexual or sensual experience. It can help if you are desiring something different or deeper with your partner or lover.
Read More“We’re tired of asking for a seat at someone else’s table. Because the rhetoric around people of color in psychedelic spaces has mostly been for show. Because the lasting positive impact that these medicines can have on Black communities is not being fully acknowledged. Because the biggest impediment to Black people participating in this work is not seeing Black people participating in this work. Because when Black people win, we all win. Because we will literally change the world once we’re brought back into proper relationship with the plants, animals, compounds, and communities around us.”
Read MoreIn my private practice, I have witnessed a recurring theme among individuals from the tech industry who are subconsciously yearning for a deeper connection. They are intrigued by the possibilities psychedelics may hold for them. They seem to yearn for something beyond their daily interactions with screens and metrics. I suspect what they are really yearning for is a dance with the divine feminine.
Read MoreIntegrating psychedelic experiences into your exploration of your sexual self can be a powerful catalyst for understanding, acceptance, and growth. By creating a safe and supportive environment, questioning societal conditioning, embracing heightened sensations and emotions, and seeking professional support, you can embark on a transformative journey towards a deeper understanding of your authentic sexual self. Remember, each individual's journey is unique, so approach the process with an open mind, curiosity, and self-compassion.
Read MorePsychedelics have the potential to profoundly impact one's understanding of their sexuality and sexual expression. By heightening sensations, dissolving boundaries, fostering self-reflection, facilitating healing, and nurturing spiritual connections, these substances can pave the way for a more authentic and fulfilling sexual self.
Read MoreFor entrepreneurs seeking personal growth, enhanced creativity, and sustainable success, psychedelic therapy offers a powerful avenue for exploration. However, the true potential of psychedelic experiences lies in the integration process that follows. By embracing transformation, cultivating self-reflection, enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and aligning with conscious practices, entrepreneurs can unlock their full potential and create businesses that are both successful and socially responsible. Integration is not just a post-therapy phase but a lifelong practice that empowers entrepreneurs to thrive in their personal and professional endeavors.
Read MoreAll too often, the psychedelic community neglects to pay homage to these indigenous traditions and healers. A famous example is that of María Sabina Magdalena García, more commonly known as María Sabina. She was a shaman and curandera, or medicine woman. Born around 1894 in a small town called Huautla de Jiménez, in southern Mexico, this Mazatec woman was exposed to hallucinogenic mushrooms, called “Los Niños Santos,” or “holy children,” from an early age at traditional ceremonies she attended with her father’s family.
Read MoreI care deeply about the topic and integrity of the field of psychedelic science, therapy, and research and continue to work as a teaching assistant and mentor groups. I provide didactic material around the clinical application of the academic material learned in class as well as how to network and collaborate with other professionals that may be beneficial to their career and the field of psychedelic science overall.
Read MoreWilliam James’ ideas about consciousness and the nature of the mind have important implications for the field of psychedelic therapy. By emphasizing the dynamic and holistic nature of consciousness, the role of emotions in perception and decision-making, and the close relationship between mind and body, James’ work can help us better understand the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances.
Read MoreThe medical profession is becoming increasingly interested in using psychedelics for deeper healing and given the resurgence in the West (note that using psychedelics for healing has been practiced indigenously for millennia), it’s no wonder people from all backgrounds, including those in recovery from addiction, are curious whether psychedelics can help them.
Read MoreThe shadow is what you don’t want to see the “light of day.” It’s the traits you’d rather keep hidden away. It’s things or traits you perhaps feel ashamed about or embarrassed by.
Read MoreWhen I work doing psychedelic integration, I invite people to dive deep into a shorter-term intense exploration that can be done in conjunction with any other longer therapy or coaching that person already has in place. I have different options to do this type of work.
Read MoreOftentimes going deep into the soul and the psyche requires you to let go of and lose your footing in the world as you knew it. There’s a surrendering here, an acceptance of what is rather than what you want to be. Carl Jung speaks to this when he writes, “Every transformation demands as its precondition ‘the ending of the world’ – the collapse of an old philosophy of life.”
Read More"Practically everybody reports peak experiences if approached and questioned and encouraged in the right way,”
Read MoreKetamine is lumped into the same category as psychedelics but it works differently than classical psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD. Ketamine relaxes chandelier cells in the brain, which control pyramidal cells. The pyramidal cells are the “thinking” cells and pass on messages to other neurons. By relaxing that grip, ketamine can produce a dissociative effect; a person can feel “floaty” or like they’re in a different reality
Read MoreIn my practice, I bring in somatic, or body-oriented techniques because doing allows for a person to embody the processing of the experience. It puts the person more deeply in touch with their physical form. This is very important because many people are dissociated from their bodies for a variety of reasons. Being dissociated has become the new norm for how to navigate this modern world of lived trauma, high-pressure school and work, and relationship/family tension. You can read more about psychedelics and the body in this post.
Read MorePsychedelics offer the possibility of a mystical experience or connecting with something greater than the self. However, psychedelics can also heal intergenerational as well as ancestral trauma.
Read MoreChange is hard. By nature, it’s scary and unfamiliar. So too is the process of integration for some. Nevertheless, the only constant in life is change, so how do we navigate this inevitable aspect? How do we integrate change, whether we asked for it or not?
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