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.

When 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.

In 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.

Psychedelics 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.

For 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.

William 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.

Oftentimes 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.”

"Practically everybody reports peak exper­iences if approached and questioned and encouraged in the right way,”

Ketamine 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

In 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.

Psychedelics 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.

Change 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?

It’s a taboo topic in 12-step groups: the use of psychedelics to aid recovery. I’ve worked with patients, clients, and students who felt ostracized and bullied if they spoke about using ibogaine or psilocybin or ayahuasca (three common psychedelics showing promising results in addiction recovery)