Psychedelic Assisted Care
In Aotearoa psychedelics substances are Class “A” drugs listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
It is illegal to supply or promote the use of illicit substances.
At Resonance Therapies we believe it is our ethical duty to offer harm-reduction confidentially to those who wish to use psychedelics for personal growth and healing. The harm-reduction process emphasises preparation, integration, and support in creating a safe and supportive environment without directly involving or endorsing the use of illegal substances.
It is important to be clear that a harm-reduction approach to psychedelic use does not permit therapists to legally attend or facilitate dosing sessions, something that is often called “guiding” or “trip sitting”.
Harm Reduction
Harm-reduction sessions before psychedelic use are oriented toward helping people make informed choices, focusing on safety, education, as well as supporting the integration process. We do not advocate for or against the use of psychedelics, but instead we focus on helping you make an informed decision, aiming to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the journey safely.
Depending on an individual’s circumstances and the setting in which psychedelics are used, they may not always be safe or appropriate.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Firstly we will assess the person's mental, physical, and emotional readiness for the journey and discuss their expectations. Any contraindications or risk factors (such as a history of psychosis, family history of schizophrenia, heart condition, regular medication) are carefully considered.
Preparation Sessions
Preparation refers to the process of getting mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for a psychedelic journey. We will clarify the reasons for seeking a psychedelic experience and may suggest alternative pathways for achieving your desired goals. Intention setting, education about psychedelics, including the risks and benefits, addressing concerns, and creating a safe "set and setting" are an important part of the process of having an informed choice, reducing risks, and increase the likelihood of a positive experience.
To support the experience it is encouraged to bring along a trusted person who will be their companion, guide, or "trip-sitter" during the journey, ensuring they have someone they trust and feel safe with for support.
Set and Setting: An important part of the preparation process involves discussing the importance of mindset (set) and physical environment (setting) in shaping the psychedelic experience. Emphasise the need to cultivate a positive mental state and select a comfortable, supportive space, including the development of a curated music playlist which will provide support, containment, and guidance during the journey.
Trip-Sitter Preparation: The trusted person should be briefed on their role as a trip-sitter. Their job is to provide a calm, non-intrusive presence, help ground the client during challenging moments, and ensure safety.
Music Playlist: Music can be a powerful guide in a psychedelic journey. Together we will collaborate with the client to create a personalised, curated playlist that matches their emotional landscape and goals for the experience. The music will help enhance or guide the flow of the experience.
Intention Setting: Help the client set clear, meaningful intentions for their experience, allowing them to approach it with purpose and self-awareness.
Addressing Fears or Anxieties: Offer therapeutic techniques to deal with pre-existing anxieties and how to cope if difficult emotions or challenges arise during the journey.
Integration Sessions
Psychedelic Integration is the practice of making sense of and incorporating insights gained during a psychedelic experience into daily life. Integration can involve talking through the experience, reflecting on emotions and thoughts that surfaced, and finding ways to apply lessons learned for personal growth. This process helps ensure that the experience has a lasting and meaningful impact.
For resources on psychedelic integration follow this link
Reflection and Discussion: We will hold a safe space for the client to openly reflect on their psychedelic journey. Along with the therapist they will explore experiences, memories, emotions, insights, or themes that arose during or after the journey.
Emotional Processing: We will support the client through any unresolved emotions that may have surfaced during the experience, offering emotional support and grounding techniques to help with any ongoing challenges that may surface.
Integration Strategies: We will develop practical strategies to incorporate the lessons or changes into their personal and emotional life, such as journaling, meditation, or creative expression.
Key Considerations
If you’re considering using psychedelics, it’s essential to educate yourself about responsible use. Knowing the potential risks allows you to take steps to minimise harm and improve the overall outcome. Psychedelic education can also help improve community safety. It equips you with the knowledge to support someone going through a difficult experience or offer informed advice to first-time users.
Below are some key points to consider when thinking about safe psychedelic use:
Set and Setting: Your mindset (the "set") and physical environment (the "setting") play a critical role in shaping your experience with psychedelics. It’s best to approach psychedelics in a positive mental state and in a safe, familiar, and supportive environment.
Trip-Sitter: Having an experienced person with you during a psychedelic experience can be helpful, especially for first-time users. A trusted friend or family member who is familiar with psychedelics can serve as a "trip-sitter," offering reassurance and guidance if needed.
Integration: After the experience, taking time to process and make sense of what you’ve experienced is crucial. This step, often called integration, helps translate insights from the psychedelic experience into everyday life and can be supported by therapy or meaning making practices.
Mental Health Considerations: It’s important to note that psychedelics can pose risks for those with existing mental health conditions. It’s advisable to avoid psychedelic use is you've a previous diagnosis of psychiatric conditions or current suicidality.
Substance Testing: In Aotearoa New Zealand, as in many places, obtaining psychedelics illegally carries risks such as contamination or misrepresentation. Testing kits are available (e.g., from KnowYourStuffNZ) and can help ensure the substances you are using are pure and unadulterated.
Serotonin Syndrome: This condition occurs when there’s an overload of serotonin in the nervous system, and it can be life-threatening. Certain psychedelics, including MDMA, ayahuasca, and 2C drugs, can increase serotonin levels significantly. Avoid combining these substances with antidepressants or other serotonin-enhancing medications.
These guidelines provide a basis for reducing harm and maximising the potential benefits of psychedelic experiences, where awareness and education play a key role in promoting safety.