Psychedelic Therapy Unpacked: Addressing Concerns, Care, and the Science Behind It
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has been earning a reputation as a transformative, powerful tool for mental health and personal growth. With increased attention, questions about its safety, practical application, and effectiveness are normal for anyone considering this path and those simply curious about the process. In this blog, we’ll address some common concerns and misconceptions, from risks and follow-up care to the science of microdosing and how psilocybin compares to LSD in therapy. This guide provides the insights you need to understand the potential and limitations of this holistic approach.
Are There Risks Associated With Psychedelic Therapy?
One of the most common topics when it comes to concerns about psychedelic therapy is its safety. Fortunately, psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—has a well-established safety profile backed by extensive research. There are no documented cases of psilocybin overdose, and when administered in a safe, controlled therapeutic setting, adverse health risks are extremely rare. Research conducted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research supports psilocybin’s safety, noting that rigorous screening processes ensure participants are suitable for therapy.
That said, there are situations where psilocybin therapy may not be appropriate. For individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, psychedelics can potentially uncover undiagnosed conditions. A study by Carhart-Harris et al. (2016), published in Psychopharmacology, highlights the importance of pre-therapy assessments in screening for risk factors.
By working with trained facilitators and licensed centers and undergoing thorough preparation, psilocybin therapy can be conducted safely and responsibly for the vast majority of participants.
What Does Follow-Up Care Look Like for Clients?
Follow-up care, often called integration, is an essential part of the healing process. At Bend Inner Alchemy, the integration session is a two-hour session included in the package. It helps process the journey experiences, organize their thoughts, and identify ways to incorporate lessons learned into daily lives.
Research by Watts et al. (2017) further highlights the importance of integration. It revealed that participants who engaged in follow-up care reported increased feelings of connectedness and acceptance after psilocybin therapy.
After one of these sessions, participants are encouraged to relax for the remainder of the day, avoid screens, and eat a nourishing meal. While normal activities, such as driving or working, can typically resume the next day, a low-stress week is recommended to allow more time for reflection and adjustment after the intense emotional experience.
The Zendo Project also provides valuable integration resources, including guidance on processing psychedelic experiences and applying insights to daily life.
Is Microdosing a Myth or Placebo?
Microdosing, or taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, is often misunderstood. Far from being a placebo, microdosing has shown promise in improving mood, emotional resilience, and creativity. Polito & Stevenson (2019) conducted a systematic study on microdosing, finding that participants reported meaningful shifts in mental health and cognitive flexibility over time.
Unlike a single high-dose journey, microdosing works gradually, allowing participants to experience changes in a more subtle and reflective way. This method is ideal for those who prefer a slower, more integrated approach to personal growth. With the guidance of an experienced facilitator, microdosing can be a powerful tool for transformation.
How Does LSD Compare to Psilocybin in Therapy?
Both LSD and psilocybin are psychedelics with potential therapeutic benefits, but psilocybin has emerged as the preferred option in clinical settings. Psilocybin therapy is legal in some states, such as Oregon, under specific regulatory models, whereas LSD is not currently approved for therapeutic use in the U.S.
In terms of experience, psilocybin is often described as more introspective and manageable, while LSD can produce longer-lasting and more intense effects. A study by Carhart-Harris et al. (2012) highlights psilocybin’s ability to reduce activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), promoting emotional breakthroughs and self-awareness.
LSD, while less extensively researched in recent years compared to psilocybin, has demonstrated therapeutic potential in certain studies. For instance, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study investigated LSD-assisted therapy in patients with anxiety, both with and without life-threatening illnesses. The findings indicated that LSD-assisted treatment led to significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, with positive effects persisting over time. Despite these promising results, psilocybin is often preferred in therapeutic settings due to its shorter duration of action and a more substantial body of clinical research supporting its use.
Moving Forward with Confidence: Understanding the Path to Healing
Psychedelic therapy is a promising approach that has the potential to reshape mental health treatment and personal growth. Research continues to demonstrate the safety and benefits of therapies like psilocybin. With proper screening, professional guidance, and thoughtful follow-up care, patients can experience meaningful and lasting results.
Whether you’re considering microdosing, exploring the differences between psilocybin and LSD, or curious about integration practices, the path to understanding starts with credible information and compassionate guidance. If you’re ready to take the next step, know that support and resources are available to help you along the way.