Common anxiety treatments include medication and therapy. However, their potential side effects may render them ineffective for some. This has spurred growing interest in alternative therapies like psychedelic therapy, which employs substances such as “magic mushrooms Montreal” among others.
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[toc]Key Points:
- Psychedelic therapy combines the healing properties of psychedelic substances with traditional talk therapy to facilitate recovery.
- Psychedelic therapy can enhance emotional well-being and overall quality of life through spiritual journeys.
- The integration process is a vital technique in psychedelic therapy aimed at ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the therapy session.
Statistics on Anxiety Disorders in Canada
The 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey reveals an alarming increase in the prevalence of anxiety disorders in Canada. The percentage of Canadians aged 15 and older diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in the 12 months prior to the survey has doubled from 2.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2022.
Psychedelic Therapy Versus Traditional Treatments
Typical treatments for anxiety disorders typically involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also referred to as psychological counselling, is a collaborative process between a therapist and the patient aimed at reducing anxiety symptoms.
In contrast, anxiety medications minimize symptoms by tailoring treatment to the specific type of anxiety disorder and considering any co-existing mental or physical health issues. Although treatments can vary based on individual circumstances, psychotherapy and medication are the essential approaches.
In psychedelic therapy, sessions are unique as they include one or two doses of a psychedelic substance, along with other therapeutic techniques:
The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy
Psychedelic therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes the properties of psychedelic substances to enhance healing. These substances, known for their hallucinogenic effects, have been intrinsic to holistic medicine and spiritual practices in numerous cultures for millennia.
The two substances most frequently used in these therapy sessions are Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. LSD triggers alterations in mood, perception, and consciousness. As indicated on the Health Canada website, psilocybin is the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. Consuming these mushrooms can stimulate sensory experiences, including visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations.
Determining Dosage for Treatment Sessions
In psychedelic therapy, specialists assess patients to determine the appropriate dosage of psilocybin for their sessions. Dosages can vary, with some patients beginning with moderate amounts and others able to handle larger quantities. Typically, the treatment plan includes one to three medication sessions, each lasting six to eight hours and separated by several weeks. This differs from traditional medications which require daily use until a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
Experiences of Spirituality and Transformation
Unlike anxiety medications that primarily manage symptoms, therapy aims to treat the root causes of the condition. Psychedelic therapy can profoundly affect emotional health and quality of life.
The immersive experiences can give rise to profound insights, increased self-awareness, and better emotional processing. These outcomes can stimulate personal growth, inspire positive behavioral changes, and enhance overall mental health.
Outcomes
| Heightened Consciousness | Altered consciousness states offer a new perspective of the world. | These enhanced perceptions often lead to:Deep insightsEpiphaniesImproved comprehension of oneself and one’s surroundings |
| Emotional Healing | Facilitates emotional healing by providing the opportunity to confront and process unresolved trauma, grief, or emotional distress. | This process assists in:Unearthing deeply suppressed emotionsReleasing emotional blockagesEncouraging emotional well-being |
| Amplified Self-Awareness | Increases connectivity among sensory brain regions while decreasing connectivity within the default mode network. This network integrates brain regions that are interconnected, focusing on self-awareness and the individual’s subjective perception.” | These regions are instrumental in: Transforming negative thought processes, belief systems, and habitual behaviours. Empowering users to gain profound insights into their true selves, motivating factors, and interpersonal relationships. |
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy, although not typically connected with psychedelic therapy, is receiving recognition due to its potential benefits. This body-oriented approach explores the connection between the mind and the body. It’s based on the belief that past traumas can trap feelings in the body. Somatic therapists help individuals identify these physical sensations and use therapeutic methods to alleviate this tension.
Integration
This offers a platform for clients to achieve clarity, broaden their perspective, and garner wisdom from their psychedelic experiences. The transformative process occurs during integration sessions with the therapist and the client’s active efforts outside of psychedelic explorations. Integration enhances the transformative power of psychedelics by actively engaging with surfaced insights and emotional revelations.
Types of Integration
- Journaling. By documenting experiences, individuals can solidify memories for easier recall in the future. It also enables clients to examine their experiences from various perspectives to discover different interpretations, meanings, and connections.
- Art. This provides an efficient way to encapsulate the complex emotions and feelings from a psychedelic journey in a creative and visually expressive form.
- Practicing Nature-based Approaches. These can be as simple as taking mindful walks in the forest or seeking tranquility next to a calm body of water. Therapists can assist clients in recognizing the intricate patterns within nature or suggest using natural elements like plants, stones, water, and candles as grounding tools.
- Engaging in Integration Groups. Group sessions with individuals undergoing similar experiences offer valuable opportunities for reflection, support, and connection. The ability of psychedelic therapy to foster a sense of interdependence and shared understanding beyond individual boundaries is fundamental.
The Role of These Techniques in Anxiety Treatment
The primary pharmacological principle behind all psychedelics is their ability to act as agonists, or stimulators, of serotonin (5-HT) 2A
Psilocybin adds value in the treatment of mental health disorders by its action on the serotonin receptor. A central point of study in psychedelic research is the effect on the brain’s default mode network, which is closely linked with repetitive thoughts. This network is also associated with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapy can result in a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, with the benefits lasting for up to a year after treatment.
After a psilocybin session, often characterized by intense spiritual experiences, the patient engages in a dialogue with their therapist. In these talk-therapy sessions, skilled health practitioners strive to listen attentively to the patient. They also employ specialized approaches and strategies to enhance the positive effects of the therapy.
These strategies work together to help those suffering from anxiety achieve lasting relief in fewer sessions than traditional treatments.
Change Your World, Session by Session
Many people rely on traditional anxiety treatments, but these don’t work or satisfy everyone. Psychedelic therapy presents an alternative, using distinctive methods that can trigger transformative experiences. These approaches work together to yield deep, lasting results—sometimes for up to a year after only one to three sessions.
Not only could this therapy improve mental health, but it could also lead to significant cost savings for patients. Ready to discover a new journey towards wellness? Discover the potential of psychedelic therapy with Get Magic Mushrooms Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a particular variety of magic mushroom used for psychedelic therapy?
In studies of psychedelic-aided therapy, a common omission is failing to specify the type of mushroom used. Psilocybe cubensis is typically the variety of choice.
Online magic mushroom dispensaries provide a range of strains to suit different preferences. You have the freedom to choose any strain to experience the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. However, it’s important to exercise caution and choose a reliable vendor to avoid purchasing unsafe magic mushrooms from disreputable sources.
How long does a psychedelic therapy session last?
Psychedelic therapy comprises various stages and the duration can differ. A single session, during which the psychedelic is consumed, lasts between 4 to 8 hours. The whole therapy process, including preparation, the session, and subsequent discussions, can span a few weeks to several months.
As for long-lasting effects, people often report improvements in their mental health for several months, or even up to a year after just a few sessions.
Within just a year or a few sessions, significant transformations can occur.A number of these sessions are part of the package.
Does the therapist guide the patient on their spiritual journey?
In this stage, professionals like therapists or additional staff lend their guidance to the patient. Studies suggest that Spiritual Health Practitioners (SHPs) offer distinct and invaluable contributions to boost participants’ wellness and support their progression on a spiritual voyage. Some people engage an SHP, while others rely on the therapist or specialist available.
Does the “set and setting” play a role in the process of psychedelic therapy?
Indeed, both the individual’s mindset (set) and the physical surroundings (setting) are vital for safely guiding spiritual experiences during a psychedelic therapy session. The person’s mental state molds their spiritual journey, affecting the experience both before and during the psychedelic session. The journey’s direction and depth are influenced by elements like beliefs, expectations, emotional conditions, and intentions.
Primary Source: Psychedelics as Emerging Treatments for Anxiety Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges in a Budding Field – PMC (nih.gov)
About the Authors:
Franklin King, IV, MD. and Rebecca Hammond, M.D.
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