What is Psychedelic Integration?
Let’s have the conversation everyone wants to have but only behind closed doors. Plant medicine is the use of herbs, roots, tinctures and mixtures that carry medicinal value and benefits. Humans have been using this source of healing for thousands of years- so why are we so scared of them?
Some of these plants and mixes of them provide the human mind with a “consciousness-altering” experience or have hallucinogenic effects. This can be physical changes such as slowed heart rate or affected vision, however, the experience that we have tied to “plant medicines” happens in the mind and perception of the user. These medicines have also been utilized for thousands and thousands of years in civilizations as rituals for maturing, labor, marriage, or as a healing mechanism following states of depression or spiritual angst. These plant medicines with consciousness-altering properties used throughout history are (but not limited to) Ayahuasca, Peyote, Bufo Alvarius, and Cannabis.
In our modern age of medicine and research, we also have synthetics such as Ketamine, LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), and MDMA (4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) that also provide an altering of consciousness in their own ways.
Ever heard of psychedelics? How about plant medicine?
For some of these, the use can be legally provided as a therapeutic tool and carefully prepped, administered and integrated after the experience.
Integration is the practice of applying what is learned and realized while under the experience of a substance (when the ego is usually not interfering with the thoughts) to everyday life for an improved life experience. Such as the love that can be felt on MDMA. The one-ness and connection that is found in all thing that can be felt on psilocybin mushrooms. The experiences of plant medicines are not as simple, and can be profoundly intense within the users mind. The lessons can only be interpreted by the user as they walked into the medicine with intentions that may have been answered or adjusted within their experience.
Each person prefers to integrate differently; alone, in a community, days following, hours following, etc. This is a individualistic practice meant to continue over time. The ways in which integration is practiced and implemented into daily life is all up to you. Did you fully embrace the experience- intense or subtle? What did you learn? What did you miss?
Most importantly, integration allows us to carry the effect of the experience for a long period of time WITHOUT submitting to the experience consistently.
What is Integration?
Therapy and Psychedelic Integration
As a therapist, my recommendation to clients is most often to schedule a therapy session immediately following your psychedelic journey while you are still so open. This way the therapeutic work can happen faster and more efficiently since a lot of your walls and defenses will be down. For some clients scheduling the following day works just as well. And for others, they have invited me to guide their journey as I hold a safe space for them and ask them questions to guide them to the deep emotional places they want to go.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide you with this plant medicine/psychedelics. But we are able to provide referrals to reputable ketamine clinics in the area. To begin working with a therapist who can help guide and integrate your sacred experience into day to day life, schedule a free 10 minute call with one of our counselors. And don’t worry. All of them are well versed in plant medicine and psychedelics.
