Psychedelic-Informed Therapy: Understanding Non-Ordinary States Within Therapeutic Work
Psychedelic-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that brings understanding of non-ordinary states of consciousness into clinical practice. This approach recognises that experiences with non-ordinary states can catalyse therapeutic material, requiring skilled therapeutic support that extends beyond basic integration work.
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​What is Psychedelic-Informed Therapy?
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Psychedelic-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that brings understanding of non-ordinary states of consciousness into clinical practice. This approach recognises that experiences with non-ordinary states can catalyse therapeutic material, requiring skilled therapeutic support that extends beyond basic integration work.
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Core Principles
Therapeutic Understanding
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Recognising how non-ordinary states can surface psychological material
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Working skilfully with emerged content and experiences
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Integrating multiple therapeutic approaches as needed
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Supporting ongoing therapeutic process
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Maintaining clear professional boundaries
Clinical Framework
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Non-judgmental, curious therapeutic stance
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Understanding of altered states experiences
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Recognition of spiritual and existential elements
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Integration with evidence-based approaches
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Trauma-informed perspective
Therapeutic Process
Supporting Emergence
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Working with surfaced psychological material
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Processing newly accessible memories
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Supporting emotional regulation
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Addressing activated trauma responses
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Facilitating meaning-making
Therapeutic Integration
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Using appropriate therapeutic modalities
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Supporting psychological processing
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Working with body-based awareness
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Addressing relationship patterns
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Exploring identity shifts
Professional Practice
Therapeutic Approaches
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Trauma-informed therapy
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Somatic approaches
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Internal Family Systems
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Existential therapy
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Cognitive approaches
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Other evidence-based modalities
Clinical Considerations
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Timing and pacing
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Therapeutic containment
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Risk assessment
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Support systems
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Crisis planning
Important Boundaries
Professional Ethics
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Clear scope of practice
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Professional limitations
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Referral networks
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Legal compliance
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Risk management
Clinical Focus
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Therapeutic processing
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Psychological support
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Emotional regulation
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Integration of insights
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Ongoing therapeutic work
Note: Our therapists provides therapeutic support within clear professional boundaries. We do not provide or facilitate access to substances, nor encourage their use. Our focus is on therapeutic support using evidence-based approaches.
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalised guidance.​​​​​​​​​​​
References
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Levenson, J. (2020). Trauma-informed social work practice. Social Work, 65(2), 105-113.
Purkey, E., Patel, R., & Phillips, S. P. (2018). Trauma-informed care: Better care for everyone. Canadian Family Physician, 64(3), 170-172.
SAMHSA (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884.
Sweeney, A., Clement, S., Filson, B., & Kennedy, A. (2016). Trauma-informed mental healthcare in the UK: what is it and how can we further its development? Mental Health Review Journal, 21(3), 174-192.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
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