Positively Consolidating Psychedelic Experiences [From A-Z]

As research resumes into the world of psychedelics and the compounds that produce such effects, most prevalently as they relate to self-actualization and a healthier mental state and just how to tap into these advantageously. So naturally how to positively consolidate these psychedelic experiences is quickly becoming a key topic for many.

However, what does it mean to positively consolidate an experience and what are the key steps?

So let’s take the A-Z tour:

Psychedelic Consolidation Treatment

 

The investigation and experimentation of psychedelics began in the 50s and paved the way to a great alternative to traditional therapy models, as they allowed participants to achieve a more holistic view and means of working with their psyche.

 

This changed in the 60s as psychedelics' popularity in the mainstream as a drug of amusement led to most of them becoming schedule 1 controlled compounds. Noted with an extra likelihood of misuse and no therapeutic worth. Which meant investigation and experimentation were stopped.

 

Since these compounds were now illicit, researchers started to look at newer compounds, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). These also led to beneficial first results, however, changes in legislation and the classification of the compound halted investigation in the 80s.

 

It is only in recent times that research has been allowed to start once more and we now have many individuals looking into the host of advantageous effects of these compounds. While only a recent resurgence, there has been an impressively sizable amount of information to support the advantageous use of these compounds to support traditional therapy for numerous mental health disorders, specifically relating to those that affect the emotional body.

 

Although many conflicting views exist when it comes to substance-assisted therapy, many of these compounds are seen to bring in sustainable advantageous effects with relatively minimal drawbacks. In addition to this a 2013 report discovered that instead of mental health issues, psychedelic use rather led to a healthier mental state.

 

However while there may not be predominant links to unwanted consequences, the sheer brevity of the experience can be hard to consolidate in a positive light, due to the deep and unsettling spaces and perspectives they allow oneself to draw, on oneself. Buried thoughts, emotions, and views of oneself may arise and without knowing how to navigate these, it can be a real challenge to continue with one's day-to-day experience.

 

This can lead to many making significant alterations to their life and habits, without being fully aware of the ramifications. This may also appear as a removed stance in their own lives, for days to weeks following the experience.

 

As such it is of utmost importance to adequately prepare and be aware of the process of consolidation following the psychedelic experience. To best navigate this there are several approaches, such as one-on-one treatment, coaching, and psychedelic consolidation groups.

 

These all naturally have their appealing factors and drawbacks. Let's dive in.

 

One-on-One Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP)

This methodology is based around using the traditional psychological or behavioral therapy model with the use of psychedelics. Anyone curious about this modality should only consider doing so with a trained and certified specialist. While having a comfortable awareness of the use, effects, and diversity of these compounds, it is also important for them to be emotionally aware, and self-aware and their presence to create a sense of safety and trust.

 

Due to their unique background, they are capable of helping an individual move through their experience, prepared for whatever may arise, while being able to ensure the physical as well as experiential safety of the individual having the experience.

 

The main disadvantage is the cost of these therapies and the therapists can be quite costly. Hence many are forced to consider other ways to consolidate their experiences.

 

Psychedelics Coaching

This modality also happens one-on-one, but where PAP is about guidance within the sessions, coaching works more with preparation leading up to the experience and following said experience.

 

These coaches may help bring awareness to different areas of one's life that may be beneficial to acknowledge and seek different ways to relate. To help ask the questions to drive the psychological inquiry to a point of discovering what the main underlying stories are.

 

Many coaches are focused on specific key groups such as micro-dosing or self-actualization in business and leadership roles, life coaches with an extra kick. As such take the time to identify what areas you are wanting to improve and find a coach that can help you achieve these goals.

 

The differences between coach and guide are important to highlight here. A coach is very much about helping leading up to and following the experience, whereas a guide is mostly about helping create a safe space and guidance within the session. Coaching is about outside the session, the guide is for in the session. One may also choose to make use of a guide and a coach, to have both sides covered.

 

Psychedelic Consolidation Groups

Consolidation groups are often run by a certified treatment practitioner or an individual with substantial psychedelic experience and are designed to help people come together to consolidate their experiences by sharing them with others. This can help by allowing individuals to hear the shared themes of their experiences while also working to nullify the emotional charge behind them.

 

These groups are affordable and offer one the chance to meet with similar individuals while also providing beneficial interactions.

 

Safe Preparation for Psychedelic Use

All these modalities can help in the stage leading up to a psychedelic trip. A key factor in this time is to identify which area an individual wants to work with and assess the expectations, and any goals they may have.

 

An important area to remember is the set and setting leading up to the trip. The set is the individual's “frame of mind” leading up and it is most beneficial to garner an attitude of positivity to the psychedelic experience. The setting is referring to the physical location the experience will take place in. Consider if it will be a safe environment that is comfortably stimulating while also providing a therapeutic quality.

 

Another important area is the compound of choice and the dosage.

 

The Psychedelic Consolidation Cycle

It is a widely documented fact that leading up to a psychedelic experience and the consolidation of it are as necessary as the experience itself. Engaging in this cycle and using these processes is a great way to create significant advantageous changes.

 

Important parts of consolidation are:

 

• Allowing oneself to interpret and reflect on visible, material, or mental occurrences as a means of learning from the experience.
• Implementing these learnings creates advantageous effects.
• Navigating any significant emotional incidents that arise.
• Discovering new ways to move with new viewpoints of oneself and others.
• Being aware of oneself relative to their goals.
• Remaining responsible for creating changes that last.
• Staying aware of any desires regarding additional psychedelic usage.
• Writing objectives for future trips.

 

While psychedelics can lead to major life changes, it is integrally important to treat them with reverence and respect. To do this best it is advised to plan and ensure to make use of post-journey consolidation techniques, ideally with a certified specialist.

 

Final Thoughts on Psychedelic Integration

At this point, one should be aware that consolidation of psychedelic experiences and the learnings underneath are key to creating beneficial and lasting changes that are advantageous. As such any individual seeking to use such a compound would be advised to contact an expert and take it from there.

 

Just a reminder that psychedelics remain illegal across most of the globe. As such the onus falls on the individual to be aware and understand their local legislature with regards to psychedelics and remain within a lawful practice.

 

Disclaimer: This article is written purely for educational reasons. Mushly in no way suggests the use, sale, or ownership of any illicit substances. Furthermore, take the time to be aware of the legislature and what that means for you, as decided by the governing body of the country and city you live in.