The Westport Library Resource Guides: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: About

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What is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

In the quiet, dimly lit room, a patient sits comfortably, surrounded by soft music and gentle voices guiding them through a journey of self-discovery...

This isn’t a scene from a science fiction novel but a groundbreaking approach to mental health treatment known as psychedelic-assisted therapy. As research continues to unveil the significant effects these substances can have on the human mind, therapists and patients alike are discovering the transformative potential of psychedelics to heal trauma, alleviate depression, and provide profound personal insights.

Psychedelic therapy incorporates the controlled use of psychedelic substances. Unlike traditional therapy, clinicians use substances such as psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA to supplement counseling sessions. The idea is that with the inclusion of psychedelics, the person will have an altered state of consciousness and be open to more profound emotional healing and personal growth. Psychedelic therapy offers several purported benefits, including:

Rapid and long-lasting results: Psychedelic therapy has been shown to help achieve significant improvements in mental health in a relatively short period. Participants in psychedelic therapy trials have reported positive effects that have lasted long after treatment ended.
Help with emotional processing: Psychedelics have been linked to deep emotional processing, which allows the patient to explore trauma, fear, and anxiety in new ways.
Creation of new neural connections: Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. When this occurs, lasting changes in the neural pathways can lead to improved mental health outcomes.
Spiritual exploration: Psychedelic therapy may offer an opportunity for individuals to explore the spiritual dimensions of their lives. This exploration can lead to a sense of meaning and purpose they felt was previously missing.

Psychedelics work by affecting certain parts of the brain that respond to serotonin, a chemical that influences how we feel and how our body functions. They work like a lock and key—serotonin fits into these areas of the brain and changes mood and body functions. Psychedelics affect specific receptors that lead to an increase in serotonin levels. Once the serotonin levels in the brain surge, individuals can experience changes in their thought patterns and feel different emotions. When psychedelic drugs activate certain receptors, it reduces the energy needed for the brain to switch between different activity states. Through the rapid release of serotonin, individuals can have an increased ability to revisit and process memories and traumas. Continue reading from McLean Hospital