Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and Resources
Research over the last 70 years has proven that psilocybin-assisted therapy is helpful for depression, anxiety, substance-use disharmony, and existential angst. The healing power of psilocybin is thought to be connected to the mechanism of neuroplasticity (the ability of neural networks in the brain to grow, reorganize and change.) Neuroplasticity allows us to “re-write” our narrative of how we view ourselves and the world around us. This new narrative allows us to let go of unhelpful stories and cultivate a new relationship with past traumas that is congruent with the safety of our present circumstance.
Healing with psilocybin shows us that the only way out is through and you’ve got to feel it to heal it. As long as we are pushing away or repressing parts of our consciousness, we will continue to suffer. Instead, we aim for radical self-acceptance and radical inclusivity of all of our parts. When we courageously face the parts of us that we fear, we can re-negotiate our relationship with these parts and integrate them into the wholeness of our being. This is a movement toward wholeness, psychological flexibility, radical acceptance of oneself, and ultimately, deep healing.
End-Of-Life Care
The diagnosis of a terminal illness can often lead to anxiety, depression, severe grief, and the loss of meaning in one’s life. End of life is an important developmental stage just like infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and elderhood. Even when we are dying, it is possible to heal. Often the healing that can happen at the end of life benefits the loved ones and family members surrounding the dying. It can open a window of healing that includes offering/receiving forgiveness, love, and appreciation; tying up loose ends and saying goodbyes. It has been shown that transformative approaches such as KAP not only relieve pain but can also help alleviate those feelings and general distress associated with the thought of dying. For some, this can lead to an increase in purpose, presence and acceptance while also decreasing fear. Some may also realize that even at the end there is still great beauty in life and its transitions)
Additionally, psilocybin-assisted therapy is being studied for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Smoking Cessation, Alzheimer’s disease, Post-Treatment Lyme Disease, Anorexia Nervosa.
Videos
1.) Meditation, Mortality and Psychedelics: A conversation between Tara Brach and Roland Griffiths
2.) The science of psilocybin and its use to relieve suffering