The benefits of using magic mushrooms and fully integrating them into therapy have received different debate. However, the discussion on the successful use of mushrooms with a therapist is limited.
Finding a therapist you connect with is similar to conventional talk therapy; it enhances communication and improves patient outcomes. Read on to explore this one research study that emphasizes the therapeutic alliance as a factor in maximizing the benefits of shrooms Canada.
Key Takeaways:
- Traditional therapies show small to moderate effects of the alliance on outcomes, while psilocybin-assisted therapy shows moderate to large effects.
- A stronger therapeutic alliance links with sustained improvement of outcomes for up to one-year post-treatment.
- When participants trust their therapist, they are more likely to trust their thoughts and feelings.
Magic Mushrooms for Psilocybin Therapy
Magic mushrooms contain the compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Doctors prefer psilocybin in therapeutic settings due to its stability and longer shelf life. It can induce alterations in consciousness and perceptual changes.
While recreational users may seek these experiences for relaxation or enjoyment, they hold more significant potential medically. In clinical settings, health professionals use psilocybin to treat various mental health conditions and alleviate end-of-life distress.
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
Psilocybin used through a therapeutic method is known as psilocybin-assisted therapy. This emerging approach shows promise in treating a range of psychiatric disorders. Both the psychological mindset (“set”) and physical environment (“setting”) during substance intake significantly influence the quality of the acute experience.
Preparatory and integrative psychotherapy sessions conducted before and after administration receive considerable emphasis. Different methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, demonstrate the effectiveness of psilocybin therapy.
The success of all these approaches depends on the therapist.
Therapeutic Alliance and Psilocybin Therapy Effectiveness
The therapeutic alliance is one of the most important “common factors” in therapeutic practice. It broadly refers to the collaborative relationship between patient and clinician. Research demonstrates that a more potent therapeutic alliance correlates with positive treatment outcomes.
In March 2024, a study published in the Journal of PLOS One looked into how patients with major depressive disorder benefit from their psychedelic treatment and their therapist.
| Study Design | A randomized waitlist-controlled trial that investigated the effects of two doses of psilocybin combined with approximately 11 hours of psychotherapy.24 participants provide ample statistical power to detect moderate changes in depressive symptoms from pre-psilocybin to post-psilocybin. |
| Subjects | Adults diagnosed with moderate-to-severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Ages 21 to 75Participants refrained from certain medications (e.g., antidepressants). |
| Measures | Therapeutic Alliance: This occurred at the final preparatory session before psilocybin administration and one week after the first and second psilocybin sessions.Depression: Assessed using the GRID-HAMD at baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up.Psilocybin Effects: The analysis included the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) and a single-item measure of psychological insight. |
Results
The study found that a stronger therapeutic alliance, as rated by participants, was connected with improvements in depression outcomes up to one-year post-treatment. A stronger alliance during the final preparatory session predicted higher ratings of both mystical-type experiences and psychological insights during the acute phase.
These findings emphasize the role of the therapeutic alliance in optimizing the psychedelic experience toward therapeutic benefits.
Traditional therapies show small to moderate effects of the alliance on outcomes, while psilocybin-assisted therapy shows moderate to large correlations. Psychedelics’ ability to enhance mental processes broadly could link to this change, possibly stretching the interpersonal dynamics in therapy.
Trust and a Better Relationship With Your Therapist Are Important
The therapist’s role is to remain calm and steady and offer support as participants explore their inner selves. Central to this process is the building of trust. When participants trust their therapist, they are more likely to extend that trust to their own thoughts and feelings.
Therapists develop trust by being fully present and accepting of their guiding individual. They approach their role with curiosity, respect, and an open mind, which encourages participants to do the same.
How to Find the Best Therapist For a Successful Psychedelic Session
Choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming, whether or not psychedelic therapy is involved. The fundamental question is, “What type of therapist would best fit me?” This question prompts various possible answers, as each person’s needs and preferences vary widely.
You can simplify the process when finding your perfect therapist.
Check Credentials
Different professionals can handle the therapy session, so you may want to consider the following:
- Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose mental health conditions and can prescribe medications.
- Clinical psychologists (PsyD, Ph.D.) undergo extensive doctoral training to provide therapy and psychological assessments.
- Integration coaches or therapists commonly hold Master’s degrees. They become licensed professional clinical counsellors (LPCC) or marriage and family therapists (LMFT). LPCCs offer counseling for mental health conditions, while LMFTs address emotional issues within the context of family or support networks.
Be More Specific
When searching for an integration coach or therapist to guide you, you must consider your specific needs and how well a provider’s expertise aligns with them.
If you need help with mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, or eating disorders, choose a provider experienced in treating these issues. Consult a licensed psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for guidance on medications and interactions.
Considering Belief Systems
When selecting an integration provider, consider how their knowledge and experience align with your religious or spiritual beliefs. You might prefer a provider who is open to your beliefs without necessarily sharing them or someone who has a deeper understanding of your belief system.
Liam Farquhar, an integration specialist, suggests,
“There’s value in finding niche integration providers who comprehend your spiritual framework. Look for someone who meets you where you are without being prescriptive. Finding a provider who understands that can be beneficial if you have a particular spiritual or religious background.”
Shared Lived Experience
Individuals seeking healing through psychedelic integration may prefer their support provider to share certain identities, such as race, sexuality, or gender identity. Those from marginalized groups find comfort with a specialist who understands their experiences firsthand.
“People of colour, especially Black individuals, carry specific types of trauma, like ancestral trauma, that not all facilitators can handle,” explains Robin Divine, founder of Black People Trip and psychedelic facilitator for Black women.
Having a provider with a shared lived experience is valuable because it stops the need to explain the impact of racial trauma during psychedelic sessions.
Trust Your Intuition
Qualifications and certifications are necessary, but finding the right integration provider goes beyond credentials. They may not be the best fit if their presence doesn’t resonate with you. Consider meeting them in person or via video call before committing to assess their personality and communication style and ask your questions.
Take your time to find a practitioner who truly connects with you. You can also watch videos or listen to podcasts featuring them to understand their approach. Some coaches offer free consultation calls to potential clients.
Find the Right Product
Once you’ve established a strong therapeutic relationship and found the right guide, the next step is to explore suitable psilocybin products. Choosing the right product can greatly enhance your overall experience when complemented with effective therapeutic sessions.
| Product | Type | Benefits | Consumption |
| Golden Teacher | Dried Mushroom | Moderately potent effectsDiverse usageQuick effects | Oral ingestion or mushroom tea |
| Wonder – Psilocybin Gummies – Blackberry – 3000mg | Edibles | Mask the taste of shroomsEasy to manage dosage | Oral consumption by chewing or sublingual |
| Bright Future – Neon Vision | Tincture | Controlled dosageQuick effect | Oral ingestion or add on food or beverages |
| Euphoria Psychedelics Strawberry Lemonade – 3000mg | Drink/Beverage | Controlled dosageOn-the-go | Oral ingestion |
Trust Issues? Not with Psilocybin Therapy
The relationship between the patient and therapist matters, not only during a psychological evaluation but especially in psilocybin therapy. When there is strong trust between therapist and patient, the benefits of psilocybin therapy can extend over a longer period. It will reduce the need for frequent doctor visits and ongoing medication maintenance. Ensure the mushroom product used during your session is sourced from a reliable dispensary like Zoomies Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I experience a “bad trip” with my trusted therapist?
- Tell your therapist what you’re feeling.
- Rely on your therapist’s instructions.
- Use deep breathing, focus on physical sensations, or hold a comforting object.
- Engage in mindfulness, listen to soothing music, or look at calming visuals.
- Accept the situation as temporary and view it as a learning journey.
- If needed, move to a different, more comfortable space.
- Drink water to stay calm.
- Discuss and integrate the experience with your therapist.
- Follow the pre-established emergency protocol if necessary.
How does psilocybin therapy compare to other psychedelic-assisted therapies, like MDMA or LSD?
- Psilocybin Therapy. Uses compounds from magic mushrooms to promote introspection and emotional healing for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- MDMA-Assisted Therapy. Enhances empathy and emotional openness through a synthetic compound, beneficial for PTSD and emotional resilience.
- LSD-Assisted Therapy. Alters perception and promotes creativity and spiritual experiences via another synthetic compound, helpful for anxiety, depression, addiction, and spiritual growth.
How much does an integration coach or a psilocybin-assisted therapist cost?
The cost varies based on the years of experience and licensing. Newer coaches commonly charge between $60 and $150 per hour, whereas those with established reputations and extensive experience may charge $200 or more per session.
