Learn More About Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy

So How does it work?

Simply put, psychedelics are believed to:

  • Allow us to introspect more deeply

  • Expand our “window of tolerance” - I.e. our ability to discuss and process stressful, traumatic, or highly emotional content without becoming physically overwhelmed.

  • Alter our states of consciousness, giving us access to a universal consciousness, or intense spiritual experiences and feelings of transcendence.

  • Identify beliefs, memories, or feelings we are holding in our bodies that need to be released, so they can stop causing physical symptoms.

The mental health applications of such substances are vast and profound, and are quickly leading to advances in the treatment of some of the most complex and persistent mental illnesses. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when legal access is available.

It’s important to remember that psychedelic assisted psychotherapy is only legal through Canada’s Special Access Program, and that experimenting with illegal drugs which are not yet regulated could pose great threat to health and wellbeing.

MDMA

MDMA Is currently being studied for it’s efficacy in treating PTSD and suicidal ideation. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is currently completing Phase 3 FDA approved clinical trials.

Research results from Phase 1 and 2 were incredibly promising, showing effect sizes almost four times that ever seen in antidepressant drug trials.

MDMA is expected to be approved as a prescription drug for use with psychedelic assisted psychotherapy within 18 months to 2 years.

Several other studies are currently in development by MAPS, including a study on the impact of MDMA on the treatment of eating disorders

Several psychedelics are being studied in universities and research centers around the world

PSILOCYBIN

Psilocybin is the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms.” With records of it’s use by shaman and indigenous cultures dating back thousands, if not tens of thousands of years.

There are three main forms of life on earth: plants, animals, and fungi. It is now understood that fungi form vast, interconnected networks under the soil, across hundreds of thousands of miles. The shaman knew these mushrooms held much more within them than simply minerals growing on cow dung.

Specifically, psilocybin has been studied for use in end of life care and reducing the depression and anxiety associated with terminal illness and death.

A university in Ontario is currently studying the effects of micro dosing the substance.

Other psychedelic substances currently being studied include LSD (Acid), Ibogaine, DMT, and Ayahuasca.

KETAMINE

Ketamine is currently a legal prescription drug, that is considered a psychedelic like substance.

Ketamine assisted therapy programs are currently taking place all around the world, including in Calgary, Alberta, and Nanaimo, British Columbia.

The Nanaimo program, Roots to Thrive, is based on the same premise that Healing and Wholeness Mental Health Services was founded: that by looking within ourselves and rediscovering our inner resources, desires, passions and values, we can reconnect with our bodies and spirits. And by reconnecting with our bodies and our spirits, we can once again find a wholeness within ourselves. Also based on the words of Dr. James Gordon and his book, The Transformation.