time for you to take a trip?
Hello, Aspen! Today, let’s explore two powerful healing modalities: psychedelic therapy and Internal Family Systems. You might remember my previous column (“Oh the people you’ll meet,” Sept. 8, Aspen Daily News) which introduced IFS. Now, I want to share how these two transformative approaches can align to create long-term healing. As a therapist and coach, I specialize in IFS and psychedelic therapy. If you’re curious about what these involve, let’s dive in.
At its core, IFS is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as a collection of “parts” or subpersonalities, each with unique roles and emotions. These parts, much like members of a family, interact with one another, sometimes in harmony and sometimes in conflict. Through IFS, individuals can explore their internal world, fostering understanding and balance by listening to these parts with curiosity and compassion.
Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly is psychedelic therapy?” It involves the use of substances like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), MDMA, ketamine or DMT in a controlled, therapeutic setting with the guidance of trained professionals. Despite misconceptions, psychedelic therapy isn’t about wild hallucinations or partying — it’s about profound self-exploration and healing. These substances can provide deep insights, especially for people struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction and eating disorders.
In many cases, psychedelic therapy can achieve breakthroughs in months that might take years in traditional therapy. It’s important to note, though, that psychedelics aren’t a cure-all. They’re not a substitute for therapy, but they offer a new avenue for those who feel stuck in a cycle of unhelpful thoughts or behaviors. In a mental health system where conventional therapies and medications sometimes fall short, psychedelic therapy brings renewed hope for true healing.
So, what happens when you combine the principles of IFS with the potential of psychedelic therapy? It’s like opening a door to deeper self-discovery. Imagine embarking on an inner journey where IFS provides the framework, and psychedelics unlock doors to insights that were previously hidden or inaccessible. Together, these approaches can help you understand and resolve internal conflicts, heal old wounds and restore a sense of wholeness.
This combination creates a powerful synergy, where psychedelic experiences can be guided by the clarity and structure that IFS offers. As the medicine opens you up to new perspectives, IFS allows you to process these experiences in a way that integrates them into your daily life, fostering long-lasting transformation.
Before you rush to experiment with psychedelics, it’s essential to approach this journey with mindfulness. Psychedelic therapy requires careful preparation and should be done under the right conditions to maximize the healing benefits. One key aspect is “set,” or mindset — the mental state you bring into the experience. Having clear intentions before using psychedelics can help guide the experience in a meaningful direction. Equally important is “setting” — the environment where you take the medicine. A safe, comfortable space is crucial, especially when using these substances at higher doses for therapeutic purposes. Typically, a private, familiar environment, such as your home, is recommended.
You absolutely do not need a guide to have psychedelic experiences; however, professional support, particularly when combining psychedelics with therapy like IFS, can enhance the safety and effectiveness of the experience. A guide can help you set intentions, navigate challenging moments during the journey, and integrate the insights gained afterward. That said, if you choose to explore psychedelics independently, ensure you’re intentional and prepared, both mentally and physically, to engage in this kind of deep introspective work.
Psychedelic therapy, especially when paired with IFS, offers a unique pathway to self-awareness and healing. Whether you’re feeling trapped in negative thought patterns, working through past traumas, or simply curious about expanding your consciousness, these tools can provide a path to profound personal growth and transformative experiences.
Whichever route you choose, remember that the journey inward requires patience, compassion and preparation. Psychedelics, when approached with respect and intention, can be a catalyst for change. It’s not an easy path, but for many, it’s one worth taking.
Are you ready for your journey?
