PSYCHEDELIC PREPERATION AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT

The Importance of Support in Psychedelic Medicine

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Preparing for the Journey

Engaging in preparation support involves articulating intention-setting. This process draws on one's personal journey and current symptomatology to clarify a deeper purpose for meeting with a psychedelic medicine. A relationship begins to form as individuals approach the medicine work with greater reverence, cultivating an attitude of respect and reciprocity. This acknowledges the importance of intention-setting to develop a reciprocal relationship with the chosen medicine.

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In traditional contexts, custodians of these medicines often refer to them as having consciousness or spirit. This reflects the idea of animate forces that work in a dyadic way with the person approaching them through the ingestion of these plants. Therefore, how we approach these medicines plays a vital role in cultivating a particular relationship with them, fostering a connection as we would with our human family. In my experience, when medicines are approached with this deeper level of consciousness, clients take more care, and the plants reciprocate with a deeper level of healing.

Integrating the Experience

Integration support deepens the understanding of the sometimes-elusive nature of plant medicine experiences. By focusing on specific aspects of the experience and connecting with the initial intentions, it supports a deeper understanding of the language of the plants and how their messages relate to the client's personal journey. Most importantly, it helps clients understand how these messages can support their journey toward wholeness and greater well-being.

Sometimes, psychedelic journeys can leave people feeling confused or off-center and may bring up old or forgotten traumas, which can be destabilizing. Engaging in support can provide a sense of gentleness around the experience by deepening insight and developing tools to regulate the experience and integrate insights into daily life. This, in turn, maximizes the potential of the work and creates lasting changes that extend beyond the acute peak experience.

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Personal Choices and Empowerment

In my humble opinion, plant medicines are not suitable for everyone. Certain medicines offer specific benefits for particular symptomatology. I am passionate about supporting individuals in making informed choices to engage with these modalities with greater awareness and empowerment.