Integration of personal psychedelic experiences into clinical practice
A phenomenological study in mental health professionals
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 4711047 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nir Tadmor (corresponding author), Daniel Halperin (0000-0003-3695-2161, Maccabi Healthcare Services), Guy Simon (0009-0002-9871-0934, Bar-Ilan University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 136-148 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Psychedelic Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2559-9283 • E-ISSN: 2559-9283 |
| Publisher | Akademiai Kiado Zrt (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1556/2054.2024.00372 |
| OpenAlex | W4406387788 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 18 |
BackgroundWhile psychedelic substances are extensively studied through the lens of various academic disciplines, their impact on the therapeutic practice of mental health professionals is yet to be explored. This firsthand experience is deemed crucial for effectively assisting patients in the process of integrating a psychedelic experience.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of psychedelic integration among mental health professionals, focusing on understanding how transformation and insights influence their clinical work.MethodsUtilizing a phenomenological methodology, interviews with eight mental health professionals with substantial first-person experience with psychedelics were conducted.ResultsOur findings indicate a potential, enduring, positive impact of psychedelic meta-integration on the practice of mental health clinicians. The data analysis yielded a multi-faceted model encompassing key aspects of human life including interpersonal and emotional development, relationship with death and nature, concepts of love, meaning, and spirituality, along with elements pertinent to therapeutic work. This comprehensive model integrates these diverse dimensions, offering a holistic understanding of the impact of psychedelics on both personal and professional realms.ConclusionsThe findings of this study lend support to the notion that health professionals involved in clinical work encompassing psychedelic integration should themselves have undergone induced altered states of consciousness, not only for a better empathetic understanding. This might be also predicated on the intrinsic positive transformative effects on their human capacities and as therapists. This dual benefit underscores the importance of personal experience in the effective facilitation of psychedelic integration in clinical settings
Art · Health care · Health professionals · Hermeneutic phenomenology · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Lived experience · Mental health · Narrative · Personal account · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Cross-Cultural and Social Analysis · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
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Phenomenological research methods
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Qualitative inquiry and research design
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| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |