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Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT) is emerging as a new way of addressing your mental health conditions and overall well-being that is research-backed and evidence-based. Our program is based on this mounting evidence and is customised to fit every person.

Why Psychedelic Assisted Therapy?

Simply put PAT is the addition of a psychedelic medicine (in plant or synthetic form) to ASSIST a form of therapy (there are many).  

Do you feel like you have tried everything and are not finding relief from your symptoms? You are not alone! Many people find that even though they are engaging in different ways of trying to improve their quality of life by making lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications and going to therapy, they continue to struggle with unhealthy habits, ill health and difficulties in relationships.

Do you feel like you have tried everything and are not finding relief from your symptoms? You are not alone! Many people find that even though they are engaging in different ways of trying to improve their quality of life by making lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications and going to therapy, they continue to struggle with unhealthy habits, ill health and difficulties in relationships.

This is where psychedelics may come in to help you, by adding them as a therapeutic tool to support your nervous system to shift away from ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour, and to be more accepting of changes. There is growing research and anecdotal evidence that PAT could help you to work with difficult experiences or trauma, reduce your anxiety, elevate your mood or make another shift that may be the boost needed to start to make lasting changes.

Certain psychedelics have been researched and shown to have benefit for people with:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Substance use disorder
  • Suicidality

How do I access it?

Ketamine is a powerful and legal psychedelic medication that is used for the treatment of some mental health conditions. Most other psychedelic medicines are currently illegal for use outside of research, special access for end-of-life treatment and some sacred and religious group settings. 

Find out more about the therapy on Ketamine Assisted Therapy.

Psychedelic Integration

Psychedelic experiences vary greatly, can be dream-like in quality, feel disjointed, confusing or bewildering at first. Integration is the process of meaning making that is best done in a supported, intentional way after experiencing a non-ordinary state of consciousness. This is a highly individualised process that can often include creative activities or other activities that are enjoyable and reflective. 

Your PAT therapist will work with you to identify integration tools and strategies that are individual to you and will support you in your process of meaning making to bring back to your everyday life. Are you using psychedelic medicines in another setting and want the help of an integration therapist? 

Learn more about our psychedelic integration services.

Traditional and Sacred Uses

It is important to acknowledge that while western cultures are newly and quickly adopting the healing power of psychedelic medicines, many psychedelic and sacred plant medicines have been used for thousands of years  in ceremonies and for healing in indigenous communities all over the world. We respectfully acknowledge the traditional and therapeutic uses of these plant medicines and advocate for the preservation of the land where they grow.  

There is a lot of wisdom that is held within indigenous communities and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to learn from them to bring healing to our own communities. Interested to know more about traditional medicine practices and what can be done to support their sustainability? Head to Chacruna, the Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines.

It is important to note that:

  • Psychedelics are not right for everyone, there are many health reasons and otherwise why they might not be right for you.
  • Taking psychedelics on your own or without adequate support may actually make you feel worse and could be a safety risk if your drugs have not been tested or if you are not kept safe from external dangers.
  • There is a growing perception that psychedelic medicines are a silver bullet and are a cure for mental health problems, this is not true and when not done incorrectly they can make your symptoms worse.
  • It is common to have unenjoyable or difficult psychedelic experiences, it is a misconception that they always result in increased connection, feelings of oneness etc. By working with a therapist they can help you to work to shape a difficult experience into something that benefits you.
  • While you might experience rapid benefits, psychedelics are not a quick fix, signing up for PAT takes commitment to the healing process and preparation to manage what is coming up during the sessions.
  • Informed consent is extremely important! If you engage in PAT with us we will ensure that all of your questions are answered and that you are saying yes to the therapy only after having all of the information you need.