“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
― Carl Jung
We offer psychedelic-assisted therapy with either ketamine or cannabis, utilizing the therapeutic modality Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). While it is possible to gain new insights and talk your way through a psychotherapy session, PSIP is based on the understanding that it can be effective to ‘feel’ your way through a psychedelic therapy session. PSIP is a non-ordinary state psychotherapy, derived from the Psychedelic Somatic Institute model. It is a therapeutic modality combining a somatic, autonomic nervous system-based treatment protocol with legal psychedelic medicines. Set (mental and emotional state, and intention), setting (the physical location of the experience), therapeutic modality and therapeutic relationship are key determinants of how psychedelics move through a person’s system and the outcomes they produce.
The body holds profoundly intelligent, self-corrective, healing mechanisms that become very active during the psychedelic state. The autonomic nervous system is crucial in processing the emotions, hidden memories, and unconscious programming that arise in psychedelic therapy. This model allows the nervous system not only to manage symptoms, but to resolve them and to achieve homeostasis.
The following study presents a case of cannabis-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) as a treatment for complex PTSD. Cannabis was paired with Psychedelic Somatic Interactional psychotherapy (PSIP), to target complex relational trauma that manifested as fear, negative emotions, and detachment. From baseline to post-treatment, the patient showed a 98.5% reduction in pathological dissociation.
check out these resources, If you are interested in learning more about Somatic and Psychedelic therapy:
MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at Mount Sinai
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Razvi, S., Elffink, S. (2020). The PSIP Model. The Journal of Psychedelic Psychiatry, 2(3).
“Through transformation, our nervous system regains its capacity for self regulation. Our emotions begin to lift us up rather than bring us down. They propel us into the exhilarating ability to soar and fly, giving us a more complete view of our place in nature.”
PROVIDED BELOW ARE SELECT FORMS THAT ARE USED with PSIP:
PSIP Intake Questionnaire
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription?
Yes! In order to engage in this work, you will need a prescription for either Ketamine or medical marijuana. If you don’t have a prescriber, we can refer you to one!
What type of prescription is right for me?
You are welcome to work with cannabis or ketamine. We have found that ketamine is more useful for this type of therapy if cannabis is used initially to resolve dissociation and activate ANS processes. Clients are responsible for bringing and administering their own cannabis or ketamine in the session. We cannot provide or administer these medicines. Vape pens are preferred because they are so easy to operate but flower is also fine. We recommend against tinctures or edibles because their onset is difficult to predict, takes more time and the effects last for many more hours. While strains do make a difference, it really is the THC that creates the response. You are welcome to research the more psychedelically oriented strains on sites such as leafly.com. If you are new to cannabis, a hybrid CBD with TCH will create a softer session (good for beginners). If you are experienced, a more pure THC product (sativa or indica) will provide a more potent session. Also, bringing a separate CBD product can be helpful as many people report it decreases the effects of THC and can be used to exit or soften the session if you need.
Is Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapy covered by my insurance?
Unfortunately, no. Psychedelic Psychotherapy is NOT covered by insurance at this point.
Who is Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for?
This modality is most beneficial in supporting clients who are looking to overcome a traumatic event, memory, or pattern that has been stored in their body and mind and has been limiting them.
Is Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapy right for me?
It depends! It depends on your level of distress, safety, and support. These will be assessed, in addition to the type of diagnosis you may have, or the symptoms you present with. There are certain circumstances where PSIP may not be right for you. In this case, we might suggest a different modality, or refer you to a different provider.
What is the length of this process?
The length of psychedelic therapy varies from one person to another, just like psychotherapy in general. Here is an example of a typical process, that aims to address a specific challenge, like a traumatic car accident, or a traumatic medical procedure, that can take roughly 12 sessions. Your own process might look slightly different, depending on your needs and presentation of course.
Intake: 1-2 sessions (1-1.5 hours);
Preparation: 2-3 sessions (1-1.5 hours);
Somatic psychotherapy without medicine: 2-3 sessions (1.5-2 hours),
Somatic psychotherapy with medicine: 4-5 sessions (1.5-2 hours), and
Integration: 1-2 sessions (1-1.5 hours).
How much does it cost?
Intake - $375
Preparation / Integration - $350
Somatic psychotherapy without medicine - $350
Somatic psychotherapy with medicine - $400