Frequently Asked Questions

PSI is a powerful, life-enhancing, healing tool, but it is not the ideal therapeutic approach for every person. The innate healing intelligence of our nervous system organically takes us to hyper- and hypo- aroused states. Accessing the trauma underneath these states can be inherently destabilizing and dysregulating. If you have significant trauma or a diagnosed mental health condition that you have not previously received support for, I may invite you to try other therapeutic methods before attempting PSI. If you are still unsure, I would be happy to dive deeper into this question in our initial phone consultation.

Traditional talk therapy such as CBT can be quite useful in managing symptoms but it does not address or resolve core issues. The goal of this modality is to keep the suffering in the realm of tolerance, but that is not where healing happens.

The focus of ceremonial use of psychedelics is spiritual work. The body is largely left out of it--yet the body is where healing must occur, because that's where we store our trauma.

Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Therapy (PSI) combines the beneficial aspects of interactive talk therapy, the nurturing capacity of bodywork, and the ego-disarming, consciousness-expanding abilities of psychedelics. It’s this three-pronged approach that makes the PSI technique so effective and long lasting.

For a deeper and more detailed analysis, see "What is the Difference Between the Sitter Model and Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP)" in the Recommended Research list.

Establishing a relationship with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LPCC), or other licensed mental health care professional is essential in helping you through the Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Therapy (PSI) process, which is inherently destabilizing.

Everyone processes PSI and metabolizes entheogenic medicines differently. These sessions can last anywhere from two to eight hours.

Integration sessions are essential. The secondary consciousness (ego) learns from the primary consciousness (unconscious) during this session so that the information and insights gleaned during the medicine session can be integrated into the body and psyche.

The answer to this question will be as personalized as you are unique. The impacts your body and nervous system have sustained and how you have coped with and integrated them determines the number of sessions that will lead to lasting healing for you.

Cranial Sacral Therapy’s deeply calming and pain-relieving benefits enhance and facilitate Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Therapy’s ability to awaken and bring to consciousness suppressed emotion that is held in the body and is the source of chronic pain.