Psychedelic integration is a unique service, separate from the psychedelic psychotherapy services offered at the Experio Center. This psychological service does not include the use of psychedelic drugs or the facilitation of such experiences.
The term "psychedelic integration" generally refers to the reflection that a person engages in in the days and weeks following a psychedelic trip. This allows a person to "make sense" of the experiences that occurred during the psychedelic experience by relating it to their life experiences or current life issues they are facing.
Integrating (realizing) the psychedelic experience is an important step for those who decide to participate in psychedelic sessions outside of medical institutions. Psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, and others, have long been used by people to expand consciousness and develop spiritually. Although today these substances are still banned in Ukraine and most other countries, over the past decade, science has accumulated a lot of evidence of their effectiveness in mental disorders, so the process of legalizing their medical use is gradually underway (Read more). Modern research often emphasizes the importance of preparatory and integration therapy, and the number of studies has increased dramatically over the past decade and continues to grow.
For many people, psychedelic substances have become a source of new insights, improved self-knowledge and personal growth, opening up new depths of human consciousness and healing. However, sometimes, especially after recreational use of psychedelics, even positive psychedelic experiences can become a challenge, especially if they lead to difficult experiences (the so-called bad trip). For those who have encountered negative aspects of psychedelic experiences, it is important to get support and understand how to cope with these emotions.
A bad trip can cause unpleasant emotions, anxiety, panic, and disorientation. This can arise for a variety of reasons, including previous trauma, fear of losing your mind, anxiety about trying to maintain control, or psychological blocks. Some people may experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts and recurring images from past psychedelic experiences even long after the trip is over. These memories can be disturbing and painful. Other people with untreated trauma may find that psychedelics bring traumatic memories to the surface, leading to distress and the need for therapeutic support.
Our goal is to help you deal with these challenges and use them for personal growth. Psychological support after a psychedelic experience - psychedelic integration counseling or therapy - can be a key factor in successful integration. Such therapy involves working with a psychotherapist who is skilled in helping clients integrate issues and ideas that arose during the psychedelic experience into their daily lives. Psychotherapists can help people understand and cope with memories by offering grounding and coping strategies when intrusive thoughts or visual images arise.
Psychedelic integration sessions are a standard part of most foreign psychedelic therapy protocols conducted as part of clinical trials; however, such therapy can exist separately and independently of the full protocol. This means that clients can do psychedelic integration work with psychotherapists who have not been directly involved in their psychedelic experience. For example, people may have psychedelic experiences on their own or with friends, at music festivals and events, and later find it difficult to deal with strong emotions, unresolved issues, and even trauma that may have surfaced during or after their psychedelic journey.
Our center is the only medical institution in Ukraine that has been providing legal psychedelic therapy with the surgical anesthetic ketamine since 2018. We have the largest experience in the country in helping patients integrate their journey and use it for healing and development.
Our team of trained professionals offers psychological support for those who have difficulty understanding or processing their psychedelic experience, especially those who have experienced the negative aspects of it. Our clinical psychologists counsel those seeking understanding and support in overcoming the difficulties associated with a bad trip. We provide a safe and confidential environment where you can feel understood and supported without judgment or moralizing.
Integrative therapy can also lead to improvements in overall mental health and well-being. Some people report a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially when they were the goal of the psychedelic journey. In addition, the process of integration can lead to positive changes in behaviors, habits, and relationships, promoting ongoing personal growth and empowerment. Ultimately, such therapy provides a valuable resource for those seeking to change their lives after a profound psychedelic experience.
Our services for the integration of psychedelic experience
1. Individual counseling and, if necessary, psychotherapy, based on your personal needs and experience. We help you to understand your emotions, work with traumatic aspects and develop strategies for self-knowledge, achieve desired behavioral changes and bridge the gap between the deep knowledge gained during psychedelic experiences and their practical application in everyday life.
2. Group sessions. Participation in group sessions takes place in a welcoming and safe environment where you can discuss your journey, share your experiences and receive support from others who have gone through similar experiences. Group support can provide you with new opportunities and strategies for successful integration. By creating a community, we help you feel connected and understood.
3. Development of psychological resilience and the ability to solve problems related to psychedelic experience. You will receive tools to effectively manage stress and anxiety to ensure the positive development of your inner world. By teaching you to know yourself and developing your inner resource, we create the conditions for your psychological growth.
Our approach
We understand that integrating the psychedelic experience is an individualized process, and we tailor our psychological services to your unique experience. Our open approach accommodates a variety of personal needs and provides effective tools for your inner improvement. Our team welcomes anyone looking for support and development after a psychedelic experience, whether it was a positive or difficult trip. However, we do not refer clients to underground therapists and are in no way involved in the search for illegal psychedelic substances.
Contact us for help!
If you are looking for psychological support after taking psychedelics or a bad trip, we are ready to become your companions in this important stage. Appointment and details: contact the administrator by phone 07373 080 88 (Kyiv), 063 88 600 60 (Lviv).