Exploring Psychedelic Support: Find Your Path to Transformation
From July 1 psychiatrists in Australia are able to prescribe MDMA and psilocybin for controlled clinical use. As announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in February.
If your interest has been piqued by the recent news or you've stumbled across this post then you're a seeker of personal growth and transformation. So let's dive into the different avenues available to safely support your journey to self discovery and some of the concerns being discussed at the moment.
With the recent TGA announcement your only legal avenue to procure MDMA or psilocybin is through a licensed psychedelic therapists.
For those seeking deeper healing and facing challenges like treatment resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, or addiction, psychedelic therapy can be a transformative option. Psychedelic therapists are trained and licensed professionals who combine psychotherapy with the power of psychedelic substances. They help you navigate past traumas and break free from negative thought patterns. With their guidance, you may be able to identify and transcend limiting beliefs, release past experiences and start on the path to understanding and profound healing. It's a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation but not without potential challenges so having the guidance a professional who is well versed and equiped to navigate this space with you is important to the process.
Psychedelic coaches are an alternative to therapy. Unlike psychologists and psychiatrists, coaches do not diagnose or treat PTSD, substance abuse, addiction, or severe trauma. They are also not able to prescribe or provide any psychedelic substance. They do however help you to navigate your own mindset to enhance your relationships, career, and overall well-being, psychedelic coaches are here to help you maximise the experience. Coaches specialise in guiding you to set clear intentions and create the perfect environment for your journey. With their support, you'll be better prepared to navigate your experience and learn practical techniques like guided meditations, breathwork, journaling, and life planning which are important tools for integrating your experience. Coaches should help you to tap into your own potential for personal growth.
Risks of a Bad Experience
The recent news is not without its critics and its good to get a balanced view so you can make informed decisions. There have been some concerns that research has yet to show which patients are best suited to the treatments. As stated in the recent Nature article “It’s not for everybody. We need to work out who these people are that are going to have bad experiences, and not recommend it,” says Susan Rossell, a psychiatrist at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne,
The TGA says that doctors who prescribe MDMA and psilocybin must follow a code of conduct published by the Medical Board of Australia. So while the news has been welcomed by some the industry is approaching this new era with optimistic caution. Current research into psychedelic treatments also exclude or is limited when it comes to serious psychological issues like bi-polar and a number of other serious psychological disorders. Likewise research related to microdosing while showing positive results has limitations.
Like most treatments, nothing is without risks although research has shown that psychedelics are more cost effective and pose a lower risk than traditional medications with longer term benefits. The notion of a "bad trip" with the right support could also be an opportunity to delve into an area of oneself that needs exploring and having the right professional support to do this would be invaluable.
Discover Your Path to Transformation
Central concepts to psychedelic healing is the importance of set (expectations), setting (physical environment) and the client–patient relationship, it's important that all three are interwoven to your experience to realise positive outcomes.
With that in mind remember to educate yourself on reputable organisations like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Johns Hopkins University, or the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. Dive into the wealth of knowledge and research about psychedelics and their potential benefits. And approach psychedelics responsibly, with respect, intention, and a genuine desire to grow.
If you're looking for clinicians in Australia the following sites may be useful places to start:
Psychedelic Support *Pls note this is a US based organisation which lists local therapists.
Join me on this journey
I'm here to support you every step of the way. I believe in the power of personal freedom and the incredible transformations that psychedelics can bring. Connect with me here or follow me on Instagram for a supportive community committed to overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing our authentic selves and unlocking our unique potential.
Additional resources:
Australian Psychological Society
Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practicitioners
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7880300/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5048497/
Disclaimer: Please remember to prioritise safety, educate yourself, and consult professionals who are trained in psychedelic support. The journey to personal transformation is unique to each individual, and there are people to support you along the way!