What is Psilocybin Mushroom Therapy? What does facilitation look like?
Dr Lee here! We’ve been up and running for about six months now and I felt like I should write a little bit more about how psilocybin facilitation looks here at Space.
Many people have heard about psilocybin mushrooms, and some have even used them recreationally *raises hand.*
In contrast, clients that come to us take large doses of psilocybin, under supervision, to address specific issues. The biggest thing to highlight here- everyone’s experience looks different. But, when it goes really well, I don’t see or hear from clients for a few hours.
Guided psilocybin facilitation, or psilocybin therapy, is actually a really specific way to use mushrooms. In general, it is much more intense than anything I have experienced. Formal facilitation has three phases that I will walk you through- preparation, administration and integration.
Preparation- Before Psilocybin Mushroom Therapy
The period of time before the actual psilocybin administration session is called preparation.
Most people contact us through our website or via phone call or email. I pretty much talk to everyone, and I enjoy that. I am an MD and I love evidence-based medicine related to psychedelics. I usually will chat with clients for about 10 minutes.
Some people also get a lot of comfort from choosing their facilitator- it is an intimate experience with a few hours of one-on-one time. I usually direct people to our website to take a look at our staff and see if anyone stands out. Other people are more tied to a specific date, and then I’ll match them with a facilitator.
At this point there’s some Very-Official-Paperwork, but more importantly, it’s time to start thinking about the intention each client has for their psychedelic journey. It’s really important to meditate on your intention for a few minutes each day at this point- it will probably change as you do.
We can’t fix a lifetime in one session- no one can. What’s at the forefront of your mind? In what area do you want to move forward?
A few days before the session, facilitator and client will meet for a preparation session. At this point I want to stress openness- try to be as honest as possible with your facilitator and with yourself. Each facilitator runs their preparation sessions differently but a few things are always covered:
- Discussion about the intention you’re bringing in with you.
- A description of the administration session
- Discussion about dosage
- Skills to deal with emotions and physical feelings that may arise during the psychedelic session
I also want people to mentally envision their session- you will be with us for 6 hours, under the influence of mushrooms, being simply asked to sit in one place and think. It’s very different from what people do in their day to day lives, and some people are best served with practice and preparation. Usually, the ability to get deep into a psychedelic experience mentally involves a lot of physical stillness.
For example, clients with ADHD may want to simply practice closing their eyes for periods of time. People with chronic pain may want to take a tylenol before their session.
The Psychedelic Session Itself
Six facilitators currently work at Space. There are similarities and differences, but all facilitators put a great deal of thoughtfulness and individuality into their work.
Some of our facilitators will modify the space with tapestries, art, objects, aromas, and lights. Others leave it minimalist- more like a therapists’ office. Everyone uses music, but in a different way.
Mushrooms are taken at whatever time it takes for the client to feel ready. This is a safe place where there’s really never a rush to do anything, the client can stay as long as they need to. I am the business’s only employee and my time is completely dedicated to Space. When you are here, there is truly nothing else to do but focus on yourself.
After taking mushrooms it usually takes 30-60 minutes for people to notice effects changing. This period is very different between facilitators- some people converse, some people direct their clients to relax with a blindfold right away.
After the come-up, there’s a period of maximum effect, or ‘peaking.’ This lasts 2-4 hours. We will always encourage clients to ‘turn inward’ during this point. That means to use a blindfold and other specialized equipment to enhance the psychedelic experience.
- A voyaging vessel of your choosing- we have an extremely good sofa, two leather electronic recliners, a traditional mattress, and a japanese floor mattress. Choose whatever you think will make you feel most comfortable and unimpeded
- A variety of blindfolds.
- Bose Quiet Comfort headphones- I have tried a few different things but the good ones really go a long way. Most facilitators will use a mix of your music and their own, or default to their own if you don’t have an opinion.
- Weighted and regular blankets
Sometimes, turning inwards isn’t possible. Sessions become conversations, affirmations and other beautiful things. You are welcome to spend time in our garden as well, at any point. I’m super proud of it.
After a period of introspection and soul-searching, people feel quite emotional, vulnerable, and often, talkative. We’re here to receive any type of emotion that is unleashed during your session- that is what we do, professionally. We are all proud to do it.
(**except for violent or sexual energy directed at the facilitator in which case Dr. Lee will spontaneously enter ER doctor mode, double in mass and deal with the offending party)
This is a really special part of the psychedelic journey. Realizations happen. Energy changes. People look totally different during these conversations than they did when they came in.
It’s pretty great.
Integration
Mushrooms will make you feel good. Integration is the process of taking those positive feelings and having them affect your life outside of the psychedelic space.
How did you feel different during your session? I always want to hear specifics, and I always want people to spend time thinking about that question after their experience with us. How did I feel different, and what can I learn from that that will change my day-to-day life.
Our facilitators will always reach out after your session for an integration session. Like a preparation session, it’s held on zoom for convenience. Most of our facilitators will do a brief 10 minute integration for free, and offer a longer and more thorough hour-long integration for a charge. Usually around $75. I don’t take a cut of this since I don’t do anything, so the facilitator will charge directly.
There are some clients that will choose to integrate with a therapist, or a psychiatrist, or a loved one that is particularly receptive to this type of thing. Having someone that is professionally or personally exceptional at discussing emotions is the one you’re looking for at this point.
I am a CBT guy (aka annoying medical homework), so I always frame integration sessions like this- What step can you take on your intention? What concrete thing will you change that addresses your intention?
And for all people, spend time in nature. It is one of the express purposes of Space Clinic for people to give more to the environment and to the planet. And to take care of the planet, you really do have to take care of yourself first
Doc