Psychedelic Enhanced Psychotherapy

Southwest Counselling Services is proud to offer an alternative form of therapy that combines legal psychedelic medicine in combination with psychotherapy. This program is designed to help those suffering with depression, anxiety and/or post-traumatic stress disorder to have access to an evidence-based and client-centered treatment approach that differs from standard 'talk therapy'.

Psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy is an emerging field that combines traditional psychotherapeutic approaches with the controlled use of psychedelic substances to facilitate psychological healing and personal growth. This therapeutic model has gained increasing attention and recognition in recent years due to promising clinical research findings suggesting its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions.

Our staff have completed extensive training through the MindSetting Institute in London, Ontario. Psychedelic Enhanced Psychotherapy is comprised of a psychological and medical assessment, treatment planning session(s), a TRIP session followed by integration session(s). The protocol developed at MindSetting is called the Therapeutic Reset of Internal Processes (TRIP). For more information about the TRIP protocol please visit mindsettingpsych.ca.

The cost of completing this program begins at $250/hr and plans are customized to meet each individual’s needs.

For more information about Psychedelic Enhanced Psychotherapy, please contact us at 519-336-3100 or admin@swcounselling.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

How new is this modality of therapy? The use of psychedelics in therapeutic settings is not a new concept. Indigenous cultures have used substances like psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and ayahuasca for ceremonial and healing purposes for centuries. In the mid-20th century, researchers began exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA (Ecstasy) in controlled clinical settings.
What kind of substances are used in Psychedelic Enhanced Psychotherapy?:The most commonly studied psychedelic substances in psychotherapeutic settings include psilocybin (found in certain species of mushrooms), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and ketamine. Each substance has unique effects on consciousness, perception, and cognition, which can be harnessed to facilitate therapeutic processes.
How do the psychedelics work? Psychedelics exert their therapeutic effects primarily by modulating serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptors. This modulation leads to alterations in brain connectivity and neural activity, which can result in profound changes in perception, cognition, emotions, and sense of self. These altered states of consciousness may promote insights, emotional processing, and psychological healing.
How does it work in a therapeutic setting? Psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy typically involves a structured therapeutic protocol conducted in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are guided by trained therapists who provide psychological support and facilitate the client’s inner journey. The therapy often includes preparatory sessions, the administration of the psychedelic substance, the psychedelic experience itself, and integration sessions to process insights and experiences.
What can Psychedelic Enhanced Psychotherapy help me with? Research suggests that psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy shows promise in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), addiction, and existential distress in patients with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Studies have reported significant and enduring improvements in symptoms, as well as enhanced psychological well-being and quality of life.
Is it safe? Psychedelic therapy is conducted under strict guidelines to ensure safety and minimize potential risks. Screening procedures help identify individuals who may not be suitable candidates for psychedelic therapy due to medical or psychiatric contraindications. Additionally, therapists undergo specialized training to effectively support clients through the psychedelic experience. In terms of legality, psychedelic therapy remains restricted in many jurisdictions, although there has been growing interest in regulatory changes to expand access for therapeutic purposes.

Why Ketamine?

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention in recent years for its therapeutic potential in treating various psychological disorders. While traditionally used in surgical settings and emergency medicine, ketamine has demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant effects and shows promise in managing other psychiatric conditions. Here are some of the benefits of ketamine for psychological disorders:

Rapid Onset of Action: One of the most remarkable aspects of ketamine therapy is its rapid onset of action. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks or even months to alleviate symptoms, ketamine can produce antidepressant effects within hours or days after administration. This rapid response is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe depression or suicidal ideation who require immediate relief.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Ketamine has shown significant efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a form of depression that does not respond adequately to conventional antidepressant medications. Studies have consistently demonstrated that a single dose of ketamine can produce rapid and robust antidepressant effects in individuals with TRD, offering hope for those who have not found relief with other treatments.
Reduction of Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation in individuals with depression. This effect is particularly noteworthy given the urgent need for interventions that can address suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Ketamine’s ability to provide rapid relief from suicidal ideation may help prevent suicide attempts and save lives.
Anxiolytic Effects: In addition to its antidepressant properties, ketamine also exhibits anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Research suggests that ketamine may be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The anxiolytic effects of ketamine can contribute to overall improvements in mood and functioning.
Neuroplasticity and Synaptogenesis: Ketamine’s mechanism of action involves modulating glutamate neurotransmission in the brain, leading to increased synaptic plasticity and the formation of new neural connections. These neurobiological effects may underlie its therapeutic benefits for depression and other psychiatric disorders. By promoting neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, ketamine may help restore normal brain function and alleviate symptoms of psychological distress.
Extended Duration of Effect: While the antidepressant effects of a single dose of ketamine may be short-lived, repeated ketamine treatments have been shown to produce more sustained improvements in mood and functioning. Ketamine infusion protocols typically involve a series of sessions spaced over several weeks or months to maintain therapeutic effects. Some individuals may also experience prolonged remission from depressive symptoms following a course of ketamine therapy.
Potential for Personalized Medicine: Ketamine therapy offers the potential for personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual patient needs. Clinicians can adjust dosing regimens and treatment protocols based on factors such as symptom severity, treatment response, and tolerability. This flexibility allows for a more nuanced and individualized approach to psychiatric care, optimizing outcomes for patients with diverse clinical presentations.

While ketamine shows great promise as a novel treatment for psychological disorders, it is essential to acknowledge potential risks and limitations associated with its use. These may include side effects such as dissociation, hallucinations, and abuse potential, as well as the need for further research to establish long-term safety and efficacy. Additionally, ketamine therapy is typically administered under medical supervision in specialized clinic settings to ensure safety and effectiveness. Overall, ketamine represents a groundbreaking advancement in psychiatric treatment that holds significant potential for improving outcomes for individuals with depression and other mental health conditions.

For more information about Psychedelic Enhanced Psychotherapy, please contact us at 519-336-3100 or admin@swcounselling.ca