Note: This post is offered for educational and reflective purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. (See “A brief note on scope and intention” at the end.)
Most of us these days seem to have something in common: we are curious about what has come to be known as The Second Psychedelic Revolution. My experience has also led me to some early speculation about what the mushrooms do, as well as some best practices for journeyers.
If there is one thing this field is begging for — and too seldom receiving — it is humility. Although plant allies have been used by indigenous peoples for longer than we have reliable records, modern humankind has a relatively short track record. We are in our infancy. Let’s stay curious, shall we?
A note on my lens and limitations
I have completed a 150-hour facilitation course, and there is no way that I can offer more than a few highlights in this forum. But I’d like to give you enough introduction that you can decide if you’d like to reach out to me to delve deeper — because anybody who does this work has their own unique flavor, and just like with ice cream, not every flavor matches every taste.
Why people seek psychedelic experiences
Why do people turn to psychedelics? You name it. But the word trip already gives us a clue. A trip takes us from a starting location to a new location. Many people feel stuck and are looking for movement. Here are a few popular reasons:
- Trauma integration
- Relationship repair
- Depression and anxiety resolution
- Longevity seekers
- Personal growth
- Recreation
- Escapism
- Spiritual development
- Addiction
- Neurological repair
- Creativity and innovation
Some of these outcomes are more likely than others. From my own experiences and sitting with others, I have seen some remarkable things happen for some people — and I have also seen people experience very little that I could easily observe or identify.
Before going any further, informed consent matters — a lot. Colorado’s official informed consent document was written to be understood and to help people make an informed decision before undergoing a psychedelic experience. If you’re curious, you might want to check it out.
The framework that informs my understanding
Early in my research, before I began my training, I was watching videos from the world’s foremost researchers and practitioners. I kept hearing them talk about IFS, Exiles, Protectors, and more. From context, I began to get a working knowledge of these terms, but it also made me curious to go deeper.
I decided to go straight to the source and bought Richard Schwartz’s book, No Bad Parts, which I write more about here. These ideas have deeply influenced how I understand what mushrooms may do and how I approach this work.
Others will talk about ego death or perinatal work. I don’t say they are wrong — those frames simply don’t resonate for me personally.
My view is informed by an IFS-based belief that at the center of every person is their True Self. In the same way that you can clean and protect a physical wound, but the body itself does the healing, I believe the psyche holds a similar innate intelligence.
When we enter the psychedelic space properly prepared, I believe the True Self shows up and does what it knows how to do — identifying what has been hurt and beginning the work of healing, if we allow it. In this sense, you are your own guru. You are in charge of your own healing, and — as with physical healing — protection and safety matter deeply.
I am not a licensed therapist, nor am I trained in IFS. For therapeutic work, I strongly recommend working with a licensed, certified professional, and I know a few excellent ones.
Preparation: reducing unnecessary risk
In Colorado, there are two pathways for psychedelic use — a personal use track and a licensed track. For those who are already considering psychedelic experiences, I offer preparation and integration sessions focused on education, safety, and meaning-making — not facilitation or guidance during the experience itself.
Preparation sessions can help reduce some commonly reported risk factors associated with what are often called “bad trips,” such as:
- Not knowing what you took
“A guy at a party gave me something — I think it was mushrooms, but now I’m not sure…” - Not knowing your dosage
“I don’t know how much it was — maybe a handful?” - Not knowing what to expect
“The patterns on the wall started moving — is that normal?” - Combining with other substances
“I also smoked weed, snorted some cocaine, and drank a few shots of tequila.” - Not being in a safe place
“We went to a crowded concert, I lost my friends, and ended up surrounded by strangers… and I think some of them were aliens.”
During preparation, you can ask questions. My goal is that if you decide to have a psychedelic experience, you do so with as much information as possible and only when you feel ready. Ideally, you will have someone with you whom you deeply trust and who has experience.
My primary intention is to help you trust your True Self, collaborate with it as material arises, and have tools to help you return to Self if you lose your way.
Integration: what happens after the experience
Integration refers to what happens after your trip. You may have had an experience that felt profound, revelatory, or even cosmic. The real question becomes: how do you integrate what came forward?
Should you actually quit your career, your marriage, leave your children, and join the Peace Corps because the mushrooms “told” you to?
One area researchers are actively exploring is the possibility of increased neuroplasticity following psychedelic experiences. If a critical period opens, how do you make use of it? What practices help translate insight into sustainable change?
Something many people don’t expect is that difficult material may arise after the journey. Tears that didn’t come during the experience may arrive days later, sometimes in the middle of the night. While no one can prepare for everything, having tools and support increases the likelihood that a psychedelic experience leads to integration rather than confusion.
One thing seems clear to me: for those seeking a pharmaceutical “magic pill,” psychedelics may disappoint. For those willing to face and integrate what they may have been avoiding, this work may hold more promise — particularly where spiritual bypassing has allowed burdens to accumulate over time.
A brief note on scope and intention
This article is offered for educational and reflective purposes only. It is not medical, psychological, or legal advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. I am not a licensed therapist, physician, or medical provider, and nothing here should be understood as a substitute for professional care.
Nothing in this article is meant to encourage or promote the use of illegal substances. Laws and regulations related to psychedelic substances vary by location, and it is the responsibility of each individual to understand and comply with the laws in their own jurisdiction.
If you choose to explore psychedelic experiences, those decisions are your own. The preparation and integration work I offer is educational and non-directive, focused on safety, informed consent, meaning-making, and post-experience reflection. I do not provide facilitation, substances, medical guidance, or direction during psychedelic experiences themselves.
Please listen to your own discernment, consult qualified professionals when appropriate, and prioritize your safety and well-being.