What to Expect During a Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Session
What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) and How Does It Work?
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) is a multi-step process designed to ensure safety, effectiveness, and a deeply meaningful healing experience. Here’s how it works:
1. Screening and Eligibility
A licensed facilitator or psychotherapist conducts an initial screening to determine if the individual is a good candidate for psilocybin therapy. While psilocybin is considered remarkably safe, there are some considerations:
Medications: Lithium is contraindicative and certain antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) can blunt psilocybin's effects.
Health Conditions: Individuals with untreated high blood pressure, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, or untreated heart disease would be ineligible.
Psychedelic-Friendly Physicians: Candidates can consult psychedelic-friendly medical professionals if they’d like additional guidance.
To learn more about eligibility and screening, reach out to Wellbeing Trailhead, where Dr. MJ Wilt can guide you through the process.
2. Preparation Phase
Once cleared, clients enter the preparation phase. This includes:
Completing forms required by Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS).
Participating in one or more preparatory sessions to set intentions, build rapport, and understand what to expect.
Determining the appropriate dosage based on factors like weight, sensitivities, and medication history.
Preparation helps ensure clients are mentally and emotionally ready to embrace the transformative potential of psilocybin. At Wellbeing Trailhead, this phase is tailored to create the safest and most meaningful experience possible.
3. Journey Day
On the day of the psilocybin session:
Arrival: Clients arrive at Tryptonite Trail, a licensed psilocybin service center, where a permitted worker provides the psilocybin dose.
Ingestion: Clients consume the psilocybin, often mixed with tea, honey, or other approved foods. Effects begin within 10-40 minutes.
The Experience: The facilitator supports the client throughout the 4-6 hour journey, using tools like music, eyeshades, and conversation to create a safe, reflective environment. Some facilitators take notes to help with integration later.
During this time, clients may experience profound insights, emotional release, and deep connection with their inner world.
4. Integration
The integration process begins within 72 hours of the session and is the key to transforming the psilocybin experience into lasting change. This phase involves:
Follow-Up Sessions: Facilitators offer integration sessions to help clients process their insights.
Continued Support: Many clients choose to work with therapists, journal, create art, or engage in meaningful activities to assimilate their journey.
Critical Developmental Window: For three weeks post-journey, the brain is especially receptive to new learning, unlearning, and personal growth.
Integration turns the insights gained into actionable steps for healing and self-discovery. Dr. MJ Wilt at Wellbeing Trailhead provides expert guidance to make the most of this transformational phase.
Why It Matters
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is more than a treatment—it’s a journey toward wholeness, guided by nature’s wisdom. By addressing root causes and fostering connection, this process offers hope and healing for many.
If you’re curious about how PAT could support your growth, connect with Dr. MJ Wilt at Wellbeing Trailhead to take the first step.