Personal Psychedelic Experience as a Training Qualification for Facilitators: A Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Interviews with Psilocybin Experts
Ar Wilson-Poe, Ka Hoffman, Jb Luoma, Cs Stauffer, Kellie Pertl, Alissa Bazinet, Dennis McCarty, P. Todd Korthuis
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 13, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2401982 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 36 |
| Population | Experts with at least 5 years' experience facilitating psilocybin experiences in ceremonial settings, indigenous practices, or clinical trials |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Thematic analysis Qualitative research Hallucinogen Qualitative analysis Medical education Applied psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | Experts with extensive experience facilitating psilocybin services largely view first-hand psychedelic experience as an important qualification for facilitators, though one participant questioned its necessity. |
Abstract
Emerging legal frameworks in Oregon and Colorado license facilitators to support adults receiving psychedelic services. The current legal frameworks are silent regarding facilitators' personal experience with psychedelics. An e-Delphi process recruited 36 experts with at least 5 years' experience facilitating psilocybin experiences in ceremonial settings, indigenous practices, or clinical trials. Respondents completed in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews via secure web links. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Experts with a mean of 15.2 (SD 13.1) years' experience providing psilocybin services expressed the importance of first-hand experience with psychedelics as a qualification for the emerging workforce. One participant questioned the necessity of personal psychedelic experience. Experts suggested that personal experience may indirectly support high-quality care because it enhances facilitators' personal wellbeing, and may help facilitators understand the complexity and nature of their clients' psychedelic experiences. Novel state-legal psychedelic paradigms create a real-world opportunity to assess associations between facilitators' personal psychedelic experience and the safety and outcomes of psychedelic services.