Hallucinogen-Assisted Psychotherapy for Trauma Disorders: A Bionian Lens.
Christopher W. T. Miller, Zofia Kozak
Psychodynamic psychiatry June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2026.54.2.308 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Wilfred bion Object relations Psychedelics Psychoanalysis Psychotherapy |
| Key points | Argues that Bion's theory of containment and the K link can enrich understanding of how MDMA and classic psychedelics produce therapeutic effects in trauma disorders. |
Abstract
There has been an increasing interest in the use of classic psychedelics (such as psilocybin) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for treating mental health conditions. Individuals often describe psychedelic sessions as among the most significant experiences in their lives, emphasizing the sense of awe, connectedness, and spiritual transformation taking place. While the psychedelic literature from the past two decades has mostly focused on using these drugs in the treatment of major depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders, researchers have also investigated the utility of classic psychedelics and MDMA for other conditions, including trauma- and stressor-related disorders. Trauma can profoundly affect biological systems, including stress hormone pathways and neural circuitry, often leading to hyperarousal and rigid cognitions. In this article, we discuss how some of the concepts posited by Wilfred Bion can be applied to neurobiological models of the mind and to the effects of these drugs. Relevant concepts from neurodevelopment are presented first, including how key areas can be significantly affected by early adversity. This is followed by a discussion of Bion's theory of containment and of how the K link (K denoting knowledge) is developed or disrupted, depending on one's experience. Finally, we present extant literature on the use of MDMA and classic psychedelics in trauma disorders, reflecting on how a Bionian lens can enrich our understanding of their therapeutic action.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Awe: a putative mechanism underlying the effects of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 40
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine June 1, 2021
- Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Scientific Reports October 13, 2017
- Patients’ Accounts of Increased “Connectedness” and “Acceptance” After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Journal of Humanistic Psychology June 19, 2017
and 35 more in the library