Suggested Guidelines for Applying a Systemic Lens to Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Sara N Lappan, Sean D Davis
Psychedelic Medicine June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/28314425251404021 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Conceptual article Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Duration | 10-session protocol |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Relational Systemic |
| Key points | Incorporating relational dynamics into psychedelic-assisted therapy can address a critical gap by promoting systemic change beyond individual symptom reduction. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in treating individual mental health conditions such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, current research predominantly focuses on individual experiences, overlooking the relational and systemic factors that influence healing and long-term therapeutic outcomes. This conceptual article proposes a systemic approach to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and research, integrating relational principles to explore the impact of psychedelic experiences on interpersonal dynamics, attachment patterns, and family systems. The proposed research design outlines a 10-session systemic research protocol involving preparation, psilocybin administration, and integration, with sessions that include significant relational figures, such as partners or family members. Outcome measures are outlined to assess relational quality, attachment security, communication patterns, emotional intimacy, and intergenerational trauma using validated psychometric tools. Systemic theories inform the therapeutic framework, including Bowenian family systems theory, structural family therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and contextual family therapy. By incorporating relational dynamics into psychedelic-assisted therapy, this article seeks to help bridge a critical gap in the existing literature and inform the development of integrative treatment models that promote long-term, systemic change beyond individual symptom reduction.
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 60
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- 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 occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
and 55 more in the library