Psychedelics and the person-centered approach: a call for interest and engagement in psychedelic research

Abstract

Since 2006 there has been a renaissance within Western scientific discourse in psychedelic research which has led to some very promising findings about the potential of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy as a ‘treatment’ for a range of mental health ‘diagnoses.’ In calling for our community to take an interest in this research, this paper firstly outlines what psychedelics are, with a focus on the classic psychedelics, and how they work in the brain. It then aims to borrow some credibility for an interest in psychedelics by highlighting that both Natalie and Carl Rogers saw value in their use. The paper then goes on to suggest that there appears to be synergy between how psychedelics support psychotherapy and the processes of person-centered psychotherapy: given the research it appears plausible that both increase openness to experience, facilitate the revision of the self-concept, and ultimately support increased congruence. The paper then outlines how psychedelics could help our community better serve our clients, before finally looking at what the person-centered community, with our knowledge and theory, could offer the field of psychedelic research. The aspiration of this paper is to encourage engagement with psychedelic research, for the overall betterment of the practice of psychotherapy in general.