Psychedelics assisting therapy, or therapy assisting psychedelics? The importance of psychotherapy in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Joseph A. Zamaria, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, Jonathan Shedler, Rachel Yehuda
Front Psychol February 5, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1505894 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe article argues that in psychedelic-assisted therapy, the psychotherapeutic context is at least as important as the drug itself. It emphasizes that the therapeutic relationship, preparation, and integration sessions are crucial for positive outcomes, and that psychedelics should be viewed as adjuncts to psychotherapy rather than standalone treatments. The authors highlight that neglecting the psychotherapy component risks reducing efficacy and increasing potential harms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Mental health treatment Psychotherapy integration Therapeutic context Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key finding | Argues that psychotherapy is central to psychedelic-assisted therapy, with the psychedelic serving as an adjunct to therapeutic processes. |
Abstract
Psychedelics assisting therapy, or therapy assisting psychedelics? The importance of psychotherapy in psychedelic-assisted therapy.