From Principles to Practice
May 19, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003541639-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Curiosity Context archaeology Section typography Empathy Work physics Engineering ethics Epistemology Aesthetics |
| Key points | Proposes that therapeutic presence, love, curiosity, and trust, embodied as mindfulness, turning toward pain, utilizing client material, and working with subconscious processes, form foundational ways of being in psychedelic therapy rather than scripted techniques. |
Abstract
This chapter explores how foundational therapeutic principles take shape in the room. Presence becomes mindfulness. Love expresses itself by turning toward pain and setting clear boundaries. Curiosity shows up as a way of utilizing what the client brings. Trust in the client is reflected in how we work—with their words, their breath and the subconscious. Rather than offering scripted interventions, these practices offer ways of being that help clients feel safe, seen, and supported—especially in the context of psychedelic therapy, where emotions surface in raw and unexpected ways. Each section of this chapter includes exercises to help both therapist and client expand their skills and gain awareness. These are not techniques to master, but living practices that guide us toward deeper connection, clarity, and transformation.