Psychedelics and psychoanalysis: The journey from talking cure to transformation
J. H. Lichtenstein, Nicholas Hoeh
Journal of Psychedelic Studies August 21, 2024 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2024.00373 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Two ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) cases |
| Interventions | Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) hand-holding |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Argues that Winnicott's concept of transitional experience helps explain how psychedelic transformation occurs in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and proposes hand-holding as a transformational experience within the amplified relational field of the psychedelic space, based on analysis of two KAP cases. |
Abstract
Abstract There is a developing dialogue between the psychoanalytic and psychedelic fields of psychotherapy. This paper contributes to this emerging collaboration by applying Winnicott's concept of transitional experience to psychedelic clinical work. By analyzing two Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) cases, we explore in depth how transitional experience facilitates psychedelic transformation. We review clinical touch and introduce hand-holding as a transformational experience that can occur in the amplified relational field of the psychedelic space. Applying these ideas will deepen clinicians' theoretical understanding and experiential practice of KAP.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Further education in psychedelic-assisted therapy - experiences from Switzerland. BMC Medical Education March 5, 2025
- Fearful symmetry in altered states: a bi-logic account of psychedelic action. Frontiers in Psychology August 19, 2025
- Case Report: Amplified psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis, OCD and MDMA in a clinical case study Frontiers in Psychology March 11, 2026
- “She Told Me So”: Psychoanalytic Perspectives on the Plant Third and the Messages from Ayahuasca Psychoanalytic Inquiry September 22, 2026
- “Tragic Person evolved: Transforming tragedy into hope through new, alternative treatments” Psychoanalysis Self and Context December 22, 2025
and 1 more in the library
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