Introduction to the EMBARK Approach
EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression April 23, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/9780197762622.003.0003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
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| Key points | The authors propose EMBARK, a flexible six-domain framework for psychedelic-assisted therapy, as a response to gaps they identify in prior PAT models—including limited attention to the body, therapeutic relationship, spiritual experience counseling, and ethics—and argue that efficacious treatment is ethical treatment, grounded in four cornerstones of care. |
Abstract
AbstractChapter 2 provides a rationale for the EMBARK approach, a therapeutic framework for administering psychedelic medicines. The authors assess previous PAT models, highlighting their strengths and shortcomings. They identify gaps in areas such as attentiveness to the body, attending to the therapeutic relationship, counseling for spiritual experiences, and ethical considerations. The chapter also discusses the challenges associated with prior PAT models, including (a) underdeveloped therapeutic frames and (b) single EBT-based PAT approaches. The EMBARK approach is presented as a solution to these challenges, offering a flexible and adaptable model for psychedelic therapy. EMBARK is an acronym, and its six clinical domains are outlined: Existential–Spiritual, Mindfulness, Body-Aware, Affective–Cognitive, Relational, and Keeping Momentum. EMBARK is also built upon a foundational belief that efficacious treatment is ethical treatment. It is built upon four cornerstones of care: Trauma-Informed Care, Culturally Competent Care, Ethically Rigorous Care, and Collective care.