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A Perspective for Enhancing the Supervision of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Motivational-Interviewing-Enhanced Integration Supervision (MIE-IS)

Mitch Earleywine, Alyssa B. Oliva

Psychoactives June 25, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives4020014 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Intervention Motivational-Interviewing-Enhanced Integration Supervision
Topics Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Keywords Clinical supervision Motivational interviewing Supervisory relationships Supervisors Supervision efficacy Mi principles Modeling mi Psychedelic integration guidance Therapy outcomes
Key points Proposes that a supervision model based on Motivational Interviewing principles could improve client integration outcomes and trainee development in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Abstract

While research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) continues to show promise, challenges in its clinical application persist. One relevant domain includes how supervision might enhance both client and trainee outcomes. Current data suggest that, despite supervisor reports and the enthusiasm of trainees, supervision accounts for extraordinarily little variance in treatment outcome. We propose that as supervisors model relevant skills, these skills can also improve in the therapist, which should lead to enhanced alliances and improved self-care for the client, trainee, and supervisor. Thus, we propose a model of supervision that rests on key Motivational Interviewing (MI) principles and supports the integration process—a pivotal phase of PAT where clients translate psychedelic-induced insights into meaningful behavioral change. This Motivational-Interviewing-Enhanced Integration Supervision (MIE-IS) model bridges the gap between psychedelic experiences and personal growth by ensuring supervisors can effectively encourage trainees to support their clients through this crucial integration process. Supervisors would model the use of MI with trainees in supervision, who would, in turn, apply those same MI technical and relational skills to support clients’ integration experiences. Beyond enhancing client outcomes, this supervisory model could also increase each trainee’s motivation to personally engage with wellness-promoting integration behaviors, potentially enhancing professional development and minimizing burnout. By reinforcing a culture of self-care and reflective practice, this model might inspire better self-care in supervisors as well. By fostering an MI-informed supervisory relationship, the model promotes a culture of continuous learning and skill development, benefiting clients through the effective and meaningful integration of their psychedelic experiences.

Comparable studies

Other theoretical and historical papers on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. 2024 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance 2020 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Awe: a putative mechanism underlying the effects of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy 2018 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy 2021 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. 2022 Theoretical or philosophical paper

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