Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration: A Transtheoretical Model for Clinical Practice.
Xiaojue Hu, Ingmar Gorman, Elizabeth M. Nielson
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences December 10, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_529 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychedelic treatment Psychedelic medicine Entheogenic therapy Therapeutic frameworks Clinical models Structured approaches Stage-based frameworks Intervention strategies Treatment protocols Guidance models Roadmap Stages Phases . Post-experience integration Psychological integration Personal growth Well-being Profound experience processing Healing Transformation Harm reduction Safety protocols Risk mitigation Minimizing harms Safe practice Responsible use |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Proposes the Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) model as a transtheoretical clinical framework for preparing for and integrating psychedelic experiences without directly administering psychedelics. |
Abstract
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) is a transtheoretical clinical model for working with psychedelic experiences in therapeutic settings. Drawing from harm reduction psychotherapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, mindfulness-based modalities, and psychodynamic therapy, PHRI offers a framework for clinicians to assist clients in preparing for and integrating psychedelic experiences without directly administering psychedelics. This approach emphasizes non-pathologizing, client-empowering strategies to address both challenging and positive psychedelic experiences. PHRI incorporates principles such as non-directive and inner-directed approaches, somatic awareness, and psychological flexibility. The model addresses common integration challenges including fear, ego dissolution, and increased emotional sensitivity. By bridging various therapeutic modalities, PHRI aims to support clients in translating psychedelic experiences into enduring positive changes while decreasing potential harms. This chapter outlines the theoretical foundations of PHRI, distinguishes it from existing approaches, and explores its application in clinical practice, with a focus on the integration phase of 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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Classifying Psychedelic-Related Complications Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2026
- Efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and functional outcomes European Neuropsychopharmacology March 12, 2026
- Managing Psychological Challenges in the Subacute ("Afterglow") Window of Psychedelic Drug Effects. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2026
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and 33 more in the library