“You can only take your clients as far as you’ve been yourself”: examining the intersections between psychedelic-assisted therapy, lived-living experience, and clinical practice
Jordan J. Negrine, Stephen Bright, Monica J. Barratt, Matthew Pennell, Anthony Barnett, James Bennett-levy, Timothy Piatkowski
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy March 22, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2026.2645025 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychologists in Australia perceive lived-living experience (LLE) with psychedelics as a valuable asset for training in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). They noted that LLE can enhance empathy, confidence, and therapeutic rapport, especially given the unique demands of PAT. While most participants advocated for the optional inclusion of LLE in formal training, they acknowledged the importance of safety and ethical considerations. Overall, there is a growing openness among psychologists to incorporate experiential learning into PAT preparation.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Australian psychologists |
| Key finding | Psychologists viewed lived-living experience with psychedelics as a valuable addition to training for psychedelic-assisted therapy. |
Abstract
Background Following Australia’s landmark 2023 decision to approve psilocybin and MDMA for clinical use, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is beginning to emerge within regulated mental health settings. This study investigates psychologists’ views on the relevance of psychedelic therapists’ lived-living experience (LLE) with psychedelics. While discussion around LLE is growing, little is known about how psychologists perceive its role in clinical preparedness for PAT.Methods Twenty Australian psychologists were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews explored perceptions of LLE in therapist training and practice. Data were coded and thematically analyzed to identify patterns in how experiential knowledge is valued within PAT.Results Participants highlighted potential benefits of LLE, including greater empathy, confidence, and therapeutic rapport, particularly amid lingering stigma. They emphasized PAT’s unique demands due to its intense, altered states, requiring deeper therapist familiarity. LLE was seen as uniquely improving therapists’ insight and credibility beyond standard training. Most advocated for optional, safe, and structured inclusion of LLE in formal training, respecting safety and ethical considerations.Conclusion Psychologists viewed LLE as a valuable addition to PAT training, though not mandatory. Findings reflect growing professional openness to experiential learning, suggesting structured LLE may be valuable for preparing psychedelic therapists.