Psychedelic Drugs and Jungian Therapy
Journal of Jungian Scholarly Studies March 23, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.29173/jjs127s via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic drugs seem to help access unconscious material and may lead to significant psychological changes when used in therapy. The review discusses their effects through the lens of Jungian theory and includes clinical vignettes that highlight archetypal elements of hallucinogenic experiences.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelic drugs may facilitate access to unconscious material and induce profound psychological changes in a therapeutic setting. |
Abstract
The authors review the history of and recent research on the psychotherapeutic efficacy of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelic drugs appear to provide access to unconscious material and, when used in a therapeutic context, may cause deep and longstanding psychological change. The psychological effects of psychedelic drugs are reviewed from the perspective of Jungian theory. A series of clinical vignettes illustrates the archetypal aspects of hallucinogenic experiences.