A narrative review argues that the therapeutic use of psychedelics should refocus on the subjective experiences they induce—the original meaning of 'mind-manifesting'—rather than solely on the substances themselves. It surveys psychedelic substances used in modern therapy and indigenous rituals, along with non-pharmacological methods like breathwork, meditation, and sensory deprivation that can produce similar states. While mystical experiences are the strongest predictor of positive outcomes, other processes—awe, perspective shifts, insight, emotional breakthrough, acceptance, memory re-experiencing, and certain challenging experiences—also contribute significantly. Changes in metaphysical and self-related beliefs further influence outcomes. The review concludes that a purely medical and neurobiological view is reductive and should not overshadow the importance of phenomenological experiences in understanding and treating psychological issues rooted in subjective realities.
This narrative review argues that therapeutic benefits of psychedelics arise primarily from the subjective experiences they induce, not from the substances themselves. The strongest predictor of positive outcomes is the occurrence of mystical experiences, but other psychological processes—awe, perspective shifts, insight, emotional breakthrough, acceptance, memory re-experiencing, and certain challenging experiences—also contribute significantly. The review covers both pharmacological methods (various psychedelics used in therapy and indigenous rituals) and non-pharmacological methods (breathwork, meditation, sensory deprivation) that can induce psychedelic states. It concludes that a purely medical and neurobiological approach is reductive and should not overshadow the importance of phenomenological experiences in understanding and treating psychological issues.