Research Square (Research Square)
January 25, 2022
Joseph T. la Torre, Mehdi Mahammadli, Kyle T. Greenway et al.
18 citations
Experts agree that excluding people with personal or familial histories of psychotic symptoms from psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may be justified only when protocols provide insufficient psychological support. With highly supportive therapy, such treatment is not necessarily contraindicated and may benefit individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms. Key factors for predicting outcomes include specific symptoms, illness duration, severity, therapeutic alliance quality, trauma's role, and the client's social supports.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
July 31, 2024
Joseph T. la Torre, Jade Gallo, Mehdi Mahammadli et al.
6 citations
Most people with a history of psychotic experiences or diagnoses who used psychedelics reported personal growth, mystical-type experiences, improved insight, and feelings of love and appreciation. In an online retrospective survey of 100 such individuals, 88% said their psychedelic experience led to some degree of personal growth. However, 11% described overall negative experiences including symptom exacerbation, dysphoria, and terror, and a slightly larger portion reported mixed experiences. The findings suggest that while many individuals with psychotic histories may benefit from psychedelic experiences, a notable minority experience adverse effects, challenging assumptions that this group should be universally excluded from psychedelic research.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
May 6, 2024
Mark Cornfield, S. Mcbride, Joseph T. la Torre et al.
6 citations
Ketamine-assisted therapy, when given to both partners during Imago Relationship Therapy, produces a wide range of effects including empathogenic, mystical, anxiolytic, and antidepressant experiences. Participants reported heightened awareness, vulnerability, and communication, along with lower defenses and novel somatic sensations. The drug's short duration, rapid onset, and cumulative effects were noted, alongside transient mild side-effects. Statistical tests indicated improved relationship satisfaction after treatment. The findings suggest ketamine may have therapeutic benefits in couples therapy under clinical supervision, but more research is needed.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
November 18, 2025
Joseph T. la Torre, Ariana Kam, Todd Youngs et al.
Long-term participants in ayahuasca spiritual communities in the United States describe these groups as spaces for healing trauma, addiction, and psychological distress, offering belonging and cultural identity. These communities blend Western biomedical views of psychedelics with entheogenic spiritual frameworks, creating a hybrid healing paradigm centered on ritual, music, and shared intention. Members often move from self-focused healing toward relational growth and altruistic action, becoming facilitators and stewards. They navigate interpersonal tensions that foster emotional growth and operate in a legal grey zone, balancing risks of practice and identity. Joining such a community requires careful discernment regarding values, group dynamics, and safety. U.S. ayahuasca communities differ from individualized clinical psychedelic models by emphasizing community, spirituality, and mutual transformation.