Am J Psychiatry
January 1, 2024
Michael D. Alpert, Kelley C. O’donnell, Casey A. Paleos et al.
22 citations
Psychotherapy is a necessary component of psychedelic treatment, providing safety and evidence-based support. The text argues that integrating structured psychological guidance with psychedelic sessions enhances therapeutic benefits and improves mental health outcomes. This combined approach fosters a supportive journey, leading to transformative mental health care and healing potential.
Front Psychol
November 11, 2021
Anne C. Wagner
13 citations
MDMA was first considered as a therapeutic aid for couple therapy in the 1970s and 1980s. With the completion of the first pilot trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for couples with PTSD, and expanding regulatory possibilities, this theoretical paper examines how MDMA-assisted couples therapy works. It explores MDMA's neurobiological and neurochemical effects in a relational context, and its emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and somatic impacts within a dyadic frame. The paper discusses how empathy, communication, social connection, non-avoidance, openness, attachment, bonding, intimacy, and relationship satisfaction are influenced by MDMA and can be harnessed for interpersonal healing. A model for MDMA-assisted couple therapy is introduced, along with future directions for intervention development and delivery.