Perspectives of Psychotherapists Regarding Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Counsellors at various career stages see psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as likely to become a professional part of psychotherapy. Therapists raised concerns about safety, the therapeutic relationship, ownership, and professionalization. They already show awareness, interest, and a sense that PAT will inevitably be integrated into the field. While safety worries are understandable, growing research and harm-reduction guidelines offer opportunities for psychotherapy bodies to lead, ensuring PAT is grounded in research, ethics, and respect for its Indigenous origins.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background This study explored the perspectives of trainees, recently qualified and experienced psychotherapists regarding psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT). Aims The aim was to capture meaning, concerns and opportunities of PAT and understand what it means for the field of psychotherapy and to contribute to the growing body of literature on its development and inform subsequent research. Material and Methods The study was based on qualitative research capturing the perspectives of a range of counsellors via a questionnaire, two interviews and a focus group comprised of five people, with the dataset being analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (TA; Thematic Analysis—A Practical Guide, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA, 2022) to capture meaning, experiences and perceptions and to identify descriptive and interpretive themes. Results Themes relating to therapeutic relationship, safety, ownership and professionalisation were identified within the dataset. Discussion The findings from this study reveal a complex and multi-layered understanding of PAT, where a range of factors, such as the therapist's experience, the therapeutic relationship, safety concerns and issues of ownership and professionalisation, are all central. The themes demonstrated how counsellors are already aware of, interested in and curious about development in PAT and indicated a sense of inevitability of PAT becoming a professionalised part of the field of psychotherapy. Conclusion The study concludes that while there are understandable and relevant concerns about safety, there is also a growing body of quality research and recommendations for safe and harm reducing processes and opportunities for psychotherapy bodies to lead the way and ensure the approach of PAT is a professional one underpinned by research, harm reduction, ethical standards and a sensitivity towards its Indigenous roots