The revival of scientific research into psychedelics over the past decade — often referred to as the “Psychedelic Renaissance” — shows promising therapeutic potential for difficult-to-treat conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders. This program will track the rocky history of the use of psychedelics in Western society from early promising clinical research, through the 1960’s cultural explosion and the “war on drugs,” to their present use in FDA-approved clinical trials, and, lastly, in recent legislation such as Oregon’s Measure 109, the Psilocybin Services Act. While substances such as psilocybin and MDMA are currently not legal to administer in a therapeutic context outside of clinical trials, both have been granted ‘Breakthrough Therapy’ status by the FDA and are in the pipeline for approval over the coming years. We will describe major elements of the research protocol for treating chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD using MDMA, including safety guidelines, preparation, set and setting, and therapeutic integration. Findings from recent studies will be presented using case vignettes and video clips to highlight aspects of treatment. Through a psychoanalytic lens, we will discuss the unique, non-ordinary states of consciousness associated with psychedelics and explore the potential benefits and risks involved with psychedelic-assisted therapy. Attention will be given to the integration of split-off traumatic ego states, reparation of challenging transference-countertransference dynamics, somatic shifts, and a heightened capacity for symbolization through affectively-connected language. Finally, we will begin to explore aspects of the technical interface of psychedelic-assisted therapy and psychoanalytically-oriented treatment, such as reconceptualization of the therapeutic alliance and frame, implicit bias, referral dilemmas, and contraindications.
When the Analytic Third Includes a Psychodelic
About this event
Speaker
Speakers
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Chris Stauffer
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Harvey Schwartz
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Karen Peoples
Organiser