Manual for Psychedelic Guides Date: Draft version: January 7, 2019 Author: Mark Haden, With significant contributions by: Martin Ball PdD, Dr. Birgitta Woods Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Contact Information: [email protected] Table of Contents Choice of Language in This Manual............................................................................... 4 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 4 Set and Setting .............................................................................................................. 5 Ritualizing the Process .................................................................................................. 6 Inner Healing Intelligence .............................................................................................. 8 The Role of the Guide .................................................................................................... 8 Qualities of Guides ......................................................................................................... 8 A Knowledgeable, Skilled and Wise Guide: ........................................................ 9 Experiential Knowledge: ...................................................................................... 9 Knowledge of the Human Mind When Seen Through the Lens of Psychedelics . 9 Knowledge of the Power and Importance of Human Relationships ................... 10 Appreciation for Human Suffering ..................................................................... 10 The Skills of Being a Psychedelic Guide ...................................................................... 11 The Six Core Competencies ............................................................................. 15 1) Empathetic Abiding Presence ............................................................ 15 2) Trust Enhancement ........................................................................... 16 3) Spiritual Intelligence ........................................................................... 16 4) Knowledge ......................................................................................... 17 5) Guide Self-Awareness and Ethical Integrity ....................................... 17 6) Proficiency in complementary techniques .......................................... 17 Trauma resolution skills ............................................................................ 17 Physical Touch .................................................................................................. 18 Eye Contact ....................................................................................................... 18 Body Language ................................................................................................. 18 Therapeutic Alliance .......................................................................................... 19 Should a Guide Take a Psychedelic at the Same Time as the Participant? ...... 20 Preparation Sessions ................................................................................................... 20 Screening .......................................................................................................... 21 Challenging Situations as a Result of Poor Screening ...................................... 22 Information Sharing and Clarification of Intent and Process ............................. 22 Dosage .............................................................................................................. 25 Informed Consent Process ................................................................................ 26 The Areas Covered by the Informed Consent Form ................................. 26 Confidentiality ........................................................................................... 26 Guiding the Session ..................................................................................................... 27 Number of Guides ............................................................................................. 27 Items Which Should be Available ...................................................................... 27 Music ................................................................................................................. 28 As the Participant Arrives for the Session ......................................................... 29 2 Beginning of the Session – Treatment Room .................................................... 29 Dealing with Specific Behaviours ................................................................................. 31 Talking During the Beginning and Middle of the Session .................................. 31 Moving Around the Room.................................................................................. 32 Moving Unpredictably ........................................................................................ 32 Asking the Guide Personal Questions ............................................................... 32 Becoming Increasingly Anxious and Agitated ................................................... 32 If the Participant is Extremely Emotional ........................................................... 33 Trying to Leave the Space ................................................................................ 33 Going to the Bathroom ...................................................................................... 33 Vomiting ............................................................................................................ 34 Urine or Bowel Release .................................................................................... 34 Fire Alarm or Earthquake .................................................................................. 34 Cuddling ............................................................................................................ 34 During the Last Part of the Session ............................................................................. 34 Bringing Resolution to Turbulence at the Ending of a Session .................................... 35 Concluding the Session ............................................................................................... 36 Post-Session Debrief ................................................................................................... 37 Behaviours to Avoid ..................................................................................................... 37 Offer What You Have ................................................................................................... 37 Integration .................................................................................................................... 37 The Goals of the Integration Process are: ......................................................... 38 The Initial Process of Integration: ...................................................................... 38 Integration Over Time ....................................................................................... 39 Code of Ethics.............................................................................................................. 39 Integrity: ............................................................................................................ 39 Competence: ..................................................................................................... 39 Health and Safety: ............................................................................................. 40 Healthy Boundaries: .......................................................................................... 40 Compassionate Empathetic Presence: ............................................................. 40 Being a Psychedelic Guide ............................................................................... 41 Being a Functional Member of a Team ............................................................. 41 Suggested Reading ..................................................................................................... 44 3 Choice of Language in This Manual The word “guide” is chosen for the individual(s) who oversee a psychedelic therapy session, as it is a broad, encompassing term which implies the appropriate level of intervention: somewhere between the overly active role of “therapist”, and the inactive role of “sitter”. It is assumed that the guide is able, when appropriate, to demonstrate the skills of both a therapist and a sitter. The word “guide” was also chosen because it allows for the inclusion of staff with a wide range of backgrounds, as a truly multidisciplinary approach is required. The word “treatment” is used instead of “therapy”, as this is a broader term which is more encompassing of the desired “non-directive” approach. The word “participant” is used instead of “subject”, as this word more accurately reflects their “active participation” and “empowerment to change”, which is foundational to this treatment process. Introduction The practice of working with psychedelics for healing or spiritual purposes is not new. Many indigenous traditions have used “sacred medicines” in ceremonial healing and spiritual contexts for centuries and underground therapists have been working with psychedelics in healing practices for decades. There are many different approaches and medicines (and combinations of medicines) used in individual, group, couple and family contexts.