Any therapists out there who have experimented with LSD? Or MDMA? Or mushrooms? Or anyone who has practiced (underground of course) with these substances? I am a psychologist who has done some therapeutic work (on myself) with a guide and have found it to be the most profound personal growth work that I have ever experienced. And it has enhanced my everyday work with clients immensely. I am more present, more accepting, more playful in my work. My clients need no fixing or changing as I see them perfect just the way they are. I am exploring the work of Stanislov Grof and I am amazed at the profundity of his work with LSD. It is too, too bad that these substances are illegal when they hold such therapeutic potential. I know that MAPS is doing some great work in advocating studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these substances in therapy. Would love to hear from any therapists out there who have experimented and the impact that it has had on your life and your work.
I'm certainly no psychotherapist, but I am a psychology student who has used psychedelics under similar circumstances with great benefit to my own life. Prior to taking LSD I had developed a very cynical view of the world and people around me. This viewpoint led to a complete lack of motivation in almost all areas of my life. Once I "turned on" as they say I emerged from a series of experiences with very moderate doses with a whole new, more positive outlook on life. Acid definitely has tremendous potential as a shortcut in psychotherapy, but I'm not sure that it would be right for all of your clients. People with strong personal demons often have a very difficult time dealing with it when they are confronted by themselves. I know that this is an obstacle that must be overcome in psychotherapy anyway, it seems to me that coupling such a difficult experience with what is already a radically different state of mind would be too much for those who are unfamiliar with psychedelic drugs. BTW, the comments that you PM'd me about were written immediately after emerging from the peak effects of my most recent trip.
I was diagnosed with GAD about two months ago after about 9 years of anxiety, and about two or three weeks ago I took a strong/clean dose of lsd and had a realization that it was all in my head>no more anxiety. (btw in refused to take pharmies)
Sounds like you and I have a few things in common presentcentered. I've worked in psychiatry/therapy since 1974. I started taking psychedelics 4 years before that and it was my experiences with acid which led me to take up psychiatry in the first place. I've been tripping out regularly ever since, mostly mushies these days cos I don't have any contacts where I can get acid now. Acid changed the way I perceive other people - like I could see beneath their egos and the seperation between us would dissolve away. This came as a big shock to me as a 20 year old and I couldn't understand what was going on until I started reading zen buddhist literature and Alan Watts books. I've never used psychedelics with any of my clients but like you it has enriched and informed my work immensely. As for MAPS, well, LSD as a cure for cluster headaches? I'll have some of that BTW, we exchanged PM's recently - keep in touch.
Oh yes woodlouse, I do remember PM'ing you. I may have an answer for you shortly but not sure. Thank you for for sharing. Good to connect with another colleague who is willing to step outside of the box of mainstream mental health. I know I would be scorned by my colleagues if they knew I "did drugs" as I am sure that is how I would be viewed. And, yes there is wide spread abuse of drugs all around but I believe most people who use drugs like psychedelics are looking for and finding a new reality, a new possibility in viewing the world that is much needed today. I believe it is an important part of the "spiritual revolution" that is taking place at this exciting time that we are living. Times, they are a changing. The re-interpretation of religious dogma as per Eckhardt Tolle's "New Earth" is an example. Also, A Course in Miracles. It all gets down to "now" which is what LSD brings you in touch with-the elusive now that is always. In my view so many "problems" that people experience are nothing more than a result of viewing life through the fixed lens of the ego. Step outside of the ego and the problem is solved (take for example Goodvibes and Sourdiesel06 above-contratulations to both). In my view, that is what LSD enables one to do which is the most liberating moment of one's life but can also be scary to one who is attached or unprepared. It takes courage to die and know that one still lives. I bless those who are willing to experiment and carry their insights into everyday existence.
This is very refreshing post! Seeing two doctors willing to try healing powers of LSD on their patience. I don't have any problems in my life, but I am willing to be subject of experimenting. Anyway, well done guys and If I can help somehow anwering any question that you have (obviously if I know the answer) I will be glad to assist.
Presentcentered and woodlouse you wouldn't be scorned just from collegues but from majority of people around you. Our society likes to put labels on everyone. Most of us here are just normal people that you can pass by walking on the street. Experimenting with ourselves. Stick to these forums and I'm sure you will find many interesting stories. Like your attitudes and for a doctors who base everything on a science to step from a mainstream is a big step. I had been on that road myself, deeply believing that a modern medicine has a solution for everything. Got trained nicely to go mainstream and then saw how much we don't know what we are doing.
