What is Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is an emerging, evidence-based approach that combines carefully supported experiences with psychedelics or entheogenic medicines such as ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA combined with skilled, integrative psychotherapy. When offered in a regulated and legal setting, these sessions are designed to safely access deeper layers of consciousness, release stored trauma, and foster profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing.

In Colorado, licensed or credentialed Natural Medicine Facilitators may guide participants through sessions with natural medicines such as psilocybin, under the framework of the Natural Medicine Health Act (Proposition 122 / SB 290).

HOW IT WORKS

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy typically unfolds in three structured phases:

PREPARATION:

Preparation sessions help you clarify your intentions, learn grounding and self-regulation tools, and build a safe, trusting relationship with your facilitator. You’ll explore what feels most alive or tender in your healing journey and how to work skillfully with the inner experiences that may arise during medicine sessions.

MEDICINE/JOURNEY DAY:

This is the day of administration. It is a long intense day where you will receive the medicine. During the facilitated session, you are supported in a safe, contained environment with eyeshades, music, and the ongoing presence of your trained facilitator and/or medical provider. Rather than directing or interpreting your process, the facilitator provides steady guidance and reassurance, allowing your inner healing intelligence to unfold naturally.

INTEGRATION:

Integration is where insight becomes transformation. Follow-up sessions help you weave your experiences into daily life, processing emotions, embodying lessons, and making sustainable changes in relationships, work, or self-care. This stage is often the most important for long-term growth.

BENEFITS:

Research and lived experience suggest psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may help with:

Depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions (including PTSD)
End-of-life distress and existential anxiety
Addictive patterns and compulsive behaviors
Chronic stress, grief, and emotional numbness
Spiritual connection
chronic pain
A desire for a deeper connection with Self and others

While no outcome can be guaranteed, many people describe a renewed sense of meaning, compassion, and inner freedom.

WHY COMBINE PSYCHEDELICS WITH THERAPY?

While psychedelics can open the mind and heart, therapy provides the container for meaning-making, emotional processing, and integration. The synergy of medicine and psychotherapy allows access to the subconscious layers of experience—supporting healing from trauma, shifting long-held beliefs, and reconnecting to one’s authentic Self.