Psilocybin Therapy

At Empire Psychotherapy, we are dedicated to finding better ways to support people who suffer from mental health challenges.

Psilocybin therapy, a form of psychedelic-assisted therapy, is growing in popularity as an effective approach to mental health challenges.

Relying on a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms, this form of therapy has been shown to accelerate the healing process of those with distressing emotional symptoms.

This form of therapy also includes a psychotherapy component that helps the client process what is gained through the experience.

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What is Psilocybin?

You’ve probably heard of psilocybin before. A lot of people call them “magic mushrooms,” and it’s the active ingredient in a group of fungi called psilocybin mushrooms.

While it is considered to be a psychedelic, and perhaps of the most well-known ones, psilocybin has been used for thousands of years in indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing purposes.

In fact, the earliest evidence dates back to at least 4500 BCE!

Decades of modern research have shown that psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms are highly effective for treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, compulsion, and existential anxiety.

What is Psilocybin Therapy?

Psilocybin therapy combines the pharmacological effects of psilocybin with mental and emotional support from specially-trained therapists.

During psilocybin therapy, we take the time to get to know you and form a trusting relationship. This is the foundation of successful psilocybin therapy and will ensure that you feel supported and at ease during the session.

We will also walk you through the entire process of the session, discuss with you the boundaries of physical contact, and go over any potential side effects.

During the psilocybin therapy session, you will be made comfortable in a relaxing environment before receiving a dose of psilocybin. We play specially designed music to help you feel completely calm and focused.

A therapist will be present with you during the entire experience.

Throughout your session, you will be encouraged to discuss your experiences and generate your own insights and ideas to change unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns.

In order to best prepare and get the most out of your treatments, we suggest getting into a good mindset by meditating, journaling, or using basic emotional regulation skills.

How Does Psilocybin Therapy Work?

Biologically, psilocybin decreases blood flow to the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, which is the center for our ego (sense of self), as well as our fixed ways of thinking and feeling.

When DMN decreases, people can experience ego dissolution, feel more empathy for others, and become more open-minded.

The brain also makes many more random connections under the influence of psilocybin, which helps people gain insights and see things from brand new perspectives.

Psilocybin also induces mystical-like experiences, causing people to feel a huge sense of connection with the world. They sometimes see beautiful patterns or sceneries, feel a sensation of awe, and experience communication with spiritual entities.

After such an experience, people usually change how they view themselves.

Psilocybin also increases neuroplasticity so that more neurons and neural connections can grow in the brain, which helps with depression and cognitive changes.

However, it’s important to note that psilocybin therapy does not work only biologically. You need to do integrative work afterward to make the insights you receive in the sessions concrete in everyday life.

For example, if you realize you are disconnected from family or friends, you need to start contacting them and making time to see them.

Real work begins after the sessions.

Who Can Psilocybin Therapy Help?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy can benefit a multitude of mental health conditions, including:

Chronic Illness

 

Although psilocybin therapy will not address the conditions causing illness, it can reduce side effects such as depression and anxiety.

Overall, this type of therapy can help those who suffer from chronic illnesses improve their attitudes about life, uplift their moods and reduce feelings of dread.

Depression and Anxiety

 

Psilocybin therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from depression and anxiety and have found no relief from other forms of therapy.

It has the potential to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety significantly – and even put these conditions into remission.

PTSD

 

The symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can persist for many years after a traumatic event and disrupt the sufferer’s day-to-day life.

Psilocybin has been shown to help PTSD patients with positive results.

Other Uses

 

Studies have explored the possibility of using psilocybin therapy to help with drug addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, smoking cessation, and more! Please note that while many uses are being researched and show exciting potential, not all are currently recommended for clinical treatment.  

Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy

Psilocybin therapy is an amazing way to open yourself to challenging experiences that can help improve your mental health!

Here are some of the benefits of psilocybin therapy:

Ego Dissolution

Also known as “ego death,” ego dissolution refers to the complete loss of subjective self-identity, i.e., the loss of one’s sense of self.

Many people describe it as being as close to death as lucidly possible while not dying. But this experience is not about pain or fear – it’s about letting go of what we think we know about ourselves.

By doing so, those experiencing psilocybin therapy can make peace with their infinite potential and positively redefine who they are and how they want to live their life.

Ego dissolution makes us more present and connected to our core nature and to everything that exists.

Profound Insights

Psychedelic-assisted therapy can also induce profoundly useful psychological insights, which can help patients intrinsically heal themselves.

Healing is often a matter of inner work. Psilocybin therapy can help you surrender and open yourself to difficult emotions in order to experience personal breakthroughs.

Your therapist can then help you translate those insights into lifestyle and belief changes to help you improve your life.

Neural Plasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change, promoting the ability to learn new things and enhancing cognitive abilities.

Psilocybin has been found to increase long-lasting connections between neurons in the brain.

This “brain remodeling” creates an antidepressant effect that can help address depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and addiction.

Where is Psilocybin Therapy Available?

While possessing and selling psilocybin mushrooms in Canada is still illegal, psychedelic-assisted therapy is perfectly legal in this country!

Health Canada has been increasing access to legal psychedelic-assisted therapy, but it’s important to ensure that the therapist you work with has the appropriate training and knowledge to facilitate the session safely and comfortably.

When choosing a psychedelic therapy center, here are some factors you should consider:

  • Safety: Are there qualified professionals on staff? Did they take your medical history? 
  • Environment: Setting is key to a positive psychedelic experience. Make sure the treatment center offers a warm, dimly lit environment to help you feel safe and relaxed.
  • Experience: Are the practitioners experienced? Have they trained in the field of psychedelic therapy?

Overall, it’s important to go with your gut when it comes to choosing a psilocybin therapist. If it feels right, you will have a positive experience!

Psilocybin Therapy Hamilton, Ontario

Our team at Empire Psychotherapy is dedicated to providing you with a personalized experience by focusing on your experiences and unique challenges.

By offering Psilocybin Therapy, we can help you overcome your personal struggles and gain the insight you need to make positive changes in your life.

Book your appointment today!

Therapists Who Can Help

Interested in psilocybin therapy? Check out our experienced team of therapists and find the perfect fit for you.

Stone Fu

Registered Psychotherapist