12 January 2025 09:50
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What is psychedelic therapy and what makes it psychedelic?
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18 February 2025 11:54
Psychedelic therapy is a form of therapy that uses psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin (magic truffles), MDMA, and LSD, in combination with therapeutic guidance. The goal of this therapy is to help people explore and process their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. People who frequently seek psychedelic therapies are often those with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What makes it psychedelic is the influence of these substances on the brain and the user's perception. Psychedelics work primarily by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors in the neocortex, leading to changes in consciousness, perception, and emotional processing. This can result in hallucinations, profound insights, emotional catharsis, and a restructuring of the way individuals perceive their lives and experiences.
The combination of these substances with a therapeutic setting can increase the effectiveness of the treatment, as it promotes neuroplasticity and enables individuals to resolve conflicts and traumas underlying their mental disorders. In the Netherlands, psychedelic therapy may not be called a medical treatment and cannot be used to cure conditions. However, you can make use of supervised sessions under the influence, guided by a therapist.
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