Part 2: What is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy? Phase 1 - Preparation

Many people considering psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) feel overwhelmed by uncertainty.

They've heard about the transformative potential, yet often feel unsure about what actually happens before the medicine (dosing) session. 

This lack of clarity can create anxiety and prevent people from taking the first step toward accessing PAT.

Without proper preparation, even the most profound psychedelic experiences can feel chaotic or complex to integrate into daily life.

My point of view is that preparation is the foundation of transformative psychedelic therapy.

The preparation phase goes beyond logistics—it's about creating a container of safety, trust, and intentionality that supports deeper self-awareness and personal clarity.

As part of the initial preparation process, each client is under the care of a prescribing psychiatrist.

While they may not always meet directly with the psychiatrist, the psychiatrist remains responsible for medical oversight, including assessing for any contraindications.

If there are any contraindications—such as medications that may interact with psychedelic therapy—the psychiatrist may guide a personalised plan to safely taper or adjust them.

This foundation is supported by three core pillars that I guide clients through during preparation: Anchor, Align, and Navigate.

Anchor ⚓️

Establishing Trust and Stability 

• Establish rapport and trust

• Explore personal history, current challenges, symptoms and therapy goals

• Begin developing comfort with the therapeutic relationship, fostering a strong therapeutic   bond and mutual understanding between client and therapists 

• Staying present with whatever arises during preparation phase and sharing this 

• Address any questions, fears or concerns about the PAT process

Asking questions, voicing concerns, and seeking clarity are not limited to a single session.

This ongoing dialogue is a core part of psychedelic-assisted therapy, creating space throughout the entire PAT process for reflection, understanding, and reassurance.

Align 🔍

Intention & Insight Development

• Explore the range of potential experiences

• Cognitive Insights - Realisations about self, patterns, or past experiences

• Emotional Experiences - Deep emotions like sadness, grief, love, or joy

• Somatic/Body-Based Experiences - Physical sensations (purging), tension release, or bodily awareness

• Transpersonal or Mystical States - A sense of unity, visions, or spiritual connection

• Challenging or Disorienting Moments - Confusion, fear, or emotional intensity that may arise 

• Discuss realistic expectations vs. misconceptions about psychedelic therapy

• Begin setting meaningful intentions for medicine (dosing session)

• Emphasise curiosity and cultivate ways to remain open to challenging or unexpected experiences

• Practice mindfulness and presence-focused techniques

Navigate 🧭

Strengthening Inner Resources 

• Develop personalised strategies for navigating challenging moments during dosing

• Review intentions and readiness

• Create support plan for the medicine (dosing) session

• Preparing the body

• What to bring to medicine session 

• Obtain informed consent for the dosing session

Informed consent acknowledges the ineffable nature of the dosing experience.

It affirms that a client’s well-being and boundaries will be respected.

It is an ongoing, documented process signed by both parties that spans all phases of PAT.

Flexible Preparation Pathways

While many clients feel ready after three sessions, others may require additional time to feel that they are ready for the medicine (dosing) session. 

These sessions are not always weekly, and the pacing is tailored to everyone’s needs and circumstances. 

The preparation process is personalised to meet the unique needs and pace of clients.

Interested in learning more about psychedelic-assisted therapy? 

Part 3 will explore the dosing phase—often described as one of the most profound and insightful parts of PAT.

What questions do you have about the preparation phase?

Have you or your clients ever felt overwhelmed when starting a new personal transformation journey? 

If you're a practitioner in this space, I’d love to hear your insights. 

What has helped your clients feel more grounded in the preparation phase?