Research Project: Nature-based Psychedelic Integration
I am a psychotherapist and ecotherapist working with psychedelics. This research aims to understand better the role of nature connection in preparing for and integrating psychedelic journeys. This research phase is focused on non-Indigenous contexts, so I've interviewed guides working at Western psychedelic retreats and integration coaches/therapists. I intend to publish the results in a peer-reviewed academic journal sometime this year.
The interview phase has now been completed. Many thanks to all those who participated.
Terminology
For this research, a broad definition of 'psychedelics' is used. i.e. MDMA, ketamine, etc, as well as the 'classic' psychedelics. 'Nature connection' or 'nature connectedness' are considered as equivalent and qualitatively different from simply spending time in nature. At minimum, there is an intention to connect with the natural environment.
This research will:
- identify those Western psychedelic guides who include nature connection in preparation and/or integration;
- establish if they use any specific approaches, exercises or techniques, and
- attempt some initial assessment of how effective these are.
While this third aim will rely purely on the interviewees' testimony, it will provide a tentative assessment that will inform future research.
