Psychedelic Preparation & Integration Coaching
Plant medicine and other consciousness altering substances are gradually gaining acceptance in mainstream therapy, due to their profound healing potential. They activate new neural pathways, offering us a new perspective on ourselves and the world around us. This medicine can help us to reprogram our nervous system, in turn influencing the way we interact with our environment. There is often a sense of divinity and awe that arises as we reconnect with our spiritual essence and recognise the inherent sacredness in all life.
However, it's important to acknowledge the potential difficulties. Such experiences can bring past trauma to the surface, and it might be distressing and overwhelming, as intense emotions could arise. Trauma was created in a relationship, and it can also heal in a relationship. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that we are situated in a secure and safe environment, with appropriate trauma-aware support readily available, in order to prevent potential traumatisation and to help transformation to take place.
If you are heading to climb a mountain, it is important to ensure that you are properly equipped for the hike.
During preparation sessions, we will get to know your nervous system and explore what might support you to reconnect with your felt sense of safety. We will also explore various tools and resources that you can use to navigate the experience. The next important step of the journey is a somatic intention setting, tapping into your intention and doing all the groundwork that can be done in a somatic session ahead of the ceremony.
This careful preparation is a vital start of the journey.
Integration time is often underestimated, but the truth is that it is a very important period. The experience itself, regardless of how deeply meaningful it was, doesn't offer much unless we actually embody new values and adopt new ways of being, making adjustments in our day-to-day lives.
For some time after the experience, the brain's neuroplasticity is greatly enhanced. This is a window of opportunity to reshape ourselves, create new habits, and adopt new ways of relating to ourselves, others, and our environment. In the integration sessions, we work together using somatic techniques, visualization, and mindful experimentation to bring about these changes in your day-to-day life.
If you are planning to enter a Dark Room retreat, there are several things to consider in your preparation for the journey. If you need assistance along the way to ensure your health and safety, I am here for you.
Furthermore for some people, it can be challenging to reintegrate back into life, especially after prolonged darkness. We might remain in a non-ordinary state of consciousness, perceiving other dimensions of reality for quite some time, if you need help making sense of your experience after the retreat I am here for you.