MAPS Canada School of Psychedelics

Talk abstract

“For some, the study of psychedelic integration is still considered to be in its infancy, not just within the broader canon of academic literature, but even within the field of psychedelic studies itself. That said, while there has been a recent explosion of interest and discussion around the topic of psychedelic substances, the practice of integrating those psychedelic experiences has been helping to ground the conversation around these non-ordinary states of consciousness, slowly emerging as a core practice in modern academic discourse on both the spiritual and therapeutic use of psychedelics. Consequently, as the value and impact of psychedelic integration has slowly become more accepted in academic and cultural conversation, our understanding of what it means to ‘integrate’ psychedelic experiences has evolved, and is being broadened to include a wide array of practices and approaches which reflect different cultural traditions, psychological approaches, physical activities, social organizing as well as connecting to traditional and Indigenous wisdom on the use of sacred plant medicines. In terms of the practice itself, by pursuing opportunities to explore, interpret and individually or collectively make meaning of non-ordinary states of consciousness, the practice of integration serves both as a form of harm reduction to minimize post-journey risks associated with psychedelic experiencing, while also crucially providing opportunities to harvest insights and lessons from their psychedelic experience. This process of grounding and embodying psychedelic insights can translate into psychological healing, spiritual connection and overall improved wellbeing, all of which can serve a person in their lives and their communities, as well as providing insight for the continued exploration of one’s mind, body and spirit. When it comes to WITH WHOM people are integrating their psychedelic experiences, the research is still in early stages, with much of the current research on psychedelics and healing in this revival era focusing on integration practices in a therapeutic container or framed by a clinical model of care. When it comes to understanding the opportunity that psychedelic holds for individual and collective reflection and understanding, there is much more research needed on the ways that most human beings have been using psychedelics and integrating their psychedelic experiences for millennia: namely, with their peers and in community. Whether within shamanistic traditions and religious communities, or by connecting with others in psychedelic societies and peer support structures, the academic literature is only just beginning to grapple with this under-explored feature of psychedelic integration. This presentation will dive into the foundations of the concept of integration, explore some of the understudied ways that psychedelic integration can be understood, and present new data on the lived experience of hundreds of psychedelic users who practice integration, and who have highlighted the important role of community in their integration practice.