The growing discussion around psychedelic therapy has captured the attention of health professionals and the general public. Seen as a potential revolution in the treatment of complex mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this innovative approach is at the center of numerous scientific studies worldwide.

The promise is appealing: to use psychedelic substances in a controlled therapeutic environment to catalyze deep healing processes. However, with the increase in interest, doubts, misinformation, and the need for careful, evidence-based analysis also arise. Separating scientific promise from media exaggeration is crucial for any professional seeking to ethically and responsibly help people.

What exactly defines this therapeutic modality? How does it differ from the recreational use of these substances? What evidence supports its clinical use, and what are the regulatory and safety challenges involved? For health professionals, understanding this emerging field is not just a matter of curiosity, but of staying updated on the frontiers of emotional health care.

In this article, we will dive deep into the universe of psychedelic therapy with a scientific and ethical lens. We will address its fundamental concepts and the most studied substances, as well as the clinical evidence supporting it. More than that, we will create an unexpected yet extremely relevant bridge between the states of consciousness induced by psychedelics and the state of hypnosis.

We will explore how understanding the mechanisms of scientific hypnosis can provide valuable insights into the potential and necessary precautions in applying therapies that modulate consciousness. After all, our focus is on how to enhance health treatments safely, integrating evidence-based practices to combat what stress and anxiety can exacerbate.

What Is Psychedelic Therapy and How Does It Work

Psychedelic therapy is an emerging field in psychiatry and psychology that utilizes psychedelic substances within a carefully structured therapeutic context. Unlike recreational use, where substances are often consumed without therapeutic purpose and in chaotic environments, psychedelic therapy aims to promote emotional healing and self-knowledge in a safe and guided manner. This treatment involves the administration of substances such as psilocybin and MDMA, always accompanied by trained professionals who guide the patient on their inner journey.

The essential components of psychedelic therapy are generally referred to by the concepts of ‘set’ and ‘setting.’ The ‘set’ refers to the mindset, intention, and emotional state of the patient before the psychedelic experience. It is crucial that the patient is well-prepared, as this directly influences the therapy’s effectiveness. On the other hand, the ‘setting’ pertains to the physical and therapeutic environment where the session occurs. A safe, welcoming, and controlled space is fundamental for the experience to be positive and productive.

The role of the therapist or guide in psychedelic therapy is crucial. This professional not only administers the substance but also prepares the patient before the experience and helps them integrate their experiences after the session. The guide creates an environment of trust and safety, allowing the patient to explore their mind without fears. Integration is a vital part of the process, as it helps the patient translate and understand the lessons learned during the experience.

The pillars of psychedelic therapy can be organized into three main stages:

• Preparation: Pre-sessions where the therapist helps the patient prepare mentally and emotionally.
• The Psychedelic Session: The use of the substance in a controlled environment, with appropriate therapeutic support.
• Integration: Subsequent sessions where the patient discusses and processes the lived experience.

It is important to emphasize that psychedelic therapy is a complex medical and psychotherapeutic procedure. It is not merely about “taking a medicine” to solve emotional problems, but rather a profound approach that involves self-knowledge, transformation, and emotional growth. With adequate professional support, psychedelic therapy can open doors to new understandings and healings that have long seemed unattainable.

Scientific Evidence and Substances Under Study

Psychedelic therapy is a growing field that is joining science and traditional therapeutic practices. Among the most studied substances are psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, and MDMA, known as ecstasy. Both have shown promising efficacy in treating conditions such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety related to terminal illnesses.

Psilocybin has shown significant results in clinical trials. For example, a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University revealed that psilocybin can induce significant remission of depressive symptoms in patients, even after a single dose. Researchers observed that the lasting effects may be related to the facilitation of positive mood states and a reduction in rumination. This suggests that psilocybin may help people detach from harmful thinking patterns.

On the other hand, MDMA has been widely studied for the treatment of PTSD. A phase 3 study conducted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) demonstrated that the combination of therapy with MDMA led to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, even in patients who did not respond to traditional treatments. MDMA promotes emotions such as empathy and connection, facilitating greater openness during therapeutic sessions.

These substances appear to promote ‘neuroplasticity,’ which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and neural networks. During psychedelic experiences, many users report a sense of “ego dissolution,” allowing for a reevaluation of their beliefs and experiences. This can be especially valuable for those immersed in rigid and automated thought cycles.

Here is a simple comparative table highlighting the main substances and the therapeutic targets:

In the regulatory context, psilocybin and MDMA have received attention from health agencies like the FDA, which has designated these therapies as ‘breakthrough therapy.’ This designation indicates that these substances have significant treatment potential and are seen as alternatives alongside conventional therapies. In Brazil, ANVISA allows clinical research on the use of psychedelics, but so far, the use of these substances in standard clinical practices is not authorized.

As research advances, the acceptance and understanding of psychedelic therapy continue to expand within the scientific and therapeutic community. It is crucial to approach this field with caution, always relying on robust scientific evidence and respecting ethical protocols. The therapeutic potential of these substances is promising, but a deep understanding of their application within a controlled and professional context is necessary.

The Connection Between States of Consciousness and Hypnosis

Both hypnosis and psychedelic therapy share a common core: the ability to alter states of consciousness. Psychedelic experiences, often described as journeys leading to “ego dissolution” and an expanded view of reality, provide a space to reevaluate perceptions and feelings. In contrast, hypnosis, according to the definition of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), is a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, which allows for an enhanced response to suggestion.

These two phenomena, although induced in different ways, allow the individual to observe their own thoughts and emotions in a new light. In hypnosis, this observation is guided and structured, while in psychedelic experiences, it may be more unpredictable and diverse. However, both share the ability to break automatic patterns of thought and behavior.

This idea of “stepping out of autopilot mode” is crucial. Often, in daily routines, we become accustomed to reacting in predictable and habitual ways. Hypnosis, with its clear and directed focus, helps individuals redefine their thoughts and reactions to emotional or behavioral challenges. Psychedelic experiences can provide powerful insights and new perspectives by creating a “new network” of mental associations.

The ability to observe and reevaluate one’s own experience is what makes both hypnosis and psychedelic therapy valuable in clinical practice. Both methods offer unique tools: while hypnosis is grounded in structured and safe techniques for cognitive and emotional restructuring, psychedelic therapy can open doors to unexpected and profound connections. This can notably facilitate therapeutic processes, allowing each approach to complement the other in a therapeutic context.

By integrating these practices, health professionals can enhance their effects, helping patients achieve transformative insights. Therefore, both hypnosis and psychedelic therapy play a significant role in promoting mental health, highlighting the importance of consciousness modulation in the pursuit of emotional well-being.

Scientific Hypnosis in Therapeutic Preparation and Integration

Psychedelic therapy represents a new frontier in medicine and mental health, seeking to alleviate challenging conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder through substances that alter consciousness. However, to maximize their beneficial effects and ensure treatment safety, adequate support based on evidence is essential. In this context, scientific hypnosis emerges as a powerful and valuable tool for health professionals.

In the preparation phase of psychedelic therapy, hypnosis can be used to help patients focus, relax, and manage anxiety. By inducing a state of focused attention and reducing peripheral awareness, hypnosis allows patients to become more receptive to suggestions and learn to develop the necessary focus skills for the psychedelic experience. This can be particularly beneficial, as anxiety and fear are barriers that can hinder the effectiveness of treatment with psychedelics.

Hypnosis not only empowers patients before the experience but also plays a crucial role in the integration phase. After a psychedelic journey, discoveries and insights can be profound and, in many cases, confusing. Hypnosis can help solidify these experiences, transforming temporary perceptions into lasting behavioral and cognitive changes. Patients can work with a professional to integrate these new understandings into their daily lives, facilitating a process that approaches the practices of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By helping to identify and modify automatic thoughts or behaviors, hypnosis can enhance the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy.

Additionally, it is important to emphasize that scientific hypnosis, when used by qualified professionals, does not promise miraculous cures. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to facilitate changes and promote a better understanding of internal experiences. As advocated by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, the use of hypnosis must be ethical, responsible, and guided by practices that are safe and compatible with the professional limits of each practitioner. In this way, hypnosis becomes an effective bridge between established knowledge and the new frontiers of psychedelic therapy, enriching treatment and ensuring that patients have the necessary support for a transformative experience.

Therefore, the integration of scientific hypnosis into psychedelic therapy is not only desirable but fundamental. It provides a solid foundation for innovative treatments to be carried out effectively and safely, always respecting the ethical principles and scientific basis upon which these methods are grounded. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of a well-trained health professional capable of using these tools for the maximum benefit of the patient, contributing to a holistic and well-founded approach to mental health.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we navigated the promising yet complex waters of psychedelic therapy. We saw that it is a fascinating scientific frontier, with the potential to transform the treatment of severe emotional health conditions. The approach, which combines specific substances with rigorous therapeutic support, is based on the ability to induce states of consciousness that can catalyze neuroplasticity and the re-signification of traumatic experiences.

We discussed the emerging evidence for substances such as psilocybin and MDMA, always with the care to emphasize that this field, although promising, is still developing, and its clinical use is not an established reality in Brazil. Science requires caution, method, and above all, ethics. The distinction between controlled clinical use and recreational use is a pillar that cannot be flexibly interpreted, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.

The central point of our analysis was the connection between these non-ordinary states of consciousness and the state of hypnosis. We demonstrated that, although the means are distinct, the therapeutic goal converges: to allow the individual to access a state of focused attention that facilitates the reevaluation of automatic thoughts and behaviors. Scientific hypnosis, defined as an intentionally induced state of consciousness, offers a safe and substance-free pathway to access this mental flexibility and enhance therapeutic change.

For you, a health professional seeking effective and ethical tools to help people, the message is clear. As new therapies are researched and validated, there are robust, safe, and evidence-based methods that can already transform your practice today. Scientific hypnosis is one of those tools, capable of amplifying the results of any health approach when dealing with the components that stress and anxiety exacerbate.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Discover the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychedelic therapy and how does it work?

Psychedelic therapy is a therapeutic method that uses psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin and MDMA, in a controlled and safe environment. This approach aims to promote emotional healing and self-knowledge, unlike recreational use where there is no professional guidance. The treatment is structured in stages of preparation, psychedelic experience, and integration of experiences, always accompanied by qualified therapists who guide the patient throughout the process.

What substances are used in psychedelic therapy and what are they for?

The most studied substances in psychedelic therapy include psilocybin, derived from certain mushrooms, and MDMA, known as ecstasy. Psilocybin shows efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, while MDMA is particularly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both promote changes in neuroplasticity and facilitate emotional connection, allowing new perceptions during treatment.

What is the relationship between psychedelic therapy and hypnosis?

Psychedelic therapy and hypnosis share the ability to alter states of consciousness and promote emotional reevaluations. While hypnosis is an induced state focused on suggestion, psychedelic experiences can offer more varied and unpredictable insights. Both provide valuable tools in a therapeutic context, enabling patients to reevaluate their automatic thoughts and behaviors, enhancing the healing process.

How can hypnosis assist in psychedelic therapy?

Hypnosis can be instrumental in the preparation and integration stages of psychedelic therapy. In preparation, it helps the patient relax and focus, reducing anxieties that may hinder the experience. After the session, hypnosis facilitates the integration of psychedelic experiences, helping the patient incorporate new insights into their life. This combined approach can improve therapeutic outcomes and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

What are the challenges related to psychedelic therapy today?

The challenges of psychedelic therapy include the need for regulation and scientific acceptance. Although the efficacy of these therapies has been demonstrated in studies, their clinical use is still not widely authorized in many countries, including Brazil. It is essential that health professionals have a deep understanding and base their practices on evidence to ensure the safety and well-being of patients during treatment with these substances.