By Jan Boal RN, Enlightened Awakenings, Psilocybin Coach/Facilitator
The new surge of Psilocybin therapy has many folks scratching their heads and thinking,” what is that exactly!? Is it safe? What does it help with?”
To learn more about Psilocybin and have questions answered in person please join me for a free community event, Psilocybin – Facts & Myths – at the Tillamook Library on Saturday, July 25th 12-2pm.
The state of Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin therapy, followed by Colorado, New Mexico and New Jersey. There are several other states
currently in the process of putting it on their ballot.
Psilocybin therapy refers to plant-based medicine, mushrooms, that causes a hallucinating action in the brain in a safely controlled environment.
Facilitators who assist the client, whether medical professionals, therapists or laymen must complete a psilocybin training program that can be three to seven months in length, which the latter I have graduated from. This was an intensive program with a well-rounded education from the history of its use, which stems back thousands of years for ceremonial events to medicine men and healers who provide aid for their tribes. To where this sacred medicine found its way under scientific research in the US, only to then be prevented by the government to continue until recently. We learned about the therapeutic value by understanding trauma and other conditions, a spiritual awareness that awakens in many clients and the role of a facilitator to provide non-directed support for the client.
Psilocybin is not prescribed by a provider but some clients with health concerns may need to be medically cleared by their provider before undergoing the journey. There are many therapists who work with clients that may suggest this service to their client to be done by a licensed facilitator.
These cases are often at a point where therapy alone is not sufficient in alleviating issues related to trauma or depression.
There are a variety of mental health conditions where psilocybin has been approved due to its efficacy for depression, severe or medication resistant
depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety conditions and addiction.
It has also been proven to be beneficial with clients facing end-of-life diagnosis and grief.
A psilocybin treatment involves a series of meetings called prep sessions with the facilitator. These involve a short consultation, then the review of a detailed health history followed by usually two more preparation sessions. These are to review safety protocol, standards of care, setting intention, discussing the dosage amount of psilocybin to be taken and what to expect being on a journey. On administration day, you will wear comfortable clothing, take the medicine, climb into bed, put on an eye mask and specialty music is played to go along with you on the journey. The journey lasts about four to five hours.
This takes place in a state licensed facility, at a retreat center in state or out of the country or underground services from trained facilitators that provide a more affordable option.
Documentaries of interest: Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan explores the various psychedelic therapies and their benefits.
Waves and Wars directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk follows military veterans who suffer from severe PTSD and find relief in psychedelic treatments.
To learn more about Psilocybin and have questions answered in person, please join me for a free community event, Psilocybin – Facts & Myths – at the Tillamook Library on Saturday, July 25th 12-2pm. I’m excited to share my experience and expertise with my community!
For more information, contactjanboalrn@gmail.com
