The growing popularity of psychedelics in the media and wellness culture is hard to ignore. From podcasts to retreats to therapy rooms, stories are emerging about the potential of substances like psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca, and LSD to transform lives. Many of these stories are deeply inspiring. But others, sometimes seen in the news or on social media, are cautionary reminders that these substances are not without risk. Individuals end up hospitalized, overwhelmed, or psychologically destabilized after taking psychedelics without adequate preparation or support.
I want to share a vital message:
Psychedelics are powerful tools for healing and insight, but they are not a quick fix, a trend, or a one-size-fits-all solution. Proper screening, preparation, and facilitation are not just helpful – they are essential.
The Role of a Trained Facilitator or Therapist
Psychedelic work is more than just taking a substance. It involves holding a sacred space for vulnerability, supporting someone through profound emotional states, and helping them integrate insights into real-life transformation.
Without professional training and experience, a facilitator may overlook crucial safety measures, miss early signs of emotional or physical distress, fail to manage challenging experiences, or be unaware of contraindications that could lead to serious harm.
A trained psychedelic practitioner understands how to:
- Conduct proper screening and risk assessment
- Prepare individuals mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually
- Navigate difficult or altered states with care
- Create and maintain a safe, ethical, and supportive container
- Guide the integration process, where much of the real healing happens
Why Screening Is Essential: Psychedelics Are Not for Everyone
One of the most critical first steps is assessing whether someone is mentally and physically ready to embark on a psychedelic journey. Screening helps protect both the client and the process itself.
Key Areas We Explore in Screening:
- Mental health history: A personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder can increase the risk of destabilization. Active suicidality or untreated trauma may also be contraindications.
- Current medications: Many psychiatric and physical health medications can interact dangerously with psychedelics, especially substances like SSRIs or MAOIs (see below).
- Physical health: Cardiovascular issues, seizures, or certain medical conditions can pose risks, depending on the psychedelic being used.
- Substance use history: While psychedelics may support recovery, those in active addiction or without a support system may need to pause or do foundational work first.
- Psychological readiness: Are expectations realistic? Is the person grounded and emotionally resourced? Are they seeking healing or an escape?
Sometimes, after screening, we decide not to proceed or to wait. That decision, while disappointing to some, is made from a place of care and ethical integrity. The timing must be right, and the person must be emotionally ready and well-supported
Medications and Psychedelics: A Note of Caution
Some medications can reduce the effects of psychedelics – or increase the risk of serious side effects.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluoxetine/Prozac, Escitalopram/Lexapro):
These common antidepressants may dull the effects of psilocybin and similar substances. When combined with MDMA or ayahuasca, they can—in rare cases—increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous reaction. - Lithium (used for bipolar disorder): Lithium can interact dangerously with psychedelics – especially MDMA, LSD, or ayahuasca – and may cause seizures or severe physical distress. This combination is considered unsafe.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (present in ayahuasca and some antidepressants):
MAOIs can interact with SSRIs or stimulants, potentially leading to high blood pressure, emotional instability, or other adverse reactions. - Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs) (e.g., bupropion/Wellbutrin):
While they do not carry the same serotonin syndrome risk as SSRIs, they lower the seizure threshold. When combined with certain psychedelics – especially MDMA or 5-MeO-DMT, but also LSD or psilocybin in rare cases they may increase the risk of seizures.
Bottom line: If you’re on medication, it doesn’t necessarily rule out psychedelic work, but it does require caution, possibly involving your doctor, and choosing the right approach.
What Preparation Involves: A Holistic Approach
Once screening is completeþ, preparation begins. This phase builds the trust, mindset, and emotional resilience needed for a meaningful experience.
Preparation is more than just getting ready; it’s part of the healing process itself. It helps you enter the journey with a clear mind, an open heart, and tools to navigate whatever arises.
My Preparation Process Includes:
- A dedicated preparation session (online or in-person) covering mental, emotional, and physical health, lifestyle, intention, and support systems
- Teaching daily and weekly self-care practices, meditation, journaling, breathwork, and more
- Guided meditations to identify resistance and build emotional tolerance
- Providing a custom preparation document with information on routines, diet, rest, movement, and more
- Ongoing check-ins and pre-journey support, including a final call to review practicalities
Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Preparation
In the days and weeks leading up to the session, clients are encouraged to:
- Shift to a clean, plant-based diet; avoid alcohol, heavy foods, and caffeine
- Prioritize sleep, hydration, and gentle movement like yoga, tai chi, or nature walks
- Reduce digital noise and news consumption
- Engage in intention setting, creative expression, and quiet reflection
- Stay consistent with meditation and breathwork
- Begin journaling thoughts, emotions, and dreams
These practices help surface material that may arise during the session, and ground you in the capacity to meet it with clarity.
Integration: Where the Real Work Begins
The journey doesn’t end when the substance wears off; it begins there. Integration is the process of making sense of what you experienced and bringing it into daily life.
Integration may include:
- Continued journaling and reflection
- One-on-one therapy or coaching
- Creative outlets like drawing, dance, or music
- Developing a post-journey action plan
- Attending integration circles or group support calls
- Maintaining daily practices like breathwork, movement, and mindfulness
The more time you spend in preparation and integration, the more lasting and meaningful the insights become.
Psychedelic Work Is Sacred and Demands Respect
Psychedelics can open hearts, shift trauma, and unlock new paths in life. But these experiences are not to be entered into casually or without proper support. They are not right for everyone. Not every time is the right time. And not every guide or therapist is qualified to lead.
If we want to honor the depth and potential of this work, we must approach it with integrity, respect, and care.
As a certified psychedelic practitioner (trained through Synthesis Institute, Netherlands), I hold this responsibility with deep respect. I’m here to support those who are ready and willing to do the real work of transformation.
Preparation isn’t just for safety, it’s what makes the journey meaningful.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about guided psychedelic support, whether you’re just beginning to explore or preparing for a specific experience, I’m here to walk alongside you with care and respect. This is my path of service, and I approach each journey with humility, attention, and deep commitment. I offer preparation, journey support, and integration sessions tailored to your unique needs and readiness. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more or explore working together.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult with a qualified provider before beginning any psychedelic work or changing medications.
Recommended Resources
- Johnson, M., Richards, W., & Griffiths, R. (2008). Human Hallucinogen Research: Guidelines for Safety.
A foundational paper from Johns Hopkins outlining best practices for screening, preparation, and managing psychological risk in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3050654 - Nichols, D. E. (2020). Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Review of Pharmacological Interactions.
An overview of how psychedelics interact with various psychiatric medications, including SSRIs, lithium, and MAOIs, with attention to safety concerns like serotonin syndrome and seizure risk. PubMed link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32060656 - Estric, C. et al. (2025). Set and Setting of Psychedelics for Therapeutic Use in Psychiatry: A Systematic Review. A rigorous review of clinical trials exploring how both the internal mindset (“set”) and physical/social environment (“setting”) affect outcomes. It assesses standardized practices for participant selection, session preparation, therapist training, and therapeutic environment design. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40353492/
- MAPS-Based Screening & Preparation Recommendations. Derived from the MAPS MDMA‑Assisted Psychotherapy Treatment Manual and Code of Ethics, these explain structured screening processes, building therapeutic alliance, safety planning, and emergency response standards. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9668859/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Holistic Wellbeings 
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