TheraPsil FAQ

Psilocybin is a compound found in many species of mushrooms that creates psychoactive and psychedelic effects, which may include alterations in sensation, cognition, and emotion. Psilocybin can be synthesized to better ensure the purity, potency, and accuracy of doses. Researchers use this synthetic form in their clinical trials. Psilocybin mushrooms may be more commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms' or 'shrooms'.

No. TheraPsil does not, and legally cannot help patients or individuals procure ‘magic mushrooms’ or psilocybin in any form. Patients whose prescriber successfully receives special access to psilocybin on their behalf through the Special Access Program (SAP) may then be provided synthetic or natural psilocybin psilocybin directly from a regulated producer. At this time, we can only support patients to apply for section 56 exemptions who have their own source or means of procuring this fungus.

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy refers to the professionally guided use of psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy and differs greatly from the recreational use of psychedelics. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy involves a rigorous and clinically tested treatment protocol that encompasses careful medical oversight of the treatment session, as well as pre-and post-psychotherapy sessions that help prepare an individual for lasting healing.

The psychedelic psychotherapy process can be divided into three aspects; preparation, the treatment day, and integration.

To prepare, each patient is brought through a medical screening to ensure there are no medical contraindications and that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is the best option for them.
Once medical sign off is given, the patient will take part in at least three preparatory psychotherapy sessions. These preparatory sessions are opportunities for the patient to build trusting relationships with their therapy team, investigate what might come up for them during their treatment day, build on an intention or goal and plan logistics for the treatment day. It is important to note that even if a patient has been granted legal access to psilocybin, this does not guarantee the treatment day will occur, as the therapist and the patient together must determine that the patient is fully ready and safe to have a psilocybin experience.

After the preparatory sessions are completed and the therapy team feels the patient is ready, the treatment session takes place. On the treatment day, the patient ingests psilocybin with the constant supervision and support of two trained psychotherapy sitters. The location of treatment varies - sometimes this can take place in a therapist's office, the patient’s own home or a medical setting depending on the needs of the patient. The patient often lays on a couch, wearing eye shades and headphones, listening to a curated playlist of music. The patient is encouraged to “trust, let go, and be open” and focus their attention on their inner experiences throughout the session. At any time throughout the session, the patient can choose to do things such as remove the eye shades, change positions, or speak with the practitioners if they feel called to do so. The practitioner will oblige to the patient’s wishes, but will likely continue to encourage the patient to go inward to experience the journey of the psilocybin therapy throughout the session. The psilocybin treatment day begins and ends gradually, with a slow and supported shift out of and back into normal consciousness.

After the treatment day the patient attends approximately three integration sessions, with the first often on the day following the medicine session. These sessions are all about supporting the patient in finding some understanding and meaning around their medicine journey, and assisting them to integrate the experiences from the medicine day into their lives. Integrating the psychedelic experience into one's life is often the most impactful part of the psychedelic psychotherapy process. Along with the structured integration sessions provided, other examples of integration may be journaling one's thoughts, sharing insights with social supports or noticing shifts in one's views or habitual patterns. Integration is an ongoing process that continues into the future of one's life post treatment.

Research shows that psilocybin can have profoundly positive effects on people facing the end of life. One dose of psilocybin, accompanied by psychotherapy, can help reduce the depression, anxiety, and hopelessness that is often associated with the end-of-life experience. Psilocybin itself can induce spiritual or mystical states, feelings of unity, a profound sense of love and acceptance for all that is. This treatment can increase a sense of spiritual connectedness and meaning in life, while at the same time reducing a desire to hasten death and the existential anxiety that is associated with facing the end of life.

Yes! All around the world groundbreaking research has been and is being done regarding psilocybin-therapy. This research has shown the effectiveness of psilocybin in combination with skilled psychotherapy to reduce depression, anxiety, and end-of-life distress for those living with a terminal illness, in palliative care or who are experiencing distress as a result of a life-threatening illness.

Foundational studies on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can be found at the following links:

• Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial
• Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial
• Individual Experiences in Four Cancer Patients Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy

We have amalgamated a bibliography of research, here.

TheraPsil is also contributing to current and future psilocybin research. Observational research studies have been designed in collaboration with researchers from McGill University, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and the world’s first Psychedelic Research Centre at Imperial College, London. All eligible patients granted legal access to psilocybin therapy have the opportunity to take part in this research initiative. Find out more about past and present psilocybin research here.

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is an active process that a patient must engage in, with intention. Like many things in life, you often get out what you put in. The more dedicated one is to their own preparation, experience and integration, the more likely positive results will incur and be sustained. No two psilocybin experiences are the same, and some patients may not experience the positive effects named above. For some, the experience is not life-changing. It is important to go into the psilocybin session with direction but without strong expectations, being open to whatever you experience.

As with all treatments, there are contraindications and risks. However, the medical literature suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy can be a safe and effective treatment option for end-of-life distress, in comparison to other treatments. The safety profile of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is different from the recreational use of psychedelics as the treatment setting is carefully prepared, the psychotherapist works to prepare the patient, and monitor the session. Research also shows that psilocybin is not addictive. Rather, psilocybin is actually anti-addictive, meaning that some individuals who consume psilocybin tend to reduce their consumption of other substances.

There are physical and psychological reasons in which psilocybin therapy may not be a safe option for some people. TheraPsil ensures a healthcare prescriber oversees a medical screening before psilocybin therapy is pursued to ensure all contraindications are assessed.

While under the influence of psilocybin, an individual's consciousness is heavily altered. This can be a very vulnerable situation. This is why a solid foundation of trust between the therapist and the patient is of utmost importance. Patient’s supported by TheraPsil Practitioner Associates for their psilocybin treatment are provided many preparatory sessions to ensure trust and safety is established before the potential treatment day occurs.

You may have heard about psychedelics and the ominous “bad trip”. These so-called “bad trips” are often had when the proper support and planning is not in place surrounding an altered state, such as when one is at a social gathering or while using a psychedelic alone. A psilocybin experience can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable at times. Some patients report bouts of nausea, perspiration, tremors, fear, and anxiety when working through challenging experiences. Although it is important to note that within the supportive framework of psychotherapy, with two trusted and trained practitioners holding steady support for an individual, surrendering to and working through challenging experiences is often considered incredibly valuable and at times transformative.