All You Need to Know About Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Dr. Brian Pilecki

The Beyond Addiction Show

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is going to dive deep into the topic of psychedelic-assisted therapy, an approach that is growing in both popularity and in research. Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Brian Pilecki who answers all of your questions regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy, since it may be the therapeutic approach you choose in the future.

Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at Portland Psychotherapy that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma, and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He has been studying psychedelics for over 20 years, including earning an M.A. in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and attending numerous trainings and conferences. At Portland Psychotherapy he is involved in several research studies on psychedelics, such as a clinical trial investigating the use of MDMA to treat social anxiety, and has published in the area of psychedelics and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is also involved in public education and advocacy to reduce the stigma associated with psychedelic use.

Key Takeaways:

[2:19] Dr. Pilecki talks about the decriminalization of psychedelics for assisted therapy.

[2:39] Psychedelic assisted therapy is not new.

[3:58] Many cultures used psychedelics differently.

[6:05] There was a wave of research that started in the ’60s and ’70s.

[7:49] There is research that supports that psychedelics have medicinal qualities.

[9:46] Dr. Pilecki talks about recent research that proves that psychedelic-assisted therapy contributes to the reduction of depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms significantly.

[11:02] Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is also proven to be effective with substance abuse disorders even though there is research to be done in the field.

[12:42] Dr. Pilecki shares his knowledge about the doubts of using psychedelics with people prone to addiction behaviors.

[14:38] People with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder have been excluded from the trial with psychedelics.

[15:48] What does Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy’s process look like?

[19:45] Part of the work done during a session of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is putting in words the experience the patient has as well as processing the emotions and feelings resulting from it.

[20:53] Are there any common features that patients can experience during Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

[23:20] The range of potential experiences during Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is hard to describe since it is very wide.

[25:36] Dr. Pilecki talks about the spiritual experience a patient might feel under DMT.

[26:47] Dr. Pilecki shares his point of view about the science behind psychedelics.

[31:56] Dr. Pilecki explains why psychedelics are beneficial.

[33:25] It is necessary to have an open conversation about the pros and cons of using psychedelics.

[34:57] Dr. Pilecki explains the differences between recreational and therapeutic uses of psychedelics.

[36:18] What is harm reduction?

[39:00] Dr. King and Dr. Pilecki talk about the influence of Michael Pollan’s book: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

[40:40] Psychedelics require the patient to engage in therapeutic work.

[43:45] Dr. Pilecki talks about the public policy aspect of using psychedelics for therapy.

[49:28] Balancing psychedelic safe use with increasing its access to as many people who could benefit from them.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Beyond Addiction Show

Center for Motivation and Change

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Center for Motivation and Change on Linkedin

Email Dr. Josh King at [e-mail] or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Portland Psychotherapy

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Psychedelics have been used in indigenous cultures for thousands of years.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Psychedelics were used by indigenous cultures to achieve healing, growth, connection to higher powers and even sometimes to approach community disagreements.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“There is scientific research that supports that psychedelics have medicinal qualities.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Psychedelic-assisted therapy is proven to be two to three times more effective than traditional therapy and medications.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Psychedelics involve therapeutic work.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing