5 Myths of Psychedelic Assisted Couples Therapy Debunked
1.One session will heal all of our problems
While one session can open up a pathway for deep, intimate conversation and create the conditions for connection and intimacy, it is not necessarily a “one and done” proposition. The number of sessions can vary depending on what issues a couple is facing. If they come in with a secure base of love and trust, one session may be all they need but if they have more serious challenges like unresolved trauma or infidelity, more sessions are recommended.
Some couples find that an annual journey helps them reset their relationship and restore intimacy.. However, most couples can expect to experience significant improvement in compassion, ease of communication, and increased trust after just one session.
2. This will entirely replace couples therapy.
PAT doesn’t replace conventional therapy despite its transformational power. They are complementary modalities. Whereas couples therapy can be a longer term course of treatment, psychedelic therapy is short term and functions more as a catalyst to break through a stuck place, impasse or heal an unyielding attachment injury. Psychedelic therapy creates the immediate conditions for safe conversation When the walls come down, couples can experience each other without the veil of negativity or defensiveness. It can rekindle a level of connection that feels heartfelt and genuine.
Working with a facilitator who is also an experienced couples clinician can deepen the work, especially during integration. They should be skillful at mapping relational patterns, recognizing obstacles to communication and offer interventions that help couples create sustainable, tangible changes in their relationship after their journey.
3.This is potentially dangerous therapy. Is psychedelic therapy neurotoxic?
KAPS therapy is FDA approved and while there are some side effects, they are rare.
The assertion that MDMA is neurotoxic and can lead to brain damage is one of the most pervasive myths of MDMA assisted therapy and has been debunked.
The original article that alleged neurotoxicity in Nature Magazine by Drs. Ricuate, McCann and Leshner was published in September 2002 and later retracted the following year. The design of the study was exposed to contain major methodological flaws, with intent to be misleading. Yet the perception persisted that any use of MDMA is exceptionally risky and dangerous.
For more information: https://maps.org/research-archive/mdma/rd011604.html
Only seek out trained practitioners who can guarantee medication that has been tested for impurities and have a safety protocol in place for any adverse health reactions.
4.This is going to fix our sex life.
While psychedelics can certainly rekindle the spark of connection and restore some degree of attraction which can lead to more sexual intimacy, it is not a long term solution for complex sexual issues. Serious issues warrant more consistent and expert attention. Please refer to “Come As You Are” and “Come Together” by Dr. Emily Nagoski for further exploration or seek out an experienced sex therapist or coach.
PAT provides a safe and intimate container to verbally explore sexual discrepancies, misalignment or mis-attunements that can open the door to more compassionate inquiry. Sex is complex terrain. Creating a non judgemental, curious space for dialogue is the first step.
5.Will psychedelic therapy create inauthentic positive feelings that will wear off afterwards?
While psychedelic therapy can elevate strong positive feelings, the best context to have this kind of therapy is alongside couples therapy to ensure that renewed feelings of compassion, love and closeness can be leveraged into deeper, long lasting connection.
