What do you do when the most interesting job in your field just opened up? Do you become the next Dr. Google and search for every opportunity that comes your way? Or do you wait around until the right opportunity arises again? Working in a field that’s still not very well understood by society can be challenging at times. But, working on psychedelics can be especially difficult. Why? Because we need to deal with stigma, grow as independent professionals, and learn from our setbacks so that we’re prepared for the next time we apply for a job or an internship. Working as a psychedelic therapist is probably one of the least stressful jobs in your field. It’s also a great stepping stone if you want to explore other opportunities within this field because psychedelics offer more flexibility than some positions within this field do. So what are you waiting for? Here are some practical insights into what it means to work as a psychedelic therapist.
What does it mean to work as a psychedelic therapist?
Psychedelics are substances that alter consciousness. They may be classified as natural or synthetic. Natural psychedelics include a plant-based array of substances such as Ayahuasca, Psilocybin mushrooms, and Eleusis. Synthetic psychedelics include LSD, DMT, and MDMA. Of course, there are many other types of psychedelics, but these are the most common. Since psychedelics elicit profound changes in perception and consciousness, they're used in psychotherapy to facilitate psychotherapeutic processes. Some people use psychedelics as a form of spiritual practice, but that is not the main reason therapists use them.
Stigma and the importance of independent professionals
Psychedelics have been stigmatized for decades and the media continues to perpetuate myths about the drugs. For example, those who use psychedelics are said to turn into “freaks” or “lunatics” in need of “treatment.” Many people think that psychedelics are illegal drugs that lead to addiction, mental health problems, and even crime. And because of these myths, psychedelics are still not legal in most countries. The stigmatization of psychedelics is also an issue in the mental health field, which is why therapists need to be independent professionals. Therapists using psychedelics need to be clear about the benefits, the risks, and the therapeutic context. They have to be careful to not promote their use, especially if they are not trained in how to prescribe psychedelics. This stigmatization also makes it difficult for people with an interest in this field to explore their career options and find a job.
Grow as an independent professional
Psychedelics can be an intriguing topic for therapists because they deal with the subject of psychedelics directly. However, therapists need to be particularly careful about how they promote themselves and their services. Specifically, therapists should avoid the temptation to push the idea that psychedelics are the solution to all of society’s problems. While psychedelics are particularly suited for dealing with mental health issues, they’re not a silver bullet. Therefore, therapists should avoid the assumption that they have all the answers and don’t need anybody else’s help.
Learn from your setbacks
Psychedelics are still not very common in clinical practice. This means that therapists need to be particularly careful when it comes to using psychedelics. They should take a break to step back and be humble if they experience a setback during their therapy. The Internet can be an extremely helpful tool to learn from mistakes, but it’s also a double-edged sword.
Summary
Working as a psychedelic therapist is probably one of the least stressful jobs in your field. It’s also a great stepping stone if you want to explore other opportunities within this field because psychedelics offer more flexibility than some positions within this field do. So what are you waiting for? Here are some practical insights into what it means to work as a psychedelic therapist.
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