In Aotearoa psychedelics substances are Class “A” drugs listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

It is illegal to supply or promote the use of illicit substances. 

At Resonance Therapies we believe it is our ethical duty to offer harm-reduction confidentially to those who wish to use psychedelics for personal growth and healing. The harm-reduction process emphasises preparation, integration, and support in creating a safe and supportive environment without directly involving or endorsing the use of illegal substances. 

It is important to be clear that a harm-reduction approach to psychedelic use does not permit therapists to legally attend or facilitate dosing sessions, something that is often called “guiding” or “trip sitting”.

we offer consultation, harm-reduction, and therapeutic support for those seeking to explore the use of psychedelics.

Harm Reduction

Harm-reduction sessions before psychedelic use are oriented toward helping people make informed choices, focusing on safety, education, as well as supporting the integration process. We do not advocate for or against the use of psychedelics, but instead we focus on helping you make an informed decision, aiming to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the journey safely.

Depending on an individual’s circumstances and the setting in which psychedelics are used, they may not always be safe or appropriate.

Preparation Sessions

Preparation refers to the process of getting mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for a psychedelic journey. We will clarify the reasons for seeking a psychedelic experience and may suggest alternative pathways for achieving your desired goals. Intention setting, education about psychedelics, including the risks and benefits, addressing concerns, and creating a safe "set and setting" are an important part of the process of having an informed choice, reducing risks, and increase the likelihood of a positive experience.

To support the experience it is encouraged to bring along a trusted person who will be their companion, guide, or "trip-sitter" during the journey, ensuring they have someone they trust and feel safe with for support.

Set and Setting: An important part of the preparation process involves discussing the importance of mindset (set) and physical environment (setting) in shaping the psychedelic experience. Emphasise the need to cultivate a positive mental state and select a comfortable, supportive space, including the development of a curated music playlist which will provide support, containment, and guidance during the journey. 

Trip-Sitter Preparation: The trusted person should be briefed on their role as a trip-sitter. Their job is to provide a calm, non-intrusive presence, help ground the client during challenging moments, and ensure safety.

Music programmes: Psychedelics has always been associated with music, as if they're not one without each other. Traditionally, live music would be used, but currently in psychedelic-assisted therapy music is played through headphones, and the music is is pre-selected and curated to support the journey.

We offer a collaborative approach to creating a personalised music programme, aimed at supporting and guiding the experience.

Intention Setting: Help the client set clear, meaningful intentions for their experience, allowing them to approach it with purpose and self-awareness.

Addressing Fears or Anxieties: Offer therapeutic techniques to deal with pre-existing anxieties and how to cope if difficult emotions or challenges arise during the journey.

Integration Sessions

Psychedelic Integration is the practice of making sense of and incorporating insights gained during a psychedelic experience into daily life. Integration can involve talking through the experience, reflecting on emotions and thoughts that surfaced, and finding ways to apply lessons learned for personal growth. This process helps ensure that the experience has a lasting and meaningful impact.

For resources on psychedelic integration follow this link

Reflection and Discussion: We offer a safe space for the client to openly reflect on their psychedelic journey. Along with the therapist they will explore experiences, memories, emotions, insights, or themes that arose during or after the journey.

Emotional Processing: We provide support for any unresolved emotions that may have surfaced during the experience, offering emotional support and grounding techniques to help with any ongoing challenges that may surface.

Integration Strategies: We will develop practical strategies to incorporate the lessons or changes into their personal and emotional life, such as journaling, meditation, or creative expression.

Good to consider

  • If you’re considering using psychedelics, it’s essential to know about responsible use. Knowing the potential risks allows you to take steps to minimise risks and improve the overall outcome. Psychedelic education can also help improve community safety. It equips you with knowledge to support yourself or someone going through a difficult experience.

    Here's some key points to consider when thinking about safe psychedelic use:

  • Set and Setting

    Your mindset (the "set") and physical environment, including music and people around you (the "setting") will play a critical role in shaping your psychedelic experience. It will yield great results to have done a good preparation - supporting the mind to be better resourced and prepared, as well as taking care of the environment where the experience takes place. That is the physical environment but also other influencing factors like people present and music.

  • Trip-Sitter

    Having an experienced person with you during a psychedelic experience can be helpful, especially for first-time users. A trusted friend or family member who is familiar with psychedelics can serve as a "trip-sitter," offering reassurance and guidance if needed.

  • Integration

    After the experience, taking time to process and make sense of what you’ve experienced is crucial. This step, often called integration, helps translate insights from the psychedelic experience into everyday life and can be supported by therapy or meaning making practices.

  • Mental Health Considerations

    It’s important to note that psychedelics can pose risks for those with existing mental health conditions. It’s advisable to avoid psychedelic use is you've a previous diagnosis of psychiatric conditions or current suicidality.

  • Substance Testing

    In Aotearoa New Zealand, as in many places, obtaining psychedelics illegally carries risks such as contamination or misrepresentation. Testing kits are available (e.g., from KnowYourStuffNZ) and can help ensure the substances you are using are pure and unadulterated.

  • Serotonin Syndrome

    This condition occurs when there’s an overload of serotonin in the nervous system, and it can be life-threatening. Certain psychedelics, including MDMA, ayahuasca, and 2C drugs, can increase serotonin levels significantly. Avoid combining these substances with antidepressants or other serotonin-enhancing medications.

  • These guidelines provide a basis for reducing the risk of harm, and maximising the potential benefits of psychedelic experiences. Awareness and education play a key role in promoting safety.
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