How can I use integration to support my psychedelic journey?

Psychedelic integration is a critical component of understanding and incorporating the knowledge and lessons gained during the psychedelic experience, and proper integration shouldn’t be rushed and could extend for weeks or even years after your experience. The integration phase usually begins the day after the dosing session, but preparation for integration can start weeks before the session. Integration involves thoroughly reviewing the psychedelic experience during the dosing session and, in some cases, applying therapeutic techniques to reinforce particular aspects of the experience in order to sustain desirable patterns of thought and behavior. In other words, integration can be understood as the continuation of a therapeutic process that began during preparation sessions, and intensified during a psychedelic experience (Sloshower et al., 020). There are many different approaches to integration, and some of these approaches can be read about here (Bathje et al., 2022). Common amongst these approaches, however, are the following components:

1. First, integration requires active effort to revisit and work with psychedelic experiences and content that emerges from them. Without such active effort, valuable lessons tend to fade, and difficult experiences can reinforce traumas or existing patterns and defenses. Approach integration actively by addressing the experiences you’ve had, journaling, meditating, and working through these experiences.
2. Second, integration is not just an event or brief phase but a long-term process. Without regular practice and lifestyle changes that allow time to reflect, engage in intentional integration practices, and engage with others, one is unlikely to have an adequate container in which to hold and work with the entirety of their psychedelic experiences.
3. Finally, bringing forth one’s insights, values, changes, and gifts to the world are treated as a later step in the process of integration. You should give yourself time to reflect on what you’ve learned before making large changes to your life: refrain from making life-changing decisions until you’ve allowed time for yourself to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned. Often, the rule of thumb here is to wait several weeks before making significant changes to your life (for example, ending a relationship, quitting a job, moving home etc.)

To prepare for integration, firstly, a core component of preparing for integration is setting an intention prior to the psychedelic experience. Detail or specificity is useful, so try to set a clear or detailed intention for yourself. Secondly, mental preparation is a key part in the integration process. For example, take time off work, cultivate a quiet and receptive mind, perform movement and breathing exercises such as breathwork or meditation, and center yourself to prepare for your experience. Third, prepare your body. Avoid processed or heavily fermented foods, and limit or stop your intake of alcohol and other drugs, especially in the days immediately before your experience. Allow your body to be well rested, with sufficient sleep beforehand. All this being said, integration of psychedelic experiences is often not an easy task. In a recent study, 88% of participants considered experiencing challenging mental health effects to be part of a positive process of growth or integration (Lutkajtis and Evans, 2022). What this means is that oftentimes the psychedelic experience and the integration practice that follows can be a difficult process and should not be taken lightly. Don’t be afraid of difficult experiences or challenges you may face, this is a part of the process, and healing takes times. Trained psychedelic facilitators or integration specialists provide containment, safety, and clear guidelines to help participants navigate the psychedelic experience. Thus, the clinician is often not referred to as a “therapist” but instead is named a “sitter,” “guide,” “facilitator,” or “monitor.” Although access to a trained psychedelic integration therapist is ideal, another option is to seek a non-professional trip sitter or facilitator through friends or family – someone that you feel comfortable with and who can help calm you in the event of a difficult psychedelic experience. A person you trust and can talk to about your experience can be helpful to guide you through the integration process. If these options aren’t possible, there are many other ways to prepare and practice integration. You can read about some different methods for integration on our website here, including journaling, integration circles, and embodiment and movement (yoga, meditation, breathwork etc.). Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before undertaking a new health care regime. Unlimited Sciences does not give or substitute for medical advice. The products and services discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Please click here to read our full disclaimer.