The Therapy
Indigenous communities across the world have understood the healing potential of psilocybin mushrooms and have used them for medicinal and spiritual purposes for thousands of years. Psychological research is now increasingly acknowledging the power of this potential, with hundreds of studies exploring the use of psilocybin in combination with talking therapy. The evidence supports what our ancestors have always known: plant medicines can empower lifechanging transformation and growth. Recent studies demonstrate how psilocybin assisted therapy can significantly support the recovery from mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, addiction and the impacts of trauma, but perhaps even more importantly, how change is sustained in the long-term, following short-term intervention. Psilocybin promotes connectivity between different areas of the brain, allowing us to develop new neural pathways. This malleable state occurs during the dosing session and continues in the 72 hours following, which leads to increased cognitive flexibility. For this reason, when psilocybin is used in a therapeutic setting, it accelerates the therapy process significantly. The result is that our belief systems soften, we can reappraise our past in new ways and we are able to bring new realities in to awareness.
Because psilocybin helps us think in less rigid ways, psilocybin assisted therapy is evidenced to support those who have struggled to move on from their difficulties after traditional talking therapies. Whilst therapy alone may increase understanding of a problem, often people can continue to feel stuck in patterns that they know are unhelpful for them. In addition to promoting cognitive flexibility, psilocybin also supports deep emotional processing which when combined with therapy, can help you fully let go of what has been holding you back.
Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy
The Therapist
I am Betty, a nurse and psychotherapist, with nearly 20 years’ experience supporting people with their mental health, wellbeing and personal growth. I was called to work within this field due to navigating my own traumatic experiences and the difficulties that followed, so I have both studied and personally practiced the approaches I draw on in my work today. These include developmental psychology and attachment theory, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy and somatic techniques. I have undertaken specific training in the delivery of psychedelic assisted therapy and plant medicines have played an important role in my own journey of healing and growth. This gives me the unique position of understanding the transformative potential of the medicines, from both professional and personal perspectives. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of supporting people through the most tremendous adversities and have repeatedly witnessed the human capacity for healing, expansion and recovery. The plant medicines have taught me how we all possess our own inner healing wisdom and I am passionate and committed to supporting others realise theirs. In doing this, I provide a safe, nurturing and compassionate container throughout your whole transformation, whilst truly appreciating what the process means and feels like.
The Process
The process involves an initial consultation, where we explore the reasons that are bringing you to this work, followed by a preparation session to set intentions and help you to get the most of out the medicine session. This can involve completing a psychological formulation, which is a collaborative process that maps out formative experiences, the meanings and beliefs you attach to these and the impacts that these have on your daily life. The second phase of treatment is the medicine session. This is an extended session, lasting around 6 hours, during which I support you with your process whilst working with you and your intentions psychologically and somatically. The final part of the treatment is integration; three sessions following the medicine session to help you retain the insights gained and support you in making the changes you want to carry forward into your life.
Treatment takes place at the sacred healing space of Unci Maka, Manzanillo, Costa Rica. Held in a peaceful, secluded cabina, with a river flowing and surrounded by the curative plants and animals of Mother Nature. The purpose-built cabina was made with healing intentions and we welcome you in to our safe haven to begin your journey with us.
