Supporting Therapists in Psychedelic Conversations: Supervision for Ethical and Informed Practice
As interest in psychedelic therapy continues to grow, many therapists find themselves fielding questions from clients about these emerging treatments.
Whether clients are considering psychedelic-assisted therapy, using substances on their own, or seeking integration support, therapists must be equipped to navigate these conversations ethically, knowledgeably, and without bias. Research suggests that psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA may hold promise for conditions such as PTSD and depression (Carhart-Harris & Goodwin, 2017; Mithoefer et al., 2019). However, these treatments exist within a complex legal, ethical, and psychological landscape.
Given the reemergence of psychedelic therapy combined with our mental health crisis, this is a fundamental conversation. I offer specialized supervision groups for therapists seeking to enhance their understanding of psychedelic therapy. My supervision groups create a supportive environment for clinicians to examine best practices, ethical considerations, and harm reduction strategies when discussing psychedelics with clients.
Why Supervision for Psychedelic Therapy Matters
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and ayahuasca are gaining attention for their potential to treat PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Nichols, 2016). Many organizations are offering certification as continuing education. Yet, therapists often feel uncertain about how to respond to client inquiries—concerned about legal risks, scientific evidence, or the nuances of harm reduction (Johnson, Griffiths, & Hendricks, 2019).
Supervision provides a space to:
Develop a clear, research-backed understanding of psychedelic therapy.
Learn how to talk to clients about psychedelics while maintaining professional boundaries.
Explore the ethical and legal considerations of these conversations.
Gain insights into supporting clients in preparation and integration work.
Address personal biases and examine countertransference when working with clients exploring psychedelics.
What to Expect in Our Supervision Groups
Our supervision groups are designed for therapists at all levels of experience who are curious about psychedelic therapy and wish to deepen their competency in this area. Sessions include:
Case Discussions: Bring real client questions and cases to explore appropriate responses and interventions.
Current Research: Stay informed about the latest studies, clinical trials, and legal updates on psychedelic therapy (Ross, Bossis, & Guss, 2016).
Ethical Considerations: Understand confidentiality, informed consent, and the therapist’s role in supporting but not encouraging psychedelic use.
Harm Reduction Approaches: Learn practical strategies for client safety, preparation, and integration without promoting substance use.
Experiential Learning: Reflect on your own beliefs, biases, and comfort level in discussing psychedelics with clients.
Who Can Benefit from Psychedelic Supervision?
Licensed therapists, social workers, and mental health professionals who want to engage in informed, ethical discussions about psychedelics.
Clinicians supporting clients who use or are curious about psychedelic therapy.
Therapists interested in harm reduction strategies and integration practices.
Professionals looking to build confidence in responding to client inquiries.
Join Our Next Supervision Group
If you’re a therapist seeking guidance on psychedelic therapy conversations, our supervision groups offer a safe, structured environment to develop your skills. Within my groups, I prioritize ethical, science-based education to ensure therapists are well-equipped to support their clients with integrity and professionalism.
Visit Kelly Stone Therapy to learn more and register for an upcoming supervision session. Expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals, and strengthen your ability to navigate these critical conversations confidently.
References
Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Goodwin, G. M. (2017). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: Past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(11), 2105-2113. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.84
Johnson, M. W., Griffiths, R. R., & Hendricks, P. S. (2019). The role of psychedelics in palliative care reconsidered: A commentary on potential future research. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 33(11), 1414-1416. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119879484
Mithoefer, M. C., Feduccia, A. A., Jerome, L., Wagner, M., Wymer, J., Holland, J., ... & Doblin, R. (2019). MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine, 25(6), 910-918. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0404-6
Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478
Ross, S., Bossis, A., & Guss, J. (2016). Psilocybin-assisted therapy for anxiety in people with cancer: A qualitative study of participant experiences. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116675513
