DR. ANNA FEKETE (PhD)

PSYCHEDELIC

HARM REDUCTION 

​

 

What is Psychedelic Harm Reduction?

​

Psychedelic Harm Reduction Therapy is an approach that focuses on promoting safety, minimizing risks, and providing support for individuals who choose to use psychedelic substances. It aims to help individuals navigate their psychedelic experiences in a way that maximizes potential benefits while minimizing potential harm.

​

The core principles of Psychedelic Harm Reduction Therapy include:

1. Education and information: Providing individuals with accurate and evidence-based information about the effects, risks, and potential benefits of psychedelic substances. This includes educating individuals about dosage, set (mindset), setting (environment), and other factors that can influence the psychedelic experience.

2. Preparation and integration: Assisting individuals in preparing for their psychedelic experiences by exploring intentions, expectations, and providing tools and techniques for navigating the experience. After the experience, supporting individuals in integrating the insights and learnings into their everyday life.

3. Emotional and psychological support: Providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to process and integrate their psychedelic experiences. This may involve individual or group therapy sessions, where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to psychedelics.

4. Risk reduction strategies: Promoting harm reduction practices during psychedelic experiences, such as establishing a safe and supportive environment, having a trusted and experienced sitter present, and using appropriate dosage and administration methods.

5. Referral and support: Offering resources and referrals to individuals who may need additional support or assistance beyond the scope of harm reduction therapy. This may include referrals to medical professionals, therapists, or support groups.

6. ​

Psychedelic Harm Reduction Therapy aims to enhance safety and provide support for individuals who choose to engage in psychedelic experiences, acknowledging that these substances carry both potential benefits and risks. It emphasizes informed decision-making, integration of experiences, and fostering overall well-being.

 

​

What happens in a Psychedelic Harm Reduction session?

 

In a Psychedelic Harm Reduction session, the focus is on providing support, education, and guidance to individuals who are planning to use or have used psychedelic substances. The session aims to minimize potential risks, promote safety, and enhance the overall well-being of the individual engaging in psychedelic experiences. Here are some common elements of a Psychedelic Harm Reduction session:

​

1. Education and harm reduction strategies: The session begins by providing accurate and evidence-based information about the specific psychedelic substance the individual intends to use. This includes discussing dosage, potential risks, effects, and interactions. Harm reduction strategies are shared to help individuals make informed decisions and minimize potential harm.

2. Intention setting and preparation: The therapist works with the individual to explore their intentions, motivations, and expectations for the psychedelic experience. They discuss strategies for creating a safe and supportive set (mindset) and setting (environment) to enhance the experience and reduce potential risks.

3. Emotional and psychological support: The therapist provides a non-judgmental and empathetic space for individuals to express their thoughts, fears, and concerns about the psychedelic experience. They help individuals explore their emotional state and develop coping strategies to navigate any challenging emotions that may arise during the experience.

4. Integration and meaning-making: Following the psychedelic experience, the therapist supports individuals in integrating and making meaning of their experiences. They help individuals process and integrate the insights, emotions, and lessons learned during the psychedelic journey into their everyday lives.

5. Referrals and follow-up support: The therapist may provide referrals to additional resources, such as support groups, workshops, or further therapy sessions, to support the individual's ongoing integration and well-being. They may also schedule follow-up sessions to check in on the individual's progress and address any lingering questions or concerns.

6. ​

The goal of a Psychedelic Harm Reduction session is to empower individuals to have safe and intentional psychedelic experiences, while providing support and education to minimize potential risks and optimize the potential benefits. The therapist's role is to facilitate an open and non-judgmental dialogue, offer harm reduction strategies, and promote the well-being of the individual throughout their psychedelic journey.

 

 

​

 

 

​

​

Most important approaches in my praxis

 

• Explorative (analytic/dynamic) therapy

• Solution-focused brief therapy

• Hypnotherapy, hypnoanalysis

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

• Couples counseling, sex therapy

• Systemic family constellations (Hellinger-therapy)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desinsitization and Reprocessing)

• NLP, EFT

• Relaxation, imagery, meditation

• Mindfulness

• Breath- and body-mind techniques, autogenic training

• Music-, movement- and arts therapies

• Neuropsychological rehabilitation

​

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies

• Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

• Psychedelic Somatic Psychotherapy (PSIP)

• Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

• Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy

• Psychedelic Integration Therapy

• Psychedelic Harm Reduction

​

Coaching

• Individual and group/team coaching

• Corporate/organizational coaching

• Workshops, trainings

​

         

To book a session, please click here: 

​