Mindful Psychedelic Process Program

Mindfulness-based psychedelic integration program

Welcome to the Mindful Psychedelic Process Program website. Our program was created to integrate meditation practices with the exploration of psychedelics in a safe and scientifically based manner. It is aimed at those preparing for the experience and seeking support in its integration.

Meditation and psychedelics

Meditation and psychedelics can be complementary tools in the process of exploring the nature of the mind, developing and nurturing mental well-being. Research data indicate a convergence of the areas and mental problems affected by the two practices and the many possible synergies to which their combination can lead.

At the same time, several studies have been conducted so far indicating that the practice of mindfulness meditation can support the psychedelic process, at each of its stages: preparation, experience and integration. From the point of view of the design of this program, it is relevant how meditation practices can be helpful in preparing for the psychedelic experience, as well as in the process of its integration and sustaining its therapeutic effect.

The program is aimed at people:

  • those seeking reliable, scientifically supported information on psychedelics
  • preparing for their first or subsequent psychedelic experience
  • seeking support in integrating their past experiences
  • seeking community and group support 
  • participating in an esketamine or ketamine treatment program – looking for support in preparing for this process and tools to support and maintain remission after treatment has ended
  • interested in exploring the nature of the mind and expanded states of consciousness
  • seeking tools to support mental well-being

Theoretical basis of the program

Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a special state of attention: conscious, non-judgmental and directed to the present moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). It can be developed through meditation and informal practices. Mindfulness-based programs (MBI) have shown effectiveness in many areas, including stress reduction, depression and anxiety, and addiction.
Mindfulness
Studies show that psychedelics administered even outside of a meditative context also develop mindfulness competencies. Mindfulness meditation, in turn, appears to enhance the positive effects of psychedelics while counteracting possible dysphoric reactions (Smigielski et al., 2019).
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Self-compassion
Self-compassion is forbearance, kindness toward oneself and the ability to compassionately understand one's own suffering, one's limitations, failures and difficult emotions. Self-compassion also involves the belief that difficult experiences happen to all people (Neff, 2003a). Self-compassion can be developed through meditation and informal practices.
Self-compassion
Research shows that people who undergo psychedelic experiences can experience a shift from avoidant, evaluative and ruminative patterns to a more accepting and compassionate approach to themselves and their emotions.
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Psychological flexibility
Psychological flexibility (PFC) is the ability to be present in the moment, with full openness to one's own experiences, and to take action in accordance with one's values.
Psychological flexibility
It is considered a mediating factor between the effects of psychedelic sessions and the decrease in depression and anxiety levels in clinical studies (Davis, Barrett, Griffiths, 2019).
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Harm reduction
Harm reduction approaches involve minimizing the negative and harmful health, social and legal effects associated with psychoactive substance use, drug policy and drug laws. Harm reduction principles are based on faith and respect for the rights of psychoactive substance users.
Harm reduction
Our program is in line with the harm reduction strategy with the goal of increasing the safety of psychedelic users, supporters of psychedelic experiences and instructors of this program.
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Studies and protocols
The program is based on data from research on psychedelics, particularly on their therapeutic uses and effects on the brain and consciousness.
Studies and protocols
We also rely on research protocols for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, particularly those based on the mindfulness and psychological flexibility model (eg. Psilodep2 Imperial College London, Yale University, MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD - MAPS).
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Music
Music plays a significant role in the psychedelic experience. It shapes and sculpts the experience, can have a soothing effect, deepen emotional states, assist in evoking autobiographical memory and generating mental imagery, provide a sense of guidance, and create space for reflection and contemplation.
Music
Music can also play a role in catalyzing peak experiences and generating psychological insight, which in turn can help trigger changes in personality. The experience induced by meditation and music is central to the Day of Experience and the entire program.
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Structure of the program

Mindful Psychedelic Process Program is an 8-week course consisting of three main parts:

I. Preparatory part (4 weeks) – focused on preparation for the psychedelic experience, includes group meetings, meditation practices and psychoeducation.

II. Experience Day: an intensive day of group meditation practice, modeling the psychedelic session.

III. Integration part (4 weeks) – focused on integrating the experience and continuing meditation practices.

Part I. Preparation - duration 4 weeks

Session 1
Mind - noticing the narrator
Session 2
Body Awareness
Session 3
Mindfulness meditation and the psychedelic experience
Session 4
Working with difficulties

Part II. Experience - duration 9 hours

A day of experiencing
An intensive day of group meditation practice and experiential work, designed to be as similar as possible to a psychedelic session, except that participants do not take any psychoactive substances. The meeting takes place in a live format only.

Part III. Integration - 4 weeks

Session 5
Common humanity
Session 6
What is important in my life - working with values
Session 7
Commitment. Supporting change, working with difficulties
Session 8
How to support further practice - mindfulness in life

Additional information

The program has a group format (6-15 people). It is led by instructors trained in both the areas of mindfulness and psychedelic integration.

The program consists of:
– eight two-hour meetings, once a week live or online (16 hours total)
– an experience day held live (about 9 hours)
–  daily self-work between meetings including about 30 minutes of formal meditation practice, informal practices to develop mindfulness and compassion, and study of educational materials provided during the course
– total: 25 workshop hours and about 30 hours of self-practice over an eight-week period

If you have questions email us at: kontakt@ipsom.pl
Become a Mindful Psychedelic Process Program instructor
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