Participants’ Experience of Psychedelic Integration Groups and Processes: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Publication: Psychedelic Medicine
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating complex and chronic mental health conditions. Growing public interest in psychedelics may drive increased consumption outside of medically supervised clinical trials. Correspondingly, legality issues and potential risks of unregulated use underscore the need for structured aftercare support, including psychedelic integration groups, to reduce harm potential.
Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional, observational, online, anonymous survey with 65 participants who used psychedelics and attended psychedelic integration groups. Participants provided qualitative data on their experiences via open-ended questions. Employing a deliberate analytic strategy, responses were subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes.
Results: Three primary themes and associated subthemes emerged from the data: (1) reasons for attending psychedelic integration groups, (2) utility of psychedelic integration groups, and (3) adverse factors influencing participants’ experience of the group.
Discussion: The study underscores the therapeutic potential of psychedelic integration groups in providing essential community support and facilitating the processing of psychedelic experiences. However, it also highlights significant challenges, such as managing group dynamics and ensuring facilitators are adequately trained. These findings suggest that while integration groups can mitigate some risks associated with psychedelic use, research is needed to optimize their structure and effectiveness. Specifically, future studies should explore the development of standardized protocols and facilitator training programs to enhance the safety and efficacy of these groups. This research is crucial to inform policy and practice, ensuring that individuals seeking integration support and aftercare following psychedelic use have access to well-designed and delivered interventions.
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Disclaimer
Compass Pathways PLC did not contribute to the content and views expressed in this publication and did not financially support the preparation of this publication. Any contribution to this publication made by T.M. was done outside of his employee capacity at Compass Pathways PLC.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Psychedelic Medicine
Copyright
Copyright 2024, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.
History
Published online: 25 November 2024
Authors
Authors’ Contributions
N.L.M., R.H., V.W., and J.R. contributed to study conceptualization. N.L.M. contributed to methodology, data curation, data analysis, writing, drafting, preparation of tables and figures, and revision of the article and substantially to the discussion. The first draft of the article was written by N.L.M. T.M. contributed to the writing of the introduction and supported literature search, data curation, and data analysis. N.Z. and M.S. contributed to data validation, the article, and the preparation of the tables, figures, and Supplementary Data S1. R.H. contributed to study conceptualization and execution and to the discussion. S.P. contributed to the Research Ethics Committee and the discussion. A.C., V.W., and J.R. supervised the work progress, reviewed, and edited the article, proofread the article, and contributed to the discussion. All authors have approved the final article.
Author Disclosure Statement
All authors aside from T.M. declare the following:
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No shareholdings in pharmaceutical companies.
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No shareholdings in companies developing psychedelics.
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J.R. and N.L.M. provide services for the psychoactive trials group at King’s College London. The psychoactive trials group at King’s College London receives grant funding (received and managed by King’s College London) from Compass Pathways, Supporting Wounded Veterans, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, Beckley PsyTech, and National Institute for Health Research.
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J.R. is supported by the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) via Clinician Scientist Fellowship Awards to J.R. (CS-2017-17-007) and by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London, Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, and King’s College London. J.R. has attended trial-related meetings paid for by Compass Pathways, Ltd.; he has consulted for Beckley PsyTech and Clerkenwell Health; and he is employed by Sapphire Medical Clinics, a private medical clinic.
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A.C. has received honoraria for presentations and/or serving on advisory boards from the following pharmaceutical companies: Janssen, Lundbeck, Allergan, and Livanova.
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N.L.M. has received consulting fees from Compass Pathways PLC, Small Pharma Ltd, and Beckley Psytech Ltd. Carolina Maggio has received consulting fees from Beckley Academy, Entheon Biomedical, and Compass Pathways.
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T.M. is a current or past employee of subsidiaries of Compass Pathways PLC and owns shares, share options, and/or restricted share units in Compass Pathways PLC.
Funding Information
This study did not receive any specific funding.
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