The city of San Luis Obispo – or better known as SLO – is an absolute beauty with its historical architecture and many beaches. Known for its engineering and agricultural programs, Cal Poly is home to thousands of students who bring a vibrant and youthful energy to San Luis Obispo.
With warm year-round weather, the beaches of San Luis Obispo are always an option for tourists. There are several beaches within a 15-minute drive from San Luis Obispo for you to choose from, such as Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay.
Unlike Oakland, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz, psychedelics are still not decriminalized in San Luis Obispo. However, these cities are paving the way for complete psychedelic decriminalization in California.
In this article, we will be discussing the differences between psychedelic therapists, guides, and facilitators, along with their roles. We will also go over where to find a psychedelic in San Luis Obispo best suited for you along with all the information you need regarding psychedelic therapy in California.
The Difference Between a Psychedelic Therapist, Guide, & Facilitator
When researching psychedelic therapy, ‘therapist’, ‘guide’, and ‘facilitator’ are words that commonly arise, but what are the differences between them?
Psychedelic therapy, which can also be referred to as psychedelic-assisted therapy, takes place in a clinical setting with clinically determined psychedelic dosages for each patient. This type of therapy is typically used for those suffering from PTSD, OCD, anxiety, substance use disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.
A psychedelic therapist is a licensed mental health professional who incorporates psychedelics into their practice. Typically, psychedelic therapists combine psychedelic therapy with another form of psychotherapy, such as talk therapy.
As psychedelic-assisted therapy is still relatively new, practicing this form of therapy is still not legal. Licensed mental health professionals are not likely to risk their licenses to practice psychedelic therapy, leading to accessibility problems for prospective patients.
However, psychedelic therapists are able to provide preparation, integration, and support during your psychedelic journey, but they are not legally allowed to be present during or assist during your actual psychedelic experience.
Psychedelic “guide” and “facilitator” are often used interchangeably in the psychedelic realm. Guides are able to completely connect with you during your journey, as they have first-hand experience with psychedelics.
Additionally, guides provide services similar to psychedelic therapists, but guides can offer in-person psychedelic support.
What is the Role of a Psychedelic Guide?
If you’re new to the world of psychedelics, it’s important to fully understand everything that psychedelic guides have to offer. Psychedelic guides are there to guide you throughout your journey and essentially make everything easier for you.
Beginning this journey can be scary, especially if this is your first experience with psychedelics. Luckily, psychedelic guides are there to support you every step of the way through your journey. The role of a psychedelic guide encompasses three main stages: preparation, in-person session support, and integration.
During the preparation stage, your guide will conduct a health screening to ensure your suitability for the experience. From here, your guide will determine if you are both mentally and physically ready for this experience. In addition, they will also explore your family history.
Individuals with a family history of specific psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are not recommended to use psychedelics, as psychedelic substances can bring out underlying symptoms that can put your health and well-being at risk.
Following the health screening, your guide will spend time learning more about you. Your guide will help you determine your intentions. Sometimes, your intentions may be too large, but your guide is there to help you narrow them down.
Because your guide is highly knowledgeable about psychedelics, they can help you determine which psychedelic is best for you, along with appropriate dosages, based on your intentions and history.
For the most beneficial experience, building a relationship with your guide is crucial. Unlike traditional therapy experiences, you do not meet your guide for the first time on the day of your psychedelic experience.
During the session or ceremony, your guide will remain by your side, offering guidance and support. They create a safe and comfortable environment, whether it be at a designated place or in the comfort of your own home.
The role of a psychedelic guide extends beyond the session itself. After your psychedelic experience, your guide will continue to work with you through the step known as integration.
This step reflects on your journey and determines how to apply this newfound knowledge to your everyday life. The psychedelic experience can be overwhelming and a lot to take in.
Your psychedelic guide will work with you to help you fully process your experience. Although the actual psychedelic experience is life-changing, the integration step is where the majority of the growth comes from.
It’s also important to remember that all psychedelic experiences are different. Some people release their emotions during the experience, while others don’t speak. Either way, your guide is there to assist in your healing journey.
Ultimately, you lead the journey, and your psychedelic guide is there to support you. They are able to handle any situation that may arise, as they are experienced in the realm of psychedelics. The psychedelic medicine and psychedelic guide are just tools you use on your path to healing.
Is it Really Necessary to Hire a Psychedelic Guide?
While working with a psychedelic guide during your journey can be beneficial to your healing, it is not required to work with a guide. The decision on whether to have a guide depends on your prior experience with psychedelics and the desired outcome of your journey.
Guides play an important role in your psychedelic experience, providing support and guidance throughout your journey. They are there to make your experience easy and comfortable, as they are psychedelic experts with first-hand experience and knowledge.
Psychedelics have been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. Looking back, individuals seeking therapeutic psychedelic experiences have often relied on shamans to guide them through the process, as shamans are extremely knowledgeable of the experience and the plant medicine.
For those embarking on their first psychedelic experience, we highly recommend working with a psychedelic guide. The intensity of the experience can be overwhelming, and without proper guidance, you may struggle to fulfill your intentions.
Psychedelics have the power to amplify your emotions, such as anxiety. Without a guide, your psychedelic experience could become unpredictable, leaving you to handle the situation on your own.
In the end, it really is a matter of preference whether you want to hire a psychedelic guide or not. However, having a knowledgeable and supportive presence can provide an extra layer of safety and ensure your experience will be as beneficial as possible.
Where to Find Legal Psychedelic Experiences in San Luis Obispo 2023
As California continues to relax its stance on psychedelic laws, finding psychedelic therapy may be easier than you’d think. Currently, there are a variety of options available for therapeutic psychedelic experiences, including ketamine clinics and guided psychedelic journeys with Psychedelic Passage.
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- Ketamine Clinics
Currently, ketamine clinics are the most accessible option when it comes to working with psychedelics. Typically, ketamine is used to treat PTSD, OCD, anxiety, chronic pain, and treatment-resistant depression.
Individuals are drawn to ketamine therapy due to ketamine’s fast-acting nature and quick results. Unlike other drugs on the market for these disorders, ketamine addresses the root of the problem rather than managing the symptoms only.
Ketamine clinics can administer ketamine in two ways – IV or nasal. For IV infusions, the healthcare professional can easily adjust the dosage if needed. For instance, if a patient begins to feel overwhelmed, the professional can reduce the drip rate of the ketamine.
However, there are some drawbacks when it comes to ketamine therapy. Most notably, ketamine therapy is expensive, leading to accessibility problems.
Additionally, it’s common for patients to meet the healthcare provider administering the ketamine for the first time on the day of their session. As discussed earlier, it is essential to build a relationship with your provider or guide before your session.
Even if you have a supportive relationship with your therapist, they may not be the one who administers the ketamine to you. This could be done by a nurse or other medical healthcare professional. Your therapist may not be present during your ketamine experience at all.
Without a pre-existing relationship with those involved in your psychedelic journey, individuals are more susceptible to feeling anxious and overwhelmed during the session, which may result in an unsuccessful experience.
To learn more, check out our article on the benefits and pitfalls of ketamine therapy and explore how you can find a ketamine clinic near you.
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- Guided Psychedelic Experiences with Psychedelic Passage
You are in control of your psychedelic experience. At Psychedelic Passage, we are here to help you connect with a psychedelic guide who aligns with your needs. They will be there with you every step of the way throughout your journey.
Our 5-week program is designed specifically for your unique transformation. Psychedelic experiences are personal, but can also be overwhelming. With our guides located across the country, they are able to support you during your journey in the comfort of your own home.
Because we don’t supply you with the psychedelic medicine, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of psychedelics for your journey. Not sure which psychedelic is right for you? Your guide will work with you to determine what will be the most beneficial for you and your intentions.
Find Your Next Psychedelic Journey in Any Major San Luis Obispo Area
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- Laguna Lake
- Ferrini Heights
- Railroad District
- Downtown San Luis Obispo
- Japantown
- The Arbors
- Foothill area
- California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
- Bishop Peak area
- Mill Street Historic District
- Upper Monterey
- Broad Street area
- Bishop Peak area
Explore How it Feels to be Connected
Beginning your journey can be intimidating, but we are here to make it easy for you. If you are ready to start your journey but don’t know where to begin, we encourage you to speak to one of our knowledgeable psychedelic concierges by booking a consultation.
They will help you start your journey by connecting you with a facilitator that is best suited to your needs. Still having doubts?
We encourage you to check out our testimonials page to learn about the inspiring psychedelic journeys of others that have used our services. If you still have questions, please check out our resources page. As always, embrace the adventure and enjoy the journey!
