Atlanta, the capital and the most populous city of Georgia, is the economic powerhouse of the south. Originally founded as the terminus of a major railroad, it quickly became the place where multiple railroads converged, fueling its rapid growth.
This rapid economic expansion continued well into the 20th century as Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport swiftly became the busiest airport in the US. Atlanta has taken center stage and played an essential role in the US on more than one occasion.
During the 1950s and 1960s, it became the epicenter for the organization of the American Civil Rights Movement. Used as a staging ground for the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph David Abernathy. The city’s role cannot be understated.
At times, Atlanta played a significant role in social issues, but when it comes to psychedelic reform, they seem to be in the back of the pack. Like most southern states, penalties are stiff for psychedelics.
For example, possessing up to one gram of mushrooms can land you a one to three-year prison sentence. Although this is undoubtedly better than some states, it is a far cry from places like Denver or Oregon.
Although this seems like a lost cause for those seeking psychedelic therapy, there is still much hope. We have guides and trip sitters all through Georgia. Before you decide to embark on a journey of personal growth, let’s give you a base understanding of psychedelic therapy.
Not only will we define psychedelic therapy, but we’ll also go over some of the important things to consider so you are prepared to do “the work” that comes with psychedelic healing. We will also detail the options you have for seeking professional psychedelic guidance in Georgia, specifically in Atlanta, right now.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy vs. Traditional Talk Therapy
Before getting started on your psychedelic journey, it’s helpful to understand what psychedelic therapy is and what you can expect throughout the process. Understanding the basics can help you make decisions about your journey, maximizing the potential for psychedelic-assisted self-actualization.
An excellent place to start is by defining both traditional and psychedelic therapies, so you can compare and contrast their respective functions and processes. During conventional talk therapy, you’ll work with a trained mental health professional, usually, a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health counselor, to discuss your past and present.
All of these professionals will want to focus on profoundly upsetting events that may have adversely conditioned behavior, or emotional patterns that have warped your view of life. What happens during your sessions will depend on your mental health professional and the issues you are trying to overcome.There are an endless number of approaches to therapy.
Everything from Psychodynamic therapy, commonly known as talk therapy, all the way to Cognitive behavioral therapy. Although it may be uncomfortable or difficult, you and your mental health professional will spend some time discussing challenging situations. They will focus on emotional reactions and recurrent behaviors that negatively affect your life.
Despite seeming very similar to traditional therapy, psychedelic therapy is quite different. Even though both share similar goals, such as helping you work through challenging situations, emotions, and reactive behaviors, the methodologies are very different.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy usually involves three stages: preparation, the actual psychedelic session/ ceremony, and integration. During the psychedelic session, you will ingest a psychedelic drug alongside your chosen professional.
The goal is different for everyone. Some people’s intentions regard life transitions, family deaths, addressing fears, or to explore challenges that have formed strong emotional reactions or recurrent negative behaviors in your life. Most are moved to sit with these emotions in order to begin working through them mindfully and productively.
People in psychedelic therapy often seek help dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Studies have shown that psychedelic therapy– as long as it includes appropriate preparation and integration practices– is highly effective in treating these issues.
Often, psychedelics can catalyze the reemergence of our most pervasive and often unconscious or subconscious fears, limiting beliefs, and mental narration habits. Because of this, you must feel safe and comfortable with your chosen facilitator.
We have a great article discussing the qualities you should look for in a psychedelic therapist, where you’ll find everything you need to help you make a more informed decision about your prospective psychedelic facilitator. Here is a quick list of a few things to keep in mind:
- Find out what the therapy sessions will entail. Do they offer only preparation and integration, or can they attend your ceremony?
- Make sure the guide’s healing philosophy aligns with your intentions and goals for the session. The facilitator is there to support and encourage your journey to authenticity and personal development.
- Psychedelics have a powerful way of bringing repressed emotions up to the surface. Thus, you must feel comfortable with your service provider and in the physical environment of your journey. A good question to ask is, “Is this someone I can trust and open up to?”
Everyone is different and will require different levels of support from their facilitator. You should ensure they have a rigorous process of preparation, integration, and in-person ceremonial support. A rigorous program and plan, along with an environment of loving support during and after the ceremony, will ensure you get the most from your experience.
The Role of Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy
One of the other significant differences you will notice when working with a psychedelic therapist or a facilitator is the great importance placed on preparation. The main goal of preparation is to ensure the Set and Setting are just right.
Both are important because during a psychedelic journey, you are open and susceptible to influence by your surroundings and your current mental state. If not managed correctly, it can lead to a challenging experience.
Psychedelics open you up and connect you to your thoughts, emotions, and limiting beliefs. A thorough preparation plan will help you get the most from your journey. This facet of the plan is known as ‘Set and Setting’.
Set includes your mindset as well as setting an intention. A large part of your mindset requires the facilitator to evaluate your current mental state, as psychedelics are known to amplify pre-existing thoughts and emotions.
If you’ve recently undergone a severely traumatizing experience, it may be best to wait so you can process some of the complicated, initial feelings. These things will surely come up when you embark on a psychedelic experience.
Of course, any mental health diagnosis will come with difficulty regulating emotion. Thus, it’s helpful to think of this in terms of reactivity. If you’re in a place where you’re too reactive, that can cause a problematic emotional state. It may be best to wait.
Once you and your facilitator have determined that your ‘set’ is in the right place, the next step is to create a clear goal you want to work towards. Usually, this entails looking over challenges you’d like to work through.
You’ll also want to learn more about the psychedelic you’ve chosen to work with. Doing this and creating a safety plan will help reduce the possibility of adverse outcomes.
The other half of preparation is Setting. This refers to the physical environment in which you’ll have your psychedelic experience. Psychedelic facilitators will go to great lengths to make the setting as comfortable and inviting as possible.
Setting up a room for your journey will often involve the incorporation of soft lighting, familiar/grounding objects to help keep you present, and soothing music to encourage relaxation and inward exploration. Your facilitator will go to these great lengths to ensure everything is in order and to allow you to get the most from your experience.
Where To Find Legal Psychedelic Experiences in Atlanta, GA 2023
Although there are strict laws surrounding psychedelics in Atlanta, Georgia, a few options are still available for engaging with psychedelic medicine: Ketamine clinics and guided psychedelic journeys with Psychedelic Passage.
1. Ketamine Clinics
In Georgia, like many parts of this country, ketamine clinics are one of the only options for working with psychedelics through our current medical system. Ketamine has proven to be effective in treating PTSD, depression, and chronic pain.
Since ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic widely used throughout our medical system, it’s been a lot easier to approve the drug for off-label use, making access to it much simpler. The main benefit that ketamine clinic patients report is that it allows them to create temporary distance from the issue they are working through. This separation allows for a more empathetic and objective view.
Often, this detachment allows people to be less self-critical, promoting self-love and healing. Sadly, many report ketamine’s effects as being short-lasting. About 50% of our clients here at Psychedelic Passage have tried ketamine first, but found the experience to be lacking in therapeutic support. If you’re interested in finding a ketamine clinic, check out the pros and cons of ketamine therapy!
2. Guided Psychedelic Experiences with Psychedelic Passage
At Psychedelic Passage, we understand the importance of autonomy in the healing process. With us, you’re in control of every aspect of the process. You set the pace and direction of your journey. Not only do we work with psychedelic mushrooms, but we also will allow you to choose from a wide range of psychedelics.
This way, you can go about the process of self-exploration in any way you choose. We offer a 5-week program designed for personal transformation, which involves thorough guidance through preparation and integration processes. We want you to get the most from your journey.
Working with Psychedelic Passage will give you access to our network of pre-vetted and experienced psychedelic facilitators. Not only does this open your options, but it allows us to meet your needs and intentions.
Find Your Next Psychedelic Journey in Any Major Atlanta Area
- Druid Hills
- Gresham Park
- Decatur
- Hapeville
- Candler-MacAfee
- East Point
- Avondale Estates
- Panthersville
- Conley
- College Park
- Clarkston
- Chamblee
Explore How it Feels to be Connected
Hopefully, we’ve given you sufficient information to make a more informed decision if you decide psychedelic therapy is a promising route for you. Let us help you experience how connecting with yourself and the universe feels.
This article was a quick overview on psychedelic therapy in Atlanta, but if you still have unanswered questions, check out our resources page for more information.
If you are ready to do the work, take a moment and book a consultation with one of our qualified psychedelic concierges. They will help you to get started on your journey through authenticity and self compassion. Have fun, enjoy the journey of self-discovery, and stay safe!
