Today, we journey into the world of psychedelic therapy consultation calls, providing insights into what you should expect and sharing common experiences. This article is inspired by our enlightening podcast interview with Michelle LaFontaine, which you can listen to on all streaming platforms.
Michelle LaFontaine is a seasoned call taker at Psychedelic Passage and an integrative health practitioner with a deep passion for self-discovery. You’ll discover why people from all walks of life seek consultation calls with Psychedelic Passage– from the curious newcomer to the seasoned journeyer.
You’ll hear firsthand accounts of callers sharing their vulnerabilities and uncovering their unique paths to healing. With each story, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the common threads that unite us all as humans—our desire for connection, wholeness, and personal growth.
You’ll also hear about how Michelle carefully tailors referrals to ensure that each client finds a facilitator who resonates with their unique intentions and needs. We’ll also address common concerns, such as navigating potential bad trips and sourcing the right substances.
Keep reading to gain valuable insights into the transformative power of consultation calls and why they are an essential step in anyone’s psychedelic journey.
Key Takeaways
- Bridging Knowledge: Consultations serve as a bridge for those seeking knowledge and understanding of the process, offering the opportunity to ask questions and explore the uncharted territory of psychedelic therapy.
- A Safe Space: These consultations provide empowerment, clarity, and a safe space for individuals to express concerns, regardless of their level of commitment. The goal is to meet individuals where they are in their journey and guide them toward informed decisions.
- Meeting You Where You Are: Consultation specialists like Michelle La Fontaine play the role of advocates, offering support, guidance, and information without any conflicts of interest, ensuring that clients’ well-being and interests are the top priority.
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The Purpose of a Psychedelic Therapy Consultation
“I love taking these one-on-one calls because everyone’s different, you know, their details are different and I love talking to them. But the themes are always pretty similar. Some sort of transformation is desired. People want connection.
People want a deeper connection to themselves. They want a deeper connection to the people in their lives, to their environment. They wanna live a life that’s more authentic.
And they really just want an increased quality of life and state of wellbeing. I think those are sort of the underlying themes that I see a lot of.”
The Quest for Knowledge
The first question that naturally arises is why people schedule a consultation in the first place. According to Michelle La Fontaine, one of the primary motivations is to learn more about a topic usually shrouded in mystery: psychedelic therapy. Many people find it challenging to find an informed and trustworthy person to discuss this evermore popular approach with.
These consultations serve as a bridge into the psychedelic world, offering a chance to gather information, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of what lies ahead. Nicholas Levich adds that this need for knowledge varies from person to person, reflecting their experience level and commitment.
Some individuals might be firmly committed, eagerly looking for the next steps in their journey, while others are still in the exploratory phase, curious but hesitant. This diverse range of motivations underscores the importance of consultation calls, as they need to cater to each individual’s unique needs.
Empowerment and Clarity
During these consultations, it’s not merely about gathering facts but also about empowerment and clarification. Michelle notes that the primary objective is to make the caller feel at ease and empowered, regardless of their level of commitment or experience.
These calls are a safe space for individuals to express their concerns and uncertainties, and to have a compassionate listener on the other end. Understanding that every person’s journey is unique, these consultations aim to meet individuals where they are, giving them the clarity they need to make informed decisions.
Nicholas emphasizes that the purpose of these calls is multi-faceted, involving space-holding, education, and actionable guidance. The outcome of a call might vary from getting personal questions answered to understanding the intricacies of the psychedelic therapy process.
Advocacy Without Conflict of Interest
One of the standout features of these consultations is that they provide a unique opportunity for individuals to engage with someone highly knowledgeable about the psychedelic landscape.
Michelle makes it clear that her role is not to project her personal beliefs but rather to serve as an advocate. She is there to offer support, guidance, and information without any conflicts of interest.
In a world where the line between therapy and business can sometimes blur, a consultation with a dedicated professional ensures that your interests and well-being are at the forefront. It’s an assurance that the guidance you receive is genuinely tailored to your needs and intentions.
Client Concerns & Consultant Responsibilities
As Nicholas Levich observes, part of the consultation process involves arming clients with the right questions and considerations to address when choosing a potential facilitator or therapeutic path.
This is especially vital as many clients may not know what to look for in a facilitator when they initiate the consultation. Michelle La Fontaine fulfills this role by guiding clients to express their concerns and then providing them with constructive questions that can serve as a compass on their journey.
A significant aspect that sets these consultations apart is the advocacy piece. Michelle emphasizes that her primary focus is the client’s well-being, not the selection of a specific facilitator.
“I’m happy to just meet them where they’re at and provide them with whatever information I can, because this is, this is their personal journey. So yeah, absolutely. I’m not invested. I’m invested in their transformation, not in the path that they choose.”
As Michelle notes, there are several common concerns that prospective clients express during these calls. For some, it’s about sourcing options and substance selection, while for others, it’s choosing between a retreat or microdosing. One prevalent concern is the fear of a “bad trip.”
The uncertainty surrounding how to handle a difficult psychedelic experience can be a significant source of anxiety for many. To address this, the consultants often refer clients to relevant resources, such as podcasts, to educate them on managing challenging trips.
Once clients understand that facilitators are pre-vetted professionals with extensive experience, their focus shifts to the logistics of the experience. In essence, it’s the ‘how’ of the journey that becomes a prominent concern. Clients want to know how the journey unfolds, how they will be supported throughout, and the extent to which they need to commit to the process.
Personalized Referrals & Finding the Right Facilitator
One of the key aspects that Michelle highlights is the diversity of facilitators in the psychedelic therapy landscape. They don’t come from a uniform background or have identical credentials. Instead, they represent a broad range of experiences, skill sets, and specialties. This diversity arises from the extensive application process required to become a facilitator.
Clients often approach these consultations with various intentions, such as addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, physical healing, or seeking spiritual and mystical experiences. Therefore, Michelle’s role is to uncover the client’s specific intention and goals to identify the perfect match among the facilitators.
“Take advantage of the discovery calls with the facilitators because they’re the ones working with clients one-on-one. So they’re the ones that are working with those specific needs. Every facilitator has their specific background.”
“They all have their list of skill sets. So when people ask, well, what does a ceremony look like? Well, there’s some creative flexibility involved in that. This is your healing journey, there is some creative flexibility.
So it starts with the facilitator that you’re working with, what’s their specialty, what tools did they bring to the table, right? What’s their skillset and ask the facilitator, what does a ceremony look like with you as a facilitator? How would you guide me through this process?”
Navigating the Commitment to Psychedelic Therapy
When it comes to embarking on the journey of psychedelic therapy, the commitment is not a one-time event but a gradual process. As Michelle La Fontaine points out, your commitment begins when you first express curiosity and start researching and exploring the possibility of psychedelic therapy.
The commitment lies in your personal exploration, which may involve conversations, journaling, and learning more about the process. The journey is deeply personal, and there’s no pressure to commit to a specific timeframe during the initial consultation.
Clients often find themselves in an exploration phase, and that’s perfectly fine. They have the flexibility to meet with facilitators and take time to trust the process. Trust, in this case, is not just in the therapy but also in themselves.
Curbing Your Expectations
The expectation of a single session leading to a miraculous cure is a common myth. People often hope for an overnight transformation, but the reality is more complex. Nicholas emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and understanding what success means to each individual.
Michelle reminds us that psychedelic therapy is not about achieving a universal benchmark of success. Instead of searching for a one-and-done solution, individuals should focus on gradual, incremental improvements and personal development.
Understanding that the healing process is a journey, not a destination, is essential for managing expectations effectively. In the world of psychedelic therapy, it’s essential to be aware of red flags that may indicate an unprofessional or less-than-optimal experience.
These include high-pressure tactics, a lack of support, inexperienced facilitators, and providers who claim their one-size-fits-all proprietary programs guarantee instant cures.
“I think one of the big red flags would be to see if they are trying to pressure you into a program. Like, are they offering a lot of discounts as in, “Bring a friend, get 25% off,” you know, like how enticing are they trying to be? Or is there a focus on support?”
“Because I think that’s really what people should be looking for in this process is how are they offering you support? Is there preparation involved? What does that look like? Is there integration afterwards?
That’s so key because a lot of times, like facilitators and retreats, they’ll have the preparation component and then they’ll have the psychedelic session, but then there’s no integration afterwards.”
Wisdom From Michelle Fontaine’s Experiences
For individuals pondering the idea of engaging in a consultation, Michelle offers profound advice: trust the process. She emphasizes that there is hope for everyone, regardless of the specific goals they wish to achieve through psychedelic therapy.
Whether it’s seeking a mystical experience, healing, trauma resolution, or an enhanced quality of life, it’s essential to recognize that there is hope and potential within the process. People often approach alternative therapies from a place of desperation, having exhausted other options without success.
This desperation might lead to skepticism about the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy. However, Michelle encourages individuals to give an honest effort by articulating their needs clearly, setting intentions, and engaging in adequate preparation.
Educate Yourself for Better Consultations
Nicholas and Michelle discuss the importance of educating oneself before attending a consultation. By becoming informed about the process, potential outcomes, and the work required, individuals can engage in more meaningful conversations.
Watching podcasts, reading articles, and seeking out real-life conversations about the therapy can provide valuable insights and help refine the quality of questions posed during consultations.
Being prepared by gaining a deeper understanding of the process can expedite the consultation process, enabling participants to explore more profound aspects of their unique journey.
Overcoming Doubts
One common challenge individuals face is doubting their suitability for psychedelic therapy. They often feel like outliers, questioning whether they will experience the same success as others. Michelle addresses this by emphasizing that every person’s story is unique, and their circumstances matter.
People may feel damaged or beyond help, especially if previous approaches have not yielded results. In the context of psychedelic therapy, it is crucial to acknowledge the personal nature of the journey. Comparing oneself to others isn’t productive.
The focus should be on one’s own experience and potential for healing and growth. At the end of consultations, Michelle reminds us to enjoy the journey and urges listeners to conduct further research.
She leaves us with actionable steps like listening to podcasts, reading relevant articles, exploring facilitators’ bios, and booking discovery calls. Ultimately, participants are reminded that they can reach out at any time for support, and the team is there to advocate for their healing journey.
“I would tell people to just not be afraid, you know? Like not to be afraid of the process. Ask questions, talk to people, engage in conversation.
Ask your family, ask your friends, you know, reach out to and, yeah, try to have fun with the process and just know that there’s hope for you and that this is exciting.
We’re in an exciting time in our lives, in a world where this is available, and becoming moreso.”
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Hi there! We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page.
If you’re seeking personalized advice and are prepared to take the first step toward a therapeutic psychedelic experience, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced psychedelic concierges.
This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.
Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.
Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic assisted therapy near you in the United States.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do people schedule consultations for psychedelic therapy, and what are the common motivations behind it?
People schedule consultations for psychedelic therapy to gain knowledge, clarity, and empowerment in navigating this unconventional approach. Common motivations include a desire for personal transformation, a deeper connection to themselves and their surroundings, and an improved quality of life and well-being.
2. What is the role of consultation specialists in psychedelic therapy, and how do they avoid conflicts of interest?
Consultation specialists, like Michelle La Fontaine, serve as advocates for clients seeking psychedelic therapy. They provide support, guidance, and information without personal biases or conflicts of interest, ensuring that the clients’ interests and well-being are paramount.
3. What should individuals do to manage their expectations when considering psychedelic therapy, and what are some red flags to be aware of in the process?
Individuals should understand that psychedelic therapy is not a one-time, instant cure but a gradual journey of personal growth and healing. Managing expectations involves focusing on gradual improvements and personal development.
Red flags in the process may include high-pressure sales tactics, a lack of support, inexperienced facilitators, and promises of one-size-fits-all instant cures. It’s essential to be cautious of such signs during the consultation and facilitator selection process.
