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business_adultman t1_j8nk9pp wrote

Working with an IFS therapist has completely changed my life in a relatively short period of time by my standards (~2 years). I was unemployed, clinically depressed, with severe anxiety for a long time. Now I'm usually connected to my wise self and have the energy and perspective to pursue goals that are meaningful to me. I'm getting my MSW right now and being exposed to a variety of modalities and theories of practice. I wanted to know your perspective on the limited, appropriate use of psychedelics in parts work.

During my process of awakening to my inner selves I had a shamanic, transformational experience with psilocybin. I hadn't used it in many, many years, but after doing IFS therapy it opened a direct path to my inner selves that led to a period of intense personal writing and growth. I don't think the experience would have been transformative without: 1) IFS therapy that set the stage for understanding, 2) An experienced guide to help me during the experience and afterword, 3) An established and effective psychiatric medication regime.

I'm concerned that psychedelic approaches are currently being used too widely, inappropriately, and without proper support; I worry abuse of these tools may keep people from being able to access them.

What are your opinions or experience with IFS and psychedelics?

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LucilleAaronWayne OP t1_j8opx6d wrote

Hi u/business_adultman, it's heart-filling to hear about the healing and flourishing you've found with the help of your IFS therapist. Thank you for sharing about with us all.

You ask about my perspective on responsible use of psychedelics with parts work.

To be completely open: I don't work with psychedelics in my practice nor have much interest in them. Why?

  1. I find the psyche immensely mystical without bringing in plant medicine. IFS would be an example of that. We can enter non-ordinary reality via parts work, no need for chemicals to be a part of that.
  2. While the psychedelics experiences can be immensely meaningful, my main interest is in helping people live their regular lives in a way that is deeply honoring of themselves. And I find that's achievable via long-term regular therapy - for my clients, at least. So I don't see the need for the psychedelics, and I think they can be a distraction. My bent is towards foundational change in daily life, not seeking peak experiences.

BUT I understand psychedelics can be immensely helpful for people. With - as you said - the proper support, context and integration resources. I know multiple people who feel psychedelics have provided critical turning points in their personal development.

Dick Schwartz, founder of IFS, has been very supportive of IFS and psychedelics for several years. If you google "Richard Schwartz psychedelics" there are several interviews with him where you can hear his view. He envisions IFS becoming the standard of care for psychedelic work.

Let me know if you have more questions.

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