Should I Do Psilocybin Therapy?

Generally, these blog posts tend to grapple with a trend or an idea and seek—through lived experience and research—to offer something distinct and compelling about psilocybin therapy. Today, I’m going a little more basic. 

Why? Because like Ginsberg said, “allegories are so much lettuce.” And I’ve found that though meandering paragraphs and firsthand experiences are helpful, sometimes it’s easier for everyone if we just make a list. Well, two in this case.

10 Reasons Why I Should Do Psilocybin Therapy

1. You’ve already experimented with mushrooms and are drawn to their therapeutic potential, but the thought of a guide is comforting as you think of a larger dose.
   

2. You’ve never tried mushrooms before but you’re drawn to their therapeutic potential and the idea of a trusting, safe container takes away your anxiety.

3. You’re stuck, and you’re not afraid to look inward and honestly assess your lived experience.
   

4. You suffer from an affliction like OCD, depression, PTSD, substance-use disorder and traditional remedies haven’t been successful.

5. You’re navigating grief and want a fresh perspective on life and loss.

6. You want to unlock a part of yourself that seems hidden away—like the empath, the artist or the adventurer. 

7. You’re looking to establish or reconcile a spiritual or religious practice. Or you’re just trying to find some faith somewhere.

8. You feel estranged from your own relationships and struggle to find and cultivate meaning. 

9. You want to learn how to slow down and bask in the light of gratitude.

10. You want to learn how to love yourself unconditionally. 

10 Reasons Why I Should Not Do Psilocybin Therapy

1. You don’t want to do mushrooms and don’t believe they might help you.

2. You’re not ready to open yourself up unconditionally.

3. You’re in the throes of suicidal ideation or actively in crisis.

4. You’re unable or unwilling to foster a small network that will help you prepare for and integrate the experience.

5. For whatever reason, you implicitly don’t trust your facilitator.

6. Your living situation is currently unstable.

7. You’re coming from out of state and demanding to fly home the same night or next day.

8. Every time you think about it, it really freaks you out. 

9. You’re looking for an excuse to enact artificial change. 

10. You suffer from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or have a family history of psychotic breaks.