• Skip to main content
  • Skip to site footer

Explore a fresh, empowering approach to pain that helps you shift from frustration and exhaustion to confidence and control.

Viva Center

Viva Center

Beyond words - Begin healing

  • About
      • About You
      • The Viva Story
      • Our Team
      • Therapy Costs
      • Join Our Team
  • Services
      • EMDR Therapy
      • Brainspotting Therapy
      • Body-Based Therapies
      • Other Non-talk Options
      • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
      • Talk Therapy Options
      • Group Therapy and Group Options
      • Testimonials
      • The word
  • Resources
      • Upcoming Events
      • Community Gatherings
      • Whole By Design Podcast
      • Free Resource Library
      • Free Guide: How to Overcome Trauma
      • Upcoming low-cost workshop on pain
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Book A Consult

Psychedelics and Therapy: Healing Through a New Lens 

Written by Aurena Green, LPC

You are here: Home / Happenings / Psychedelics and Therapy: Healing Through a New Lens 
February 7, 2022
Happenings
alternative therapy, psychedelics

Psychedelics have been utilized throughout the ages for a myriad of purposes.

Some cultures and schools of thought have denounced the use of these substances. Others have regarded them as powerful tools for supporting healing and garnering insight. After years of condemnation, psychedelics are re-emerging as a promising conduit of healing.

Psychedelics made their first appearance in the clinical field in the early 1960s. Two well-known pioneers in the integration of psychedelics and therapy are Richard Alpert (also known as Ram Dass) and Timothy Leary.

Alpert and Leary launched the Harvard Psilocybin Project. In sum, they found that the psychoactive substances had the potential to make profoundly positive impacts on patients’ perspectives, insight, and thought processes.

A promising new paradigm

Psychedelics and hallucinogenic substances have since gained recognition in the clinical field for their healing potential. Psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ketamine have been used to treat a range of disorders including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Recent studies show that a combination of psychotherapy and psychedelic therapy can drastically reduce troubling symptoms including nightmares, sleeping problems, fear, shame, and anxiety. Psychedelics have also been shown to increase feelings of empathy and purpose. As a result, this sense of connectedness can produce powerfully healing effects for individuals partaking in this process.

As the field of psychology grows and diversifies, so do the practices we use to foster healing.

While the future of psychedelics in therapeutic settings is yet to be clearly defined, it appears to be hopeful and bright.   

Here are some helpful resources if you or someone you know is interested in learning more or pursuing psychedelic therapy:

  • Psychedelic Therapy Is Having a Moment — Here’s What You Need to Know
  • 10 Centers for Psychedelic Healing, Therapy, and Exploration
  • A Long, Strange Trip: Psychedelics Meet Mainstream Medicine
  • About Psilocybin Therapy

Viva Center Therapists | Aurena Green | Therapist in DC & VA

About Aurena Green, LPC

Clinician at The Viva Center in Washington, D.C. She incorporates EMDR, Brainspotting, Reiki and yoga into her care. Through applying a Parts Work and trauma-informed approach with her clients, she facilitates embodied and integrative healing


More Blogs

Psychedelics and Therapy: Healing Through a New Lens 

Sexuality Chakra

Using the Sacral Chakra to Engage with your Sexuality

Highlights for Health & Healing

Join our community of wellness seekers and aficionados to receive bite-sized wisdom, research-backed strategies, and inspiring success stories to motivate you on your journey.

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Locations

Washington, D.C.

1633 Q St., NW Ste 200
Washington, DC 20009

Best Therapists in Washington
Best Therapists in Washington

Virginia

12644 Chapel Rd Ste. 207
Clifton, VA 20124

Maryland

6274 Montrose Road
Rockville, MD 20852

Therapies

EMDR Therapy
Brainspotting Therapy
Body-Based Therapies
Other Non-Talk Options
IFS Therapy
Talk Therapy Options
Testimonials

Resources

Upcoming Events
Group Offerings
Resilient Brain Project
Whole By Design Podcast
Free Guide: How to Overcome Trauma

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

© 2025 · The Viva Center · All Rights Reserved · Sitemap · Privacy Policy