Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy – the good, the questionable and what to worry about
Pychedelic assisted therapy
Nigel Denning is a pioneer in the field of training and research around the therapeutic use of medicines, and as an Australian, has seen what happens when psychedelics become legalized. He and co-host Sue Marriott discuss the state of psychedelic-assisted therapy as it ‘officially’ emerges in the United States. They discuss the efficacy of psychedelics such as MDMA and psilocybin as well as concerns about how these medicines are implemented and by whom. The need for structured treatment that supports integration with a solid theory of mind is emphasized.
Denning shares how the substances offer new opportunities for those who have not had success with traditional treatments, as well as addresses the concerns and skepticism around the science. Through their emphasis on the importance of proper setting, preparation, and integration he also highlights the importance of collaboration and community in the future of psychedelic therapy. Integrative Attachment Therapy was recommended as a sound training model to support those training in psychedelic integration.
“Psychedelics can help create the conditions for new opportunity” – Nigel Denning
Time Stamps for Unlocking the Potential of Psychedelics
04:37 The State of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Australia
13:46 Addressing Criticism and Skepticism: The Need for Scientific Explanation
21:58 Understanding the Effects of MDMA on the Brain
26:41 Understanding the Effects of Psilocybin on the Brain
29:31 The Importance of Set and Setting, Preparation, and Integration
32:41 Integration in Psychedelic Therapy
36:35 Concerns about Commercialization and Lack of Regulation
44:54 Training and Collaboration in Psychedelic Therapy
49:22 Psychotherapy as a Catalyst for Transformation and Resilience
About our Guest – Nigel Denning – Unlocking the Potential of Therapeutic Psychedelics
Nigel Denning is a counseling psychologist who runs Integrative Psychology in Melbourne, Australia. He earned a 
Masters degree in English literature before entering Psychology. Denning developed a national training psychedelic-assisted therapy for Mind Medicine Australia, which is described by Professor David Nutt as “the world’s best.” Denning is a clinical lead in three psychedelic trials and has developed an attachment training program with David Elliott. He also mediated a healing process with two large Catholic colleges with histories of employing pedophiles, as well as worked on the George Pell prosecution. Denning has worked in institutional abuse and was instrumental in dismantling a Hindu sex cult. He has lectured a many universities and ran professional training for the College of Counseling psychologists, and trains in Tibetan Bon DzogChen following his mentor, Daniel P. Brown.
Resources for Unlocking the Potential of Therapeutic Psychedelics
Shadow Work and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies – Article from Mind Medicine Australia by Nigel Denning
Integrative Attachment Therapy (IAT) – Media Release
Integrative Psychology – Website & Resource
Previous episodes on psychedelic-assisted therapies to deepen your exploration:
Non-drug Psychedelic Therapy with Trey Ratcliff TU 129
A Dose of Hope TU Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Dan Engle 167
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