Psychedelics Today

PT 618 - Chad Charles - Integrating 5-MeO-DMT: Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Best Practices

Jul 29, 2025
Chad Charles, an educator and practitioner with nearly a decade of experience in 5-MeO-DMT therapy, shares his expertise on integrating this powerful substance into therapeutic settings. He emphasizes the need for thorough practitioner training and the importance of personalized therapeutic alliances. Chad discusses the ethical complexities around dosing, informed consent, and the significance of a trauma-informed approach. Additionally, he introduces his upcoming research project analyzing over 500 sessions to uncover best practices and enhance harm reduction in the psychedelic space.
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INSIGHT

5-MeO-DMT Reveals the Self

  • 5-MeO-DMT offers a reflection of the self with no edges, creating a merging of subject and object.
  • The experience is deeply personal, involving a transcendence of self-identity and dissolution of boundaries.
ANECDOTE

A Reckless Yet Transformative Start

  • Chad was introduced to 5-MeO-DMT in an unstructured, risky setting without an optimal container.
  • Despite potential risks, his positive experience motivated a deeper apprenticeship with experienced practitioners.
ADVICE

Demand Rigorous Practitioner Training

  • Training for practitioners of 5-MeO-DMT should go beyond brief courses to ensure competence.
  • Detailed mentorship and extended residencies better prepare clinicians for the substance's complexities.
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