Vivian W.l. Tsang

2 papers in the library · 4 citations · publishing 2024-2026

Papers

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training: An Argument in Support of Firsthand Experience of Nonordinary States of Consciousness in the Development of Competence.

Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) September 4, 2024 Shannon Dames, Crosbie Watler, Pamela Kryskow et al. 4 citations

Training programs for psychedelic-assisted therapy should include firsthand experience of nonordinary states of consciousness as a core component for developing therapist competence. The argument centers on how direct engagement with altered states provides practitioners with essential insights into the therapeutic process, enhances empathy and understanding of patients' experiences, and improves the effectiveness of therapeutic guidance. This experiential learning is presented as critical for achieving optimal healing outcomes and treatment efficacy, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge or observational training.

DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2023.0004 Psychedelic therapy Psychedelic-assisted therapy Non-ordinary states Psychedelic treatment +17

Ritual in Psychedelic Therapy: A Principle-Based Framework

Human Arenas April 25, 2026 Shannon Dames, Grace Scharf, Vivian W.l. Tsang et al.

Ritual functions as a relational organizing container that stabilizes psychedelic therapy by regulating the nervous system, orienting attention, and anchoring meaning through predictable sequencing and symbolic framing. Without clear frameworks, ritual applications risk becoming prescriptive or ethically problematic, especially when borrowing from Indigenous traditions without relational accountability. A principle-informed framework translates these functions into consent-based, culturally humble, and autonomy-protective clinical practice, shifting from prescribed techniques to co-created processes across preparation, dosing, and integration. This approach supports flexible, relational care that honors cultural context, participant agency, and situated meaning-making.

DOI: 10.1007/s42087-026-00596-0 Full text Psychedelic therapy Ritual Set and setting Cultural accountability +1