Creating Greater Safety in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Spaces
January 1, 2023 Maira Evelyn Clancy 1 citation
As psychedelic-assisted therapy nears medical legalization, reports of therapist abuse against clients are increasing, revealing a pattern of exploitation and power abuses. Using a survivor-centered framework, this research synthesizes three survivors' accounts of therapy abuse and analyzes interviews with four psychedelic therapists. It finds that current protocols and safeguards to protect clients from sexual abuse or boundary violations are often insufficient. To reduce harm and promote safer experiences, the field needs a multi-faceted system of safeguards, including rigorous therapist education and certification, comprehensive misconduct reporting, immediate investigations, and clear ethical codes.