A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA
George R. Greer, Requa Tolbert
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs December 1, 1998 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1998.10399713 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA therapeutic method using MDMA emphasizes careful attention to the mental state of both therapists and clients and the session environment. The therapists believed MDMA reduces fear responses to emotional threats, helping clients reframe past experiences in their current lives. Clients were screened and prepared until they had a clear purpose and willingness to experience anything that might happen. Medical contraindications were based on MDMA's sympathomimetic effects, and those with serious psychiatric impairments were excluded. Doses of 75-150 mg, with an optional 50 mg later, were given; clients then lay down with eyeshades and headphones listening to music during the peak effect.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Clients with clear therapeutic purpose, excluding those with serious functional psychiatric impairments |
| Dose | 75-150 mg, plus 50 mg if requested later |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Active listening Session web analytics Psychotherapist Perspective graphical |
| Citations | 187 |
| Key finding | MDMA-assisted therapy, with careful preparation and setting, helped clients reframe past emotional experiences and provided relief in two cases: a man with multiple myeloma pain and a woman affected by Holocaust survivor family issues. |
Abstract
A method for preparing clients and conducting therapeutic sessions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is described, with emphasis on the need for careful attention to the mental set of therapists and clients and the setting of the session. The therapists' belief was that MDMA inhibited the fear response to a perceived emotional threat, allowing the client to place the emotional sequelae of past experiences into a more realistic perspective in their current emotional lives and relationships. Clients were carefully screened and prepared until they had a clear purpose for the session, including a willingness to experience and to learn from anything that might happen. Sympathomimetic effects of MDMA determined the medical contraindications, and clients with histories of serious functional psychiatric impairments were excluded. Total doses of 75-150 mg, plus 50 mg if requested later, were administered, followed by clients lying down and listening to music with eyeshades and headphones during the peak MDMA effect. Screening and follow-up questionnaires were utilized. Two case histories are presented: a man achieving relief of pain from multiple myeloma, and a woman finding relief from problems as the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Use of consciousness-altering drugs in other contexts is discussed.