Psychedelics and the new behaviourism: considering the integration of third-wave behaviour therapies with psychedelic-assisted therapy

Third wave behaviour therapies, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, share theoretical foundations and mechanisms of action with psychedelic-assisted therapy, including enhanced mindfulness, decentering, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Both approaches have demonstrated therapeutic potential for problematic substance use, self-directed and other-directed violence, and mood disorders. The evidence suggests that integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy with these third wave therapies could be a promising avenue for future research.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This narrative review examines evidence related to the potential for third wave behaviour therapies to serve as adjuncts to psychedelic-assisted therapy. It identifies shared theoretical foundations for both approaches, and notes enhanced mindfulness, decentering, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance as common mechanisms of action. It also identifies potential targets for which both approaches have demonstrated therapeutic potential, including problematic substance use, self-directed and other-directed violence, and mood disorders. Based on these commonalities, there is a call for research on the potential integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy and third wave behaviour therapies including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.