Psychedelic-Assisted Groups in the U.S.: A Culturally Responsive Counseling Approach

Psychedelic-assisted groups (PAGs) may help clients who do not respond to traditional talk therapy, but U.S. practitioners often hesitate due to societal perceptions and scope-of-practice concerns. The article provides a historical overview of psychedelic treatments, emphasizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) ancestral group practices alongside Westernized methods. It addresses group dynamics including recruitment, screening, selection, and therapeutic processes, with attention to multicultural and social justice aspects and facilitator characteristics. The author contends that if reconnected to its BIPOC roots, PAGs can serve as a culturally responsive intervention for diverse clients.

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Abstract

Abstract Psychedelic-assisted groups (PAGs) indicate promise with clients that do not respond to traditional talk therapy. While encouraging, in the U.S., societal perceptions of psychedelics and concern of practicing outside one’s scope may cause practitioners to hesitate. To illustrate the potential effectiveness of PAGs, this article has three parts. First is a historical overview of psychedelic approaches and treatments highlighting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) ancestral psychedelic therapeutic group practices and U.S./Westernized methods. I then address group dynamics such as recruitment, screening, selection, and therapeutic processes. Included within this are multicultural/social justice aspects and facilitator characteristics. Concluding the article are sections detailing limitations and implications for groupworkers. The contention is that if connected to its BIPOC roots, PAGs can be a culturally responsive intervention for diverse clients.