Incorporating MDMA as an Adjunct in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy With Clients Impacted by Trauma or PTSD

This article proposes integrating MDMA as an adjunct to emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT) for couples where at least one partner has experienced trauma and shows PTSD symptoms. Although MDMA is a Schedule I drug, the FDA designated it a breakthrough therapy for PTSD in 2017 and approved a Phase 3 clinical trial. The article combines existing research on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with the systemic, evidence-based EFT approach to treat PTSD within a couple's context.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article explores incorporating 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as an adjunct in emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT) with clients in which at least one participant has endured a traumatic experience and reports symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite classification as a Schedule I drug on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), in 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated MDMA as a “breakthrough therapy” in the treatment of PTSD and approved plans for a Phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. This article aims to integrate previous and current research involving the therapeutic use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy into the treatment of PTSD with the systemic, evidence-based approach of EFT.