Editorial: The psychotherapeutic framing of psychedelic drug administration

This editorial introduces a Research Topic on the role of set and setting in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. It argues that the effects of psychedelic substances are profoundly shaped by the psychological state of the individual (set) and the physical, social, and cultural environment (setting), rather than being purely pharmacological. The editorial emphasizes that understanding and optimizing these contextual factors is crucial for both safe clinical practice and the design of future research. It calls for more systematic investigation into how set and setting influence therapeutic outcomes, and highlights the need to integrate these insights into training and clinical protocols to maximize the potential benefits and minimize risks of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

EDITORIAL article Front. Psychol., 23 January 2023Sec. Psychology for Clinical Settings Volume 14 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1121234