- The Shadows of Visibility: Transcending Tokenization in the Psychedelic Ecosystem - September 12, 2023
- Why is Gender-Affirming Care Needed in the Psychedelic Space? - December 15, 2022
- Why is Gender-Affirming Care Needed in the Psychedelic Space? - December 15, 2022
The following are excerpts from the SoundMind publication, “Trans-Affirming Care in the Psychedelic Space: A Guide for Therapists, Clinicians, Facilitators, and Healers” by Maya Fern and Hannah McLane. SoundMind is a women-led and self-funded organization dedicated to bringing ethics, equity, and innovation to the psychedelic ecosystem. Access the SoundMind Psychedelics and Identity Initiative and download the publication here:
“In recent years, psychedelics have experienced a powerful renaissance in the western world as many people seek out new ways to heal themselves and explore their consciousness. A growing body of research is demonstrating that psychedelic-assisted therapies can provide robust and sustainable relief from a range of difficult-to-treat mental health concerns, leading the policy landscape to shift in favor of legalizing certain psychedelic medicines for use in therapeutic settings. Ketamine, which can be legally prescribed off-label, is already in use by hundreds of providers across the country to treat depression, chronic pain, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Psilocybin has been legalized for therapeutic use in Oregon and is expected to become available there by 2023. At the national level, the Biden administration has signaled it expects to approve both MDMA and psilocybin for therapeutic use within two years.
Transgender and gender non-conforming people have long been marginalized within the medical system, and the psychedelic renaissance is no exception.
This rapidly growing popularity has created an urgency among practitioners to understand how to provide psychedelic-assisted therapies in an ethical, attuned, and skilled manner, taking into account the unique needs that individuals who hold diverse identities may present. Transgender and gender non-conforming people have long been marginalized within the medical system, and the psychedelic renaissance is no exception. While this is beginning to change as more people become aware of the unique challenges and needs of this population, there is still a long way to go to provide safe containers for those who have different life experiences than their cisgender peers. As the psychedelic community continues to grow and evolve, it is important that we continue to learn how to co-create these safe spaces for transgender and gender non-conforming people. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and diverse community that is better able to meet the needs of all its members.”
Why is Gender-Affirming Care Needed in the Psychedelic Space?
“Psychedelics have the potential to be powerful tools for personal growth and healing, but only if the individual feels comfortable and safe in their environment. Gender-affirming care means that the individual’s gender identity is respected and affirmed. This includes using the individual’s correct pronouns, using their chosen name, and providing a safe space to explore their identity. It is crucial to create an environment where individuals feel they can be themselves without judgment or discrimination. Psychedelics can be helpful for individuals who are exploring their gender identity, as they can provide a way to access deep parts of the self. They can help bring about insight and understanding and provide a space for healing past trauma. For individuals who are transgender or gender nonconforming, psychedelics can be a way to connect with their true selves and find peace in their identity.
For individuals who are transgender or gender
nonconforming, psychedelics can be a way to connect with their true selves and find peace in their identity.
Gender-affirming care is an essential aspect of psychedelic-assisted therapy that is often overlooked. There tends to be a lack of understanding and awareness of the needs of trans and gender nonconforming individuals within the psychedelic community, which can lead to a feeling of isolation and exclusion. Trans and gender nonconforming individuals often face unique challenges during psychedelic-assisted therapy. This can include feeling uncomfortable in their skin, feeling disconnected from their bodies, and feeling like they are not being seen or heard due to the therapist or facilitator’s lack of knowledge about the trans and gender nonconforming experience. In your practice, delivering gender-affirming care can create a safe and supportive environment through which your transgender and gender nonconforming clients can heal.”
Art by Trey Brasher.
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