How Transpersonal Therapy and Psychedelics Unlock Deep Healing

By Dori Lewis, LPC-S, MEd, founder of Reflective Healing and co-founder of Elemental Psychedelics

Have you ever felt there’s more to life than what you see on the surface?

Do you sense a deeper connection to something bigger than yourself – beyond your daily routines or even your physical body?

If so, you’re not alone. Many people explore these questions through transpersonal therapy, which delves into the spiritual and transcendental aspects of being human – often extending far beyond our usual sense of self or ego.

What’s more, psychedelics, such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and even ketamine, can be powerful catalysts for these transpersonal experiences. When combined thoughtfully, psychedelic medicines and transpersonal therapy can reveal profound insights into our inner landscapes and our place in the world.

What is Transpersonal Therapy?

Transpersonal psychology emerged in the late 1960s to address the entire spectrum of human consciousness. It goes beyond traditional Western perspectives on mental health and recognizes the importance of spiritual experience in human growth and development.

Transpersonal therapy often integrates aspects of spiritual and shamanic traditions from across the world, including ancient principles and practices like meditation and mindfulness. It invites us to engage in self-exploration through the lens of a larger, more expansive system. 

Instead of viewing progress in relation to personal action and will alone, transpersonal counseling can help the client explore a connection to a higher consciousness or the collective unconscious. Using this approach, therapists can encourage their clients to examine primary emotions like fear and love as processes that are essential to their humanness. This helps them cultivate deeper compassion and meaning toward themselves and their emotions or actions.

In my own transpersonal therapy practice, I draw on diverse techniques, including:

• Meditation and mindfulness

• Shamanic rituals

• Nature-based practices

• Creative tools like bibliotherapy (therapeutic reading), podcasts, and oracle cards

All of these tools can help clients tap into their inherent wisdom and sense of wonder. We work together to create a safe space for self-exploration, where I meet the client wherever they are in their journey, free from judgment or imposed spiritual beliefs.

Transpersonal Therapy & Psychedelic Medicine: The Perfect Pair

While transpersonal psychology studies experiences of transcendence, psychedelic medicines can open up those very states. It’s no surprise that they’re such a good match.

Psychedelic medicines like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have seen a surge in interest in recent years. Countless studies have demonstrated their healing power for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance dependencies – to name but a few.

Many people who take psychedelics access mystical states, connect with the divine, and tap into a sense of unity with the world. For others, journeys may be centered on self-discovery and understanding and processing aspects of their personal history.

The spiritual nature of these experiences aligns with transpersonal psychology’s emphasis on the interconnectedness of life and exploring higher levels of consciousness.

Psychedelics are a useful tool for many people who are already exploring transpersonal questions and concepts – like those that I posed at the beginning of this article. For folks seeking a deeper connection to themselves and life, psychedelics can facilitate a “felt” sense of being connected to something greater.

Is Transpersonal Therapy with Psychedelics Right For You?

Not everyone is drawn to transpersonal therapy, and that’s okay. It may be a good fit for you if:

• You’ve been feeling a pull toward spiritual exploration

• You’re searching for deeper meaning or purpose in life

• You’re open to the idea of connecting with something beyond everyday awareness

Psychedelics tend to reveal what you’re ready and willing to experience, so spending time exploring transpersonal thoughts and ideas prior to your session can be hugely beneficial. In a way, transpersonal therapy can prime you for the spiritual connection you’re seeking through psychedelics.

In any case, it’s vital to remember that psychedelics and therapy – while powerful – aren’t quick fixes to mental health struggles. They are tools that can support your journey, and meaningful change still requires ongoing self-reflection and the willingness to take concrete steps in your daily life.

Creating a Safe Therapeutic Container

If you are seeking out transpersonal therapy combined with a psychedelic medicine experience, it’s crucial to make sure you’re doing it in a safe container. The ‘container’ refers to everything surrounding a therapeutic experience – not just the physical space, but the support you receive from your facilitator before, during, and after the journey.

When choosing a therapist or facilitator:

• Confirm their credentials and training in psychedelic therapy

• Ask about ongoing supervision and their own self-awareness practices

• Look for clear communication in touch agreements, boundaries, and informed consent to ensure you feel comfortable and respected

Facilitators should also know how to navigate power dynamics and social positioning, and how to communicate and address these subtle relational dynamics. Clear explanations of the process, including what to expect and how to prepare, can help you enter this work with safety and confidence.

Seeking Psychedelic Therapy in Colorado?

If you are seeking psychedelic therapy, either with ketamine or through upcoming legal psilocybin therapy in Colorado (due to be available in the summer of 2025), starting with transpersonal therapy at Reflective Healing could help you make the most out of your experiences.

In our private therapy practice, we support clients in understanding themselves more deeply, connecting to the wider world, and tapping into the wisdom of their intuition. All of this helps them enter into psychedelic therapy feeling grounded, clear, and ready to dive deep into themselves and their higher consciousness.

If you’d like to explore how transpersonal therapy can amplify the benefits of psychedelic therapy, get in touch today to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can create a safe, supportive environment for you to dive deep into yourself – and maybe even something greater.