Understanding the Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a bit of a mouthful, so most people know of this psychedelic drug by one of its other names, including MDMA, Molly, or ecstasy. There is a lot of misinformation out there about just what MDMA is, but current research has shown this psychedelic has many benefits to enhance and accelerate the results possible with therapy. In this blog, we’ll talk through some of the basic information about MDMA, and specifically, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of incorporating MDMA into therapy practices.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA is a psychedelic drug that causes the brain to release “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, oxytocin, and serotonin into the brain. This chemical stimulation makes senses seem heightened and energizes. This combination allows for increased self-reflection and self-awareness as well as allowing you to feel more connected, understanding, and empathetic toward those around you. When used in a therapeutic setting, the effects of MDMA can help people more deeply explore difficult situations, confront emotions, and process traumatic experiences.
Is MDMA Legal for Use as Part of Therapy?
Currently, MDMA and other psychedelics are in clinical trials. This means that professional researchers, doctors, and therapists are utilizing psychedelics in treatment of a select group of study volunteers in order to prove the efficacy of this treatment option. The research is in a phase 3 trial, which means it could be approved for use by the public after the conclusion of this study. The phase 3 trials could conclude as early as 2023. Until then, only study participants and select groups can legally utilize MDMA-assisted therapy.
What Are the Benefits of MDMA Assisted Therapy?
The majority of the current research into MDMA-assisted therapy has focused on providing support for those who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In clinical trials, individuals with PTSD have been able to safely dive deeper into their trauma, opening up and sharing more honestly about the experience itself as well as the continued effects of the traumatic event on their lives. As they are able to more fully open up and explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors surrounding traumatic experience, they also seem to more quickly start healing and begin to resolve the traumatic even in their minds. This leads to diminished frequency and severity of symptoms related to the trauma. Research is still ongoing into the benefits of utilizing MDMA-assisted therapy for other emotional and mental health disorders, but use of MDMA has been shown to help people increase:
Self-awareness, understanding, and actualization
Compassion and empathy toward others
Energy and drive to achieve specific tasks
Experience of pleasure, calm, and peace
Ability and desire to open up and explore emotions
In addition to increasing these beneficial emotions and processes, MDMA also helps to alleviate feelings of anxiety, fear, worry, and stress that can hold people back during traditional talk therapy sessions. In some people, MDMA allows them to think about space and time differently to reduce feelings of worry or existential dread. MDMA changes the recipient’s perception to allow them to experience less fear and sadness, so they can embrace and enact the messages that their difficult emotions are trying to deliver.
What Is MDMA-Assisted Therapy Like?
MDMA-assisted therapy is a short-term therapy solution that typically requires between two and five sessions spaced out over several months. At each session, the client receives a personalized dose of MDMA. Then, it needs time to take effect, which typically means a 45 minute wait. During that time, the therapist may talk to clients or ask them to reflect on specific topics they may delve into during sessions. Once MDMA takes effect, it can last up to eight hours, so clients should plan to spend the full day in their therapy session where therapists can monitor and guide them through the experience. After the drug takes effect, the therapist will talk and gently move the client through different areas of discussion, including addressing underlying concerns like PTSD.
How Can I Get More Information?
I’m Ashley Pichardo, a licensed mental health counselor, who works with clients in New York and New Jersey. Over the years, I have worked to stay at the leading edge of new therapy research in order to utilize approaches to counseling that I believe will benefit my clients. In keeping with this goal, I have completed training to offer MDMA-assisted therapy. I am excited about the potential to incorporate the use of psychedelics as a part of my practice. If you are interested in learning more, please call (917) 522-1418, email contact@aphicardotherapy.com, or complete the scheduling form to request a free 15 minute phone consultation. I look forward to discussing psychedelic and MDMA-assisted therapy and other counseling options with you.
