Beyond the Narrow Life: A Guide for Psychedelic Integration and Existential Exploration

by Kile Ortigo, PhD, William A. Richards (Foreword)

With the second renaissance and re-emergence of psychedelics in Western society, the public and therapists alike are confronting new areas of exploration with few comprehensive models available to aid in the profound process of integrating such powerful and mystical-like experiences into one’s life. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy offers one useful model for this work, but access to even traditional therapy is limited due to expense and inadequate specialized training. With questions surrounding legal access, criminalization, and medical indications and contraindications, the immediate future of psychedelic-assisted therapy remains shrouded in uncertainty, even in the face of expanding interest and promise. Beyond the Narrow Life seeks to ‘thread a needle’ by addressing profound themes elicited by psychospiritual and therapeutic use of psychedelics while avoiding merely ‘preaching to the choir.’ This book explores common topics that emerge during psychedelic journeys by integrating several frameworks, spanning evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, Jungian depth psychology, existential philosophy, compassion and mindfulness practices, comparative mythology, pop culture, film, and scientific understandings of the cosmos. Instead of a dry overview of big ideas, Dr. Ortigo gently guides readers through an awe-inspiring journey that confronts the deeper questions and concerns we all face as humans in this modern time.

456 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 2021

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully crafted work that you’ll want to reread again and again. The information and exercises within the journey of this book make it timeless in my opinion. You can revisit at anytime in your journey of self actualization, and whether or not you have an interest in taking psychedelics, you will find value in this book. I say with emphasis on the existential exploration part of the book’s title. It interweaves psychedelics into a guide on how to contemplate the universe. Fantastic read!