Psychedelic Integration: Psychotherapy for Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness

by Marc Aixalà, Jose Carlos Bouso (Foreword)

Psychedelic Integration explores the young and still underdeveloped field of integration, tracing the history of psychedelic therapy trials in the sixties to the present moment, where integration may soon become common parlance in psychotherapy. This work describes how to maximize psychedelic integration, as well as the deep therapeutic work of moving through adverse reactions. Aixal� undertakes the great challenge of transforming multifaceted psychedelic healing, which can often feel so ineffable, into an intelligible guide for the curious reader and practicing therapist alike. Braiding poetic metaphors with case studies and a multitude of spiritual traditions, this book situates the author's humble and compassionate approach to therapy within a flourishing field. The work acknowledges that these models continue to evolve as they are the science and artistry of understanding psychedelic integration is and has always been a collective journey.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Audiobook, Health

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

Reviews

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem which explains in a multidimensional way the importance of proper psychotherapy integration for non-ordinary states of consciousness

[Gabe Fishbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal clinicians guide to integration work. Obviously not a pop sci book by any means, this book serves as a toolkit for any psychologist helping patients integrate psychedelic experiences.

[Randy Watz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is a fascinating book. Anyone interested in counseling or therapy should read this psychedelic psychotherapy is the future you can help in so many ways from PTSD to addiction. My only hope is that politics do not get in the way.

[David Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening intro is quite detailed on the history and context (perhaps a bit too long), at the same time it mostly requires some basic orientation in therapy and therapy adjacent issues.

For me personally, the book could be reasonably split into parts inspired mostly by Grof and parts mostly inspired by Frankl (in a very, very simplified dualistic model).

The parts connected to Grof were a good extraction of what is still reasonable there, but my problem with Grof is that well, I do not consider great majority of that reasonable or even meaningful in any way.

On the other hand, the parts focused on logotherapy, integration, specific integration exercises and quite often a very "down to Earth" approach to problems were very good and interesting. At the same time, there is this weird feeling when the author goes through many well grounded exercises and reflections: and than feels the need to talk about mysticism and shamanism for a while in what really feels like a mention that he felt he needed to do, but do not really advance anything.

[Konsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard that some have found this book too academic or lofty. Having finished it I agree with it being quieter academic. This, however, made the book invaluable to me - especially in a field where so much is based on speculation and anecdotes. A great read, possibly essential for anyone who considers working in the field.

[Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will become the bible of psychedelic substance Integration. A very timely written step-by-step guide on how to address what is up to now is the Achilles heel of the Ayahuasca experience. If you are interested in the medicinal use of hallucinogenics this is a must read book.

[Harry Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good introduction and extensive look into the methods an importance of psychedelic integration cross-culturally. Expansive knowledge across multiple substances and key features to note for correct pyschotheraptuic use of psychedelics

[Jackie Berke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was very interested in this as a licensed professional counselor and a non-abrahamic counselor; It has good information ....but ...it's too dry to read worse than most dissertations. I feel the author was writing just to see his own words and took his own horn

[Autry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most nuanced, balanced, accessible and pragmatic piece of psychedelic literature I’ve come across

[Georg Recht · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pioneers lots of new ideas and summarizes old one.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

17th Dec 24 - Audiobook Complete