Journal article
"You can only take your clients as far as you've been yourself": examining the intersections between psychedelic-assisted therapy, lived-living experience, and clinical practice
Drugs : education, prevention & policy, Vol.Online First, pp.1-16
22/03/2026
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Abstract
Background: Following Australia’s landmark 2023 decision to approve psilocybin and MDMA for clinical use, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is beginning to emerge within regulated mental health settings. This study investigates psychologists’ views on the relevance of psychedelic therapists’ lived-living experience (LLE) with psychedelics. While discussion around LLE is growing, little is known about how psychologists perceive its role in clinical preparedness for PAT.
Methods: Twenty Australian psychologists were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews explored perceptions of LLE in therapist training and practice. Data were coded and thematically analyzed to identify patterns in how experiential knowledge is valued within PAT.
Results: Participants highlighted potential benefits of LLE, including greater empathy, confidence, and therapeutic rapport, particularly amid lingering stigma. They emphasized PAT’s unique demands due to its intense, altered states, requiring deeper therapist familiarity. LLE was seen as uniquely improving therapists’ insight and credibility beyond standard training. Most advocated for optional, safe, and structured inclusion of LLE in formal training, respecting safety and ethical considerations.
Conclusion: Psychologists viewed LLE as a valuable addition to PAT training, though not mandatory. Findings reflect growing professional openness to experiential learning, suggesting structured LLE may be valuable for preparing psychedelic therapists.
Details
- Title
- "You can only take your clients as far as you've been yourself": examining the intersections between psychedelic-assisted therapy, lived-living experience, and clinical practice
- Creators
- Jordan J. Negrine - Griffith UniversityStephen J. Bright - Edith Cowan UniversityMonica J. Barratt - Harm Reduction ServicesMatthew Pennell - Southern Cross UniversityAnthony Barnett - The University of QueenslandJames Bennett-Levy - The University of SydneyTimothy Piatkowski - The Centre for Health (New Zealand)
- Publication Details
- Drugs : education, prevention & policy, Vol.Online First, pp.1-16
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- DE250101115 / ARC DECRA; Australian Research Council 2041822 / National Health and Medical Research Center
- Identifiers
- 991013370445502368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article