Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI)

I hold a Professional Certificate in Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration, which allows me to offer support to clients before and after their psychedelic experiences. As we move through therapy, and increasingly reconnect to what feels life our most authentic selves–selves who are able to regulate their emotions, feel safe in relationships, maintain healthy boundaries with ourselves and others, and experience pleasure on a regular basis–we start to find greater meaning in our lives. Sometimes this looks like exploring our creativity and our spirituality–things which got left behind in our struggle to simply survive our pasts and the day-to-day stressors of adulthood. We want to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Many find this connection in art-making, writing, being in nature, mindfulness meditation, yoga, spiritual communities, gratitude practices, service work, or other practices. Some people feel called to explore plant medicines or other psychedelics.

Plant medicines have been used for spiritual exploration, healing, and connection, by many cultures throughout human history. However, that doesn’t mean that there are no risks involved. Psychedelics use can result in confusing, overwhelming and uncomfortable experiences. Working with someone who has been trained in Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI) can be helpful for those times when we feel like our experience with psychedelics is too much to hold alone.

In our preparation sessions, we will explore your intentions for use, attributes of your chosen setting, and review information about the particular psychedelic you are planning to use. The goal of preparation is to help you feel like you have enough information and support to fully consent to the most common risks and potential benefits of your psychedelics use. 

I am particularly interested in offering art-based integration services to those who have had a mystical experience during a Non-Ordinary State of Consciousness. This may include the use of psychedelics, breathwork, shamanic drumming, meditation, sound healing, authentic movement, or other practice. (Unsure if you have had a mystical experience? Take the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ) here.) 

During our integration sessions, my aim is to help you weave meaning from your psychedelic experiences. Using art materials, we will gently explore any difficult moments, unpack the insights you’ve gained, and discover practical ways to bring these learnings into your daily life. Integration is a bridge between before and after. The goal of a medicine journey is not just to have the experience, but to live with the wisdom gained from the experience. The beliefs developed during this “after” phase becomes the foundation for our actions and decision making moving forward. Healer, Paige Britt, states, “The only true measure of awakening is conduct.” 

(Please note that I do not provide services to clients while they are under the influence of any substance. I also do not provide, prescribe, or sell psychedelic substances, nor do I provide referrals to providers, retreat centers, or organizations who prescribe or sell illegal psychedelic substances.)

Additional Resources for Support:

Rates

This service is not covered by insurance. 

$180 For 1 Integration or Preparatory Session
$500 For a series of 3 Sessions
(1 Preparatory & 2 Integration Sessions OR 3 Integration Sessions)

If you are interested in working together to support your psychedelic experience, please contact me below.

Let’s Connect

Kara Ashley-Gilmore, LCMHC, ATR-BC, SEP

Email: kgilmore@mountaincreativearts.com