Types of therapy
At Paracelsus Recovery, we are passionate supporters of the psychedelic revolution in mental health and addiction treatment. In some cases, we can provide psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in our treatment programmes, which we will gladly do when appropriate. We have a number of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapists on our team.
However, it is important to emphasise that the use of psilocybin for treating certain mental health conditions is highly regulated and, in Switzerland, is legal only as part of research studies or under a compassionate use clause. Its availability is therefore on a case-by-case basis, and the process is tightly regulated, requiring specific legal procedures. While we can facilitate this process legally, it can be lengthy, and there is no guarantee that it will be available to all patients.
That being said, we can provide ketamine-assisted therapy to all patients where indicated. We are also ready for a broader roll-out of psilocybin therapy when it becomes more widely legalised.
What is psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy?
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is an innovative treatment that combines controlled psilocybin use with intensive psychotherapy. Psilocybin is a naturally-occurring psychoactive compound found in ‘magic mushrooms.’ This compound works on a specific serotonin receptor, resulting in profound effects on perception, cognition and consciousness. Psychedelics hold promising potential for treating various mental health and substance abuse disorders. That is why, in some cases, our programmes can include cutting-edge psychedelic-assisted therapy.
When used in the presence of appropriately-trained therapists, such a journey offers unique therapeutic possibilities due to their ability to promote openness to explore unconscious material, such as memories that may otherwise be avoided and suppressed. Through the experience, we are able to build self-awareness and gain new insights that facilitate healing and recovery.
Is psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy evidence-based?
Current research indicates that psychedelics hold immense promise in the treatment of mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders when used alongside psychotherapy. This is believed to be due to the molecular structure of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, that is able to penetrate the central nervous system. For instance:
Anxiety: There is evidence that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy like psilocybin may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, especially for those considered resistant to traditional drugs. In particular, psilocybin has shown promise in treating anxiety when administered in a supportive setting.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): When combined with psychotherapy, psilocybin is thought to be particularly promising for treating PTSD due to its effects on fear and anxiety pathways, making it possible for individuals with certain types of PTSD to address symptoms of trauma. Psilocybin may also be effective in treating PTSD due to the personality, emotional and fear response changes it facilitates.
Alcohol addiction: According to this study and this study, psilocybin shows signs of efficacy in treating people with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder.
Nicotine addiction: When part of a structured treatment programme, psilocybin has the potential to facilitate long-term smoking abstinence. While further research is needed to confirm findings, a study that carried out a long-term follow up with patients who were administered psilocybin alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) produced promising results.
Gambling addiction: The potential of psilocybin therapy in treating gambling addiction is also being explored. In 2023, Imperial College in London announced that they will carry out a pilot brain imaging and clinical research study in collaboration with the NHS Gambling Clinic.
How is psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy included in your programme?
At Paracelsus Recovery, we offer a unique opportunity for psilocybin-assisted therapy. While psilocybin is not yet legally approved for general mental health and addiction treatment in Switzerland, we are actively engaged in the ongoing conversation and are sponsoring pilot projects. Switzerland has a long history of supporting psychedelic research (for example, LSD was first synthesised by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938), and numerous clinical trials are currently underway.
In Switzerland, psilocybin use for treating certain conditions is legal only under specific circumstances, such as within research studies or through a compassionate use clause, with strict government approval. As such, we can offer psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat certain conditions, but each case requires a thorough assessment and legal approval from the relevant authorities. We are fully committed to following the legal procedures and ensuring that each treatment is conducted within the appropriate regulatory framework.
If your case allows us to offer psilocybin-assisted therapy, the process starts with building a foundation of trust with your therapist and preparing for your psilocybin sessions. During your sessions, you will consume the psilocybin in capsule form under the supervision of your therapist, who will be there to offer reassurance, guidance and support. Your psychedelic journey will last around 6-8 hours and will take place in the comfort of your private penthouse residence. The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your unique needs and circumstances. During psilocybin-assisted therapy you may experience altered states of consciousness, and gain access to feelings, insights and memories. Once the psychedelic effects have worn off, you will move into the integration phase, where you will be encouraged to discuss your experiences.
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