As you approach your first session in any psychedelic therapy program, a lot of questions, comments, and concerns can arise: what will happen, how does it work, do other people feel like this the first time? The list can be vast. <\/p>\n
And it\u2019s completely normal to feel this way! These are big and beautiful investments in yourself and your health, and this decision deserves a level of respect, concern, and seriousness. The more you commit to the process, the more the process will give you in return. <\/p>\n
This post serves as an overview of many of the common categories of questions we receive as someone is preparing to begin their Mindbloom journey:<\/p>\n
At this stage in the process, you should have already had your initial consultation with your Clinician, been introduced to your Guide, have your Bloombox, and your medication has arrived or is on its way to your home. The first session has been booked, is on your calendar, and you\u2019re in the preparation process now.<\/p>\n
The sessions all follow a similar structure, however the first session does have some unique features to it to set you up for success throughout the rest of your program. <\/p>\n
To begin your session, you will join a Zoom call with your Guide to make sure everything is in place for a comfortable journey. They will ensure that your Peer Treatment Monitor is present and aware of their role, that you have your medication and supplies, they will take core vitals like heart rate and blood pressure, and help you clarify and refine your intention for the session. <\/p>\n
This process typically takes between 20-30 minutes, and is built into the timing of your first session. Once this is complete, you will end the call, ready to begin your session at your own pace.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019re off the call with your Guide, you are able to start. Take time to: <\/p>\n
You will take your medication according to your Guide\u2019s instructions, and start your playlist. After 7 minutes, you can spit out your medicine, put your eye mask on, and immerse yourself in the experience.<\/p>\n
The session experience is different for everyone \u2014we\u2019ll touch on this more below. It typically lasts around 60 minutes. Some sessions may be shorter, and others a bit longer. If you need any assistance during this time, like walking to the bathroom or a comforting presence, you can ask your Peer Treatment Monitor.<\/p>\n
Once the session is complete, you will still be under the effects of the medicine. Take some time to slowly reconnect with your body, your room, and your waking state. <\/p>\n
Be gentle with yourself initially and listen to your body as some physical effects may linger longer than an hour. If you experience any dizziness, difficulty walking, lightheadedness, or nausea, lay back down or sit still for a bit longer. This should pass shortly.<\/p>\n
A light snack, some water, and intentional breathing can help ensure a smooth \u201clanding.\u201d At this time, it is very helpful to take some notes in your journal about the nature of the experience. Write down any major themes or insights that were present, as memories of the ketamine experience can fade quite quickly.<\/p>\n
As this is your first session, once your journaling is complete, you will return to a quick call with your Guide so that they can check in on you and your experience. <\/p>\n
They will ask you to take your vitals, and also ask about the experience itself. If you have any questions, now is a wonderful time to bring them up.<\/p>\n
In the days after your session, you will also have a medical follow up with the clinician to further explore your experience.<\/p>\n
Your clinician will ask about the medicine and the experience, make an assessment, and finalize your dosage for the program and submit the new prescription for delivery. It may decrease, increase, or stay the same. After this, you will wrap up the call and have the rest of the day to yourself.<\/p>\n
While the effects of the medicine may still be mildly present, it\u2019s helpful to use the rest of the day after your first session for rest and recovery. <\/p>\n
Taking a walk, spending time in nature, taking a warm shower, or continuing to journal or reflect on your experience are all helpful ways to rest and integrate. You cannot drive or operate machinery at this time, so factor that into your planning. It\u2019s also wise not to make any major life decisions during this time, it\u2019s best to sleep on it for a day or two before taking any action.<\/p>\n
At this point, you have completed your first session of your Mindbloom experience! You have taken a bold first step towards your own healing and wholeness. Take some time to congratulate yourself, to thank yourself and extend some gratitude for the steps you have taken here. They are filled with love, compassion, and courage \u2014 it\u2019s worth recognizing that.<\/p>\n
Note: The times above are estimated. You can expect the first session to last around two hours.<\/em><\/p>\n Many clients often ask what they might experience during their first session. As always, it\u2019s difficult to provide a direct answer to this, as the nature of the experience is different for everyone based on what they need and who they are.<\/p>\n We have several pieces available that explore the nature of ketamine<\/a>, the psychedelic experience<\/a>, visions\/visuals<\/a>, and intentional dissociation<\/a>. These provide an excellent coverage of the classic hallmarks of the ketamine experience and the psychedelic experience.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A few notes on the first session and the experiences that may arise.<\/p>\n As this may be your first time with psychedelics, ketamine, or with Mindbloom \u2014 our clinicians prescribe a weight based dose for the initial treatment. This dose is typically something in the mild to moderate range of our dosing spectrum for the majority of clients. <\/p>\n This is to ensure safety, and a gentle ease into an experience that can be challenging to some. For this process, it\u2019s much better to build momentum and confidence than to jump into the deep end immediately. <\/p>\n As a result, the effects may be pronounced, but mild. Feelings of lightness, introspection, mild dissociation, euphoria, or presence in the body are common.<\/p>\n Psychedelic therapy works on the mind and the body. Sometimes the work does not make its way into conscious awareness. It can feel like nothing happened<\/a>, however this is because the real work was unfolding in your subconscious and at the level of your body. <\/p>\n If anything, take this time to rest, relax, and come into deep awareness of your mind and body. You can always bring this up to your Guide after the session or with your clinician during your follow up appointment.<\/p>\nWhat Does the Experience Feel Like?<\/h2>\n
Starting doses <\/h3>\n
Conscious vs. subconscious effects <\/h3>\n
Novel states of being <\/h3>\n