Incorporating trauma-informed principles throughout psychedelic-assisted therapy can create a safer therapeutic environment while helping patients maintain a sense of agency in their own care.
By Sara So, L.C.P.C. | Psychology Today | September 22, 2026
Published by the Modern Medicine Group
Sunstone’s recent Psychology Today article authored by Sara So LCPC explores the role of trauma-informed care in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Trauma-informed care (TIC) recognizes the lasting effects trauma can have on a person’s emotions, relationships, body, and sense of safety. TIC emphasizes safety, trust, choice, and patient agency while working to reduce the risk of re-traumatization.
Trauma-informed care should be incorporated throughout the three phases of PAT: preparation, dosing, and integration. During the psychedelic experience, the patient and therapist can establish trust, discuss boundaries and consent, identify grounding strategies, and plan for supportive touch and other needs that may arise.
Ultimately, TIC is not simply a response to distress; it is a framework for creating safer psychedelic care by prioritizing trust, consent, boundaries, and patient agency at every stage.
Take a closer look at how trauma-informed care can shape the psychedelic therapy experience.