I came to psychedelics with zero experience, which can be very terrifying. Had I not reached a point of desperation, I don’t think I’m somebody who would have tried psychedelics. 

Patient Reflection

I came to psychedelics with zero experience, which can be very terrifying. Had I not reached a point of desperation, I don’t think I’m somebody who would have tried psychedelics. 

I found Sunstone because I was looking at treatment to help my child who’s tried everything else with their depression and has not had much success. Then when I recognized myself being in that place, I was able to say to myself, ‘O’okay, try this.’’ 

I had come to this psychedelic experience with the understanding that it’s a process.  But I think it’s probably really important for participants to know how important their own involvement is, both in preparation, participation, and expectation management is really important. 

The preparation sessions were so valuable, such that I would not even want to entertain or consider this process without them.  Every individual I came across actually cared about both my well being and my safety. The clinic does an excellent job at educating the participant about what expectations they may have of the experience and the things the individual can be doing to get the most out of it. 

While there was no effort to impose an agenda, the therapists used their talent to observe and offer some concrete guidance for preparedness. They’re good at what they do, and I really appreciate their talent and care for human beings. 

The integration sessions are really important for creating the time and the space to reflect on the things that you thought and felt during dosing. Of course it helps to be doing this with a person who is informed, and knows how to have a conversation to help a person explore what can probably be some really challenging feelings.If something painful emerges, you can decide what you want to do with it. You have the opportunity to pause and ask yourself, ‘What did that mean for me? And what do I want to do with what I learned going forward?’ If I hadn’t paused to articulate with words with the therapists, and in writing with my journaling, it would have been harder to bring [these reflections] forward into [learning] moments. 

This experience exposed me to a different way to explore who I am as a person, how it is I’m connected to other people, and how it is I’m connected to the broader world.

I had a great experience. I am very pleased and grateful that I did it.