Psychedelic integration is the ongoing work that needs to be done in order for the experience to be truly transformational and healing. Integration can happen in many ways, including through visionary art and art therapy.
Art can be an extremely powerful vehicle for integrating transformative experiences. if you struggle to express your inner world, working with an art therapist with a specific focus on psychedelic integration may be beneficial.
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What happens in a psychedelic integration session with me?
As an art therapist, I am also trained and experienced in traditional psychotherapy, so your first session will not be much different than any therapy session, except that I will offer you art supplies so you can express with both words and images. I may also offer you other practices such as guided meditations or simple art exercises that may be supportive for your process.
I also frequently give suggestions of practices to work on between sessions, and encourage you to bring an art journal or photos of art that you are working on. Ongoing sessions include warm up art exercises followed by supportive art making on a longer term project such as a painting, mixed media piece or 3d work. I will remain in the room while you make your artwork, and based on your needs we can put on a playlist, talk, or create quietly together. Also depending on your comfort level, I will either remain 100% attentive to your process or work side by side with you on my own artwork.
Basic art instruction can be part of your sessions, especially if you are new to art making or want to use a medium that is new to you. For example I can teach you the basics of acrylic painting, how to get started with oil paint, or figuring out how to make your idea come to life including what materials to use. However, if you are an experienced artist this may not be necessary and we will focus more on your inner world and accessing your inner visual resources.
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What are some things we might work on besides just creating art in session?
One of the most healing experiences for regulating an overwhelmed nervous system is the flow state- this is the headspace we go to when we are ‘in the zone’ with physical activity or creative work- this is a primary goal of visionary integration, to strengthen the neural pathways so that you can get there on your own after we practice in session.
Clients frequently come to me wanting to develop more structure or focus in their lives, so one thing that can be extremely helpful is to have a regular art making practice. I can help you set this up so that “the muse can find you working” and you will strengthen your connection to your muse or the art spirit.
Something else that is a common concern is the dreaded “artist’s block.” While sometimes working through blocks can be as simple as switching mediums or trying a new way to start a painting, it is frequently something deeper than that, such as a trauma response that is getting in the way of accessing creativity and leading to a general feeling of “shut down” or disconnection from life. This pattern calls for trauma work and digging deeper to uncover the roots of the problem so that you can access your creativity again and get back into that healing flow state whenever you need to.
Psychedelic integration visionary art sessions can be held in my office or on zoom if you are not local to Portland, OR.