An Emerging Path to Healing

Many people living with grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, or end-of-life distress find that conventional therapy or medication does not always reach the deeper layers of suffering. In recent years, psychedelic-informed approaches—including work related to psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine—have gained increasing attention for their potential to support meaningful psychological and emotional change when approached with care, intention, and appropriate support.

Understanding Psychedelic-Assisted and Psychedelic-Informed Approaches

Psychedelics and psychedelic-adjacent medicines, such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine, have long histories of ceremonial, therapeutic, and medical use. Contemporary research is now examining these substances through modern scientific and clinical lenses, exploring how altered states of consciousness may support emotional processing, insight, and shifts in perspective.

These approaches are not understood as cures or standalone treatments. Rather, they are increasingly viewed as catalysts—experiences that may open periods of increased emotional openness, psychological flexibility, and neuroplasticity. When paired with thoughtful preparation and integration, such experiences can support deeper therapeutic exploration and meaning-making.

What Current Research Suggests

A growing body of international research points to the potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted or psychedelic-informed approaches for several mental health concerns:

• Depression: Studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA Psychiatry suggest that psilocybin-assisted interventions may lead to significant and lasting reductions in depressive symptoms, including in cases of treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine, which is legally prescribed in medical contexts in Canada, has also demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects for some individuals.
• Trauma and PTSD: MDMA-assisted therapy has shown particularly promising results in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Phase 3 clinical trials supported by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) have demonstrated substantial symptom reduction, with many participants no longer meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD following treatment. MDMA appears to support trauma processing by reducing fear responses while increasing emotional safety, trust, and self-compassion.
• Anxiety and Existential Distress: Research from institutions including Johns Hopkins University and New York University suggests that psilocybin-assisted approaches may reduce anxiety, demoralization, and existential distress—particularly for individuals facing serious illness, profound loss, or major life transitions.
• Substance Use and Compulsive Patterns: Early research indicates that psychedelic experiences may help interrupt rigid cognitive and behavioural patterns by increasing insight and psychological flexibility. Psilocybin and ketamine are both being explored for their potential roles in supporting recovery from addiction and reducing compulsive behaviours.

The Role of Preparation and Integration

Contemporary psychedelic work emphasizes that the experience itself is only one part of a broader process. Preparation and integration are widely regarded as essential components, supporting emotional safety, ethical care, and long-term benefit. These phases help individuals clarify intentions, process experiences, regulate the nervous system, and translate insights into meaningful, sustainable changes in daily life and relationships.

A Grounded and Ethical Approach

Exploring psychedelic-informed healing is a deeply personal decision and is not appropriate for everyone. In Canada, access to psychedelic substances is regulated, and many remain restricted outside of approved medical or research settings. A trauma-informed, ethically grounded, and legally informed framework supports individuals in engaging with this area of healing thoughtfully, with respect for both its potential and its limitations.

When held within supportive therapeutic relationships and reflective practices, psychedelic-informed work may offer opportunities for insight, resilience, and healing—particularly for those navigating grief, loss, and profound life transitions.

TheraPsil Project Solace from Therapsil on Vimeo.

The Field of Grief Inc. — Disclaimer

Educational and Supportive Intent Only

The information on this website is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified health-care provider before making decisions about your mental health or medical care.

Psychedelic-Informed, Not Psychedelic-Administering

The Field of Grief Inc. offers psychedelic-informed counselling, including preparation and integration support for individuals who have accessed psychedelic experiences through legal, medically supervised, or self-directed contexts. We do not supply, prescribe, or administer any psychedelic substances, nor do we facilitate or supervise psychedelic sessions involving controlled substances.

Legal Status in Canada

Most psychedelic substances (including psilocybin and MDMA) are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) in Canada. Access is currently limited to federally authorized clinical trials, the Health Canada Special Access Program (SAP), or individual Section 56(1) exemptions. Our services operate fully within these legal parameters.

No Client-Therapist Relationship Implied

Contact through this website, email, or social media does not create a client-therapist relationship. A therapeutic relationship is established only after a formal intake and signed consent process.

No Endorsement of Illegal Activity

The Field of Grief Inc. does not promote, encourage, or endorse the illegal use, possession, or distribution of psychedelic substances. Any educational discussion of psychedelics is intended to support harm reduction, psychological safety, and informed decision-making.

Liability and Responsibility

By using this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions regarding mental-health care and personal practices. The Field of Grief Inc., its directors, and its affiliates are not liable for any damages or outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of information provided herein.

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Any personal information collected through this website will be handled in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation. Electronic communication (email, text, social media) may not be fully secure, and clients are encouraged to avoid sharing sensitive information until formal contact is established.