This talk explores VR scenarios designed to promote movement through phases of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and discusses a novel protocol that utilizes unique features of VR as the moderator of the psychedelic journey. The protocol was developed by Enosis Therapeutics- focussed on combining new world technology with old-world wisdom.
The unique therapeutic approach of treatment that involves psychedelic substances offers unprecedented results for our patients. At the same time, it presents a novel set of challenges previously unconsidered in psychiatric treatment. These novel challenges require us to reach beyond familiar, established therapeutic frameworks and reach for cutting edge solutions, to maximize the potential of the healing process that is rooted in the psychedelic experience.
Set and setting protocol is the most commonly adopted framework for research that involves psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Whilst theoretically highly valuable, the key assumptions of that protocol are yet to be thoroughly explored in their practical application. What is more, basic elements of the protocol have not been challenged since its introduction several decades ago.
A transition into and out of an altered state of consciousness requires support and guidance that may not be most efficiently facilitated in standard face-to-face therapy. In contrast, the ineffable world of VR effortlessly inspires a sense of surrender, mindful self-exploration, and consolidation of mystical or peak experiences.
Enosis Therapeutics specializes in the design of specific VR scenarios that target the unique needs that emerge as a result of an altered state of consciousness. In augmenting the set and setting protocol, our approach explores how to best use the contextual design of the psychedelic journey to catalyze the process of healing and maintain the sense of permanence that follows the structured psychedelic therapy.
Our immersion models maintain a continuous, mindful, multi-sensory engagement throughout the entire therapeutic journey. VR serves as a catalyst that is congruent across preparation, dosing, and integration sessions, assuming a similar role that nature played in psychedelic retreats and tribal settings.
A more congruent design is also expected to encourage an overlooked phase of the psychedelic journey, which may continue after the integration phase: self-practice. Following a clear, the uninterrupted structure makes it easier for patients to continue integration privately, outside the clinic, and at their own pace for as long as they see fit.
Lastly, we use this powerful tool to delve deeper into psycho-emotional states that emerge as a result of the psychedelic experience. We do not think it coincidental that the emergence of VR and the societal use of psychedelics have common roots, and we believe that magnifying their shared mechanisms will offer unprecedented insights into our conscious and unconscious minds.
