ethics

With the legalization and rescheduling of certain psychedelics there is little doubt that the cosmos of the psychedelic space is evolving.  Psychedelic practitioners, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and academicians alike are discussing the ethics and principles surrounding psychedelic therapies and the industry. 

I embody the North Star Pledge, the MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy Code of Ethics, and the Professional Practice Guidelines for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy both personally and professionally.  

The principles of the North Star Pledge include:

  • Starting Within

  • Studying the Traditions

  • Building Trust

  • Considering the Gravity

  • Focusing on Process

  • Creating Equality & Justice

  • Paying it Forward

The Professional Practice Guidelines for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy include:

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners are in good standing with the certification body of their professional discipline.

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners have specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy appropriate to their scope of practice and strive to ensure their knowledge of the potential physical, psychological, and spiritual effects of psychedelics and core principles of psychedelic-assisted therapy. 

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners specifically address the potential applications of touch in the informed consent process.  

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners ensure that patients have been comprehensively screened in accordance with existing evidence, guidelines, and clinical judgment.  

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners aim to build rapport and trust with patients during the preparatory period.

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners support patients in understanding and making meaning of their psychedelic medication experience and incorporating desired changes into their lives.  

  • Psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners communicate and coordinate with other relevant providers to ensure continuity of care.  

The MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Code of Ethics include:

  • Safety 

  • Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Transparency

  • Therapeutic Alliance and trust

  • Diversity

  • Special Considerations for Non- Ordinary States of Consciousness

  • Finances

  • Competence

  • Relationship to Colleagues and the Profession, and 

  • Relationship to Self