Working with triggers—both our own and those of our clients—is a critical part of psychedelic-assisted therapies, and is also a cornerstone of learning through Compassionate Inquiry (CI). Creating a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment is crucial for facilitating experiences in altered states of consciousness, where even the smallest details—such as bodily sensations, sounds, visuals, or even our own nervous states—can deeply impact the experience. These elements can be either positive or present challenges, thus they must always be managed mindfully to maintain an ethical and safe space. It’s essential that as therapists, we address our own histories and triggers before facilitating these kinds of experiences.
The CI approach is founded on the understanding that unresolved trauma and emotional wounds are the deep roots of mental, emotional, and physical challenges. CI focuses on creating a safe space where individuals can explore their inner worlds, helping them to understand the underlying causes of their struggles. This process facilitates healing and transformation. In the context of psychedelics, which have the capacity to access repressed memories and emotions, CI becomes a key tool to guide participants through a deep process of self-understanding. However, this path of healing isn’t always easy and isn’t for everyone. Psychedelics can bring to the surface feelings of shame, pain, and anger that have been hidden for years. Therefore, it is critical that as therapists we understand the dynamics of triggers and how to manage them during psychedelic experiences.
The Role of Triggers in the Psychedelic Journey
Triggers are emotional reactions to unresolved traumas. They can be set off by subtle or unexpected situations, but they always carry a significant emotional response. In a psychedelic experience, triggers take on particular relevance, as they provide a window into past memories and emotions that are usually inaccessible in everyday life. When participants embark on a psychedelic journey, their perceptions are heightened and their sense of self may dissolve, which can lead them to confront deep-seated feelings that were suppressed. Triggers may manifest as anxiety, sadness, or discomfort. As facilitators, we must be mindful of these moments and create a space that fosters curiosity and safety to explore these emotions without judgment during the preparation process. It’s important to note that during the experience we do not intervene directly, but rather the work with inquiry occurs primarily in the preparation and integration phases.
Pain: An Opportunity for Healing
Pain is an inherent part of the human experience, often reflecting unmet needs or suppressed emotions. At times, we resort to defense mechanisms, such as denial or repression, to avoid confronting it. However, these mechanisms can lead to the accumulation of unresolved pain, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or chronic illness. Psychedelics have the power to release this repressed pain. During a psychedelic experience, individuals often have the opportunity to confront their suffering fully and without distractions. Nonetheless, the process can be challenging, as the repressed pain can be overwhelming when it surfaces. Therefore, adequate preparation and support are key to ensuring that this healing experience does not turn into an emotional withdrawal.
Shame: The Silent Driver of Pain
Shame is a particularly insidious emotion. Unlike guilt, which is related to our actions, shame is associated with what we believe about ourselves on a deep level—a feeling of being flawed or unworthy of love and acceptance. This emotion can arise from past experiences, social pressures, or unresolved traumas, leaving us feeling ‘broken’ or isolated. In the realm of psychedelics, shame can surface with great intensity. The altered state of consciousness induced by psychedelics can make participants feel vulnerable, which can trigger memories of times when they felt rejected or unworthy. However, as Gabor Maté says, only the truth can set us free. Addressing shame involves exploring it with curiosity, acknowledging its origins, and questioning its validity, allowing participants to develop a new relationship with this emotion.
Curiosity as an Indispensable Resource for Exploration
A fundamental principle of CI is curiosity. As facilitators, our role is not to provide quick solutions, but to guide participants through a process of self-discovery. By fostering a safe and judgment-free space, we help participants connect with their bodies, feelings, and memories, enabling them to move toward healing. It is essential to prepare participants for the psychedelic experience. Psychedelics are not a magic solution; they require preparatory work to prevent the experience from becoming a traumatic event. This includes remembering that the context and setting are crucial for emotional safety and the well-being of participants.
Towards Deep Healing
Triggers, pain, and shame are fundamental components of the human experience. They are emotional scars that, if not confronted, can perpetuate suffering. When triggered in a therapeutic or learning environment, they can reveal the unconscious patterns from which our suffering originates.. Gabor Maté emphasizes the importance of presenting this material in a direct yet compassionate manner, recognizing that the emotions and conflicts that arise are part of a healing and self-awareness process. Moreover, let us remember that we all have the capacity to heal, highlighting that although we all carry traumas, we also possess a ‘healthy part’ that cannot be damaged. Through the use of Compassionate Inquiry combined with psychedelics, we can explore these emotions with compassion and curiosity, allowing for true emotional transformation.
