Meaning, Connection, and the Deeper Impact of Psychedelic Therapy
Another important dimension of psychedelic therapy involves meaning.
Research suggests that long-term improvement is often linked not to how intense the experience feels, but to whether it includes a sense of connection, insight, or purpose. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that psilocybin produced sustained reductions in depression and anxiety, particularly when participants reported meaningful, insight-based experiences (psilocybin and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety).
This does not make psychedelic therapy a spiritual shortcut. Instead, it highlights something deeply human: when people reconnect with meaning and values, emotional healing becomes more accessible. Related reflections on inner stability and purpose can be found in Cultivating Contentment and What Am I Looking For? Memento Mori, Being Intentional and Living for Meaning.
Risks, Readiness, and Ethical Boundaries in Psychedelic Therapy
An essential part of this conversation is acknowledging risk.
Psychedelic therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Without proper screening, preparation, and professional containment, these experiences can overwhelm the nervous system. Vulnerability increases significantly, which makes ethical safeguards critical.
Readiness matters.
Someone who is emotionally stable, well supported, and experienced in therapeutic self-reflection may have very different needs than someone navigating complex trauma or ongoing stress. In many cases, foundational therapy is an important step before psychedelic therapy should even be considered.
Integration is equally important. Without a clear process for translating insight into everyday life, powerful experiences can fade or become destabilizing. This mirrors other evidence-based approaches to sustainable change, including insights discussed in The Life-Changing Power of Self-Hypnosis with Dr. David Spiegel and Be Mindful of Your Self-Talk: How Mindful Healing Starts Within.
Choosing Discernment Over Hype
At its core, this episode is not about persuasion. It is about empowerment.
Before pursuing psychedelic therapy, thoughtful questions matter more than trends or headlines. True healing rarely comes from a single experience. It develops through insight, reflection, and sustained effort over time. Many people strengthen this capacity through practices that reduce rumination and build emotional regulation, such as those explored in How to Stop Overthinking and Achieve Inner Peace and How to Be a More Positive Person.
About the Guest
Dr. Scott Shannon is a psychiatrist, MDMA-assisted psychotherapist, author, and the founder of Wholeness Center, the largest integrative mental health center in the United States. With decades of experience in psychiatry and psychedelic-assisted therapy research, Dr. Shannon is widely recognized for advancing ethical, whole-person approaches that integrate conventional psychiatric care with emerging therapeutic models.
A Thoughtful Next Step
At Growing Self, we do not offer psychedelic therapy. What we do offer is expert, evidence-based therapy and coaching for people who want to grow with intention, clarity, and support.
If this conversation about psychedelic therapy has stirred questions about your own healing, relationships, or personal growth, I would love to help you think through what kind of support would truly serve you right now. You can answer a few brief, private questions and receive a complimentary consultation with the therapist or coach best suited to your needs. It is a thoughtful, low-pressure way to explore next steps guided by care rather than hype.
You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need a place to begin. Schedule a free consultation today!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
