Basics of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Explaining Psychedelic Experience, Psychedelic Integration, and Psychedelic Healing: A psychedelic experience is the process of incorporating psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA, or ketamine) into a controlled, clinical, psychotherapeutic setting for the purpose of assisting with psychedelic integration (i.e., the process of identifying, understanding, processing, and incorporating psychoemotional content) that has come up during a psychedelic…

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Relationship Dynamics: Fantasy Bonds, Dysfunctional Relationships, and Functional Relationships

In the realm of human relationships, we often find that the dynamics of connection, intimacy, and love can be complex. Relationships can be classified in various ways, depending on their depth, structure, and emotional health. Three concepts that help illuminate these complexities are fantasy bonds, dysfunctional relationships, and functional relationships. These terms are useful in…

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Cyber-Fraud: How and Where to Report When You Have Been a Victim

Cyber-Fraud has become a common experience for Canadians as reported by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm) who indicate that as of 31 October 2024, $503 million has been lost to fraud ($577 million in 2023) with 28,634 victims of fraud (42,226 in 2023). As mental health clinicians, it is likely patients in our care will…

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Is Music Therapy Right for You?

Tim Lee is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Certified Music Therapist in Ontario, offering in-person and online sessions in downtown Toronto. Interviewer: How does music therapy differ from traditional talk therapy? Tim: Music Therapy, particularly in this context as Music Psychotherapy, involves using music to address emotional, social, and cognitive needs within a therapeutic setting.…

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Queer-Informed vs. Queer-Friendly Psychotherapy

Finding a therapist can be a challenge, especially for members of the Queer community. You may find a therapist with a pink triangle, a rainbow flag, or terms like “Queer-Friendly” on their website. But, how do you know if a therapist is knowledgeable or experienced in working with the LGBTQIA+ community?  What is required of…

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The Power of Fun, Frivolity, and Joviality in Self-Care

Fun. Frivolity. Joviality. Who cares!? But seriously, who cares about fun, frivolity, and joviality?  The truth is, we all would benefit from caring about these characteristics. Recently, I was talking with one of my patients, Jane, about the importance and role of fun in one’s self-care practices. Jane made amply clear that her (scheduled) self-care…

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Important Books on your Psychotherapeutic Journey (#3)

During a recent Air North (https://www.flyairnorth.com/) flight from Whitehorse to Dawson City, Yukon, my attention was drawn to a section of the Yukon: North of Ordinary (https://northofordinary.com/) magazine highlighting recent book publications. For whatever reason, my gaze was transfixed on a 2023 publication by Kim Hudson titled The Bridge: Connecting the Powers of Linear and…

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Why do I need to feel emotions?  

Lately, I’ve been rewatching the iconic medical drama, House, renowned for its abrasive yet brilliant physician protagonist, Dr. House, who tackles cases that baffle everyone else. While the show hasn’t aged gracefully in some respects, I find comfort in its formulaic structure, knowing that each case wraps up neatly by the episode’s end.  One particular…

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9 Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Therapy

As parents, we strive to provide the best care and support for our children. We want them to grow up happy, healthy, and equipped with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. However, sometimes we notice certain behaviours or patterns in our children that raise concerns. In such instances, seeking professional help through child…

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Boundaries: Empowering Painful and Pleasurable Conversations

Recently, I was engaging in a deep dive with a patient in my care about the discussion of boundaries. She had started a new romantic relationship and was expressing concerns about how to discuss “hard topics” in her burgeoning romance. In referring to content from Elizabeth Earnshaw’s (2021) book I Want This to Work: An…

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