Research

Hypno-Psychotherapy to Support Those Struggling with Aspects of Self Following a Naturalistic Psychedelic Experience

Secondary Research · Psychotherapy Dissertation · In Progress

Overview

Naturalistic psychedelic use outside of clinical settings is widespread, and experiences can lead to beneficial outcomes. Yet, many individuals find themselves without adequate support when those experiences lead to extended difficulties, including disruptions to self-perception or symptoms of depersonalisation or derealisation.

Hypno-psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach drawing on altered states and unconscious processing, with natural parallels to the phenomenology and neurobiology of psychedelic experience.

This research explores the existing literature at the intersection of two areas: hypno-psychotherapy as an integrative modality and psychedelic integration for extended difficulties related to the self. It asks what hypno-psychotherapeutic approaches might offer clients navigating self-related challenges following a naturalistic psychedelic experience.

Research Gap

Hypno-psychotherapy remains largely absent from mainstream discourse on psychedelic support and integration, despite its relevance to the unconscious, structures of the self, mind-body treatments, and depth-oriented approaches.

Focus

Hypno-psychotherapy’s relationship with altered states, unconscious imagery, and integrative processing positions it as a potentially valuable and underresearched modality in the contemporary psychedelic space.

This research aims to map what is currently known and identify where further inquiry is most needed. It focuses on extended difficulties following a psychedelic experience related to aspects of self, including self-perception (issues related to loss of self, self-doubt, self-worth, and ego inflation), and depersonalisation, derealisation, and psychological fragmentation.

Method

Secondary research drawing on existing literature across naturalistic psychedelic use, extended difficulties, psychedelic integration, hypnotherapy, hypnosis, depth psychology, and philosophies of the self.

Connect with me

This research grows out of my clinical practice as an integrative psychotherapist working with depth-oriented and hypnotherapeutic approaches. The intersection of altered states, self-concept, and psychedelic integration has informed both my clinical work and my academic inquiry.

If you are a researcher, clinician, or practitioner working in psychedelic integration, altered states, or related fields, particularly with an interest in hypno-psychotherapy or hypnotherapy, I would welcome a conversation.

Email: francesca.sciandra.therapy@gmail.com · LinkedIn · Contact