Research

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

Secondary Research · Psychotherapy Dissertation, National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy · In Progress

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

Overview

Naturalistic psychedelic use outside of clinical settings is widespread, and experiences can lead to beneficial outcomes (Bălăeţ et al., 2025; Nayak et al., 2023). Yet, many individuals find themselves without adequate support when those experiences lead to extended difficulties (Simon et al., 2026). Extended difficulties may involve disruptions to self-perception or symptoms of depersonalisation or derealisation (Argyri et al., 2025).

Hypno-psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach drawing on altered states and unconscious processing (Elkins et al., 2014; Geagea et al., 2023), with natural parallels to the phenomenology and neurobiology of psychedelic experience (Cardeña, 2025; Lemercier and Terhune, 2018; Preller and Vollenweider, 2018; Stein and Terhune, 2025).

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

Contemporary research at the intersection of hyno-psychotherapy and psychedelics is emerging (Adler and Gucciardi, 2025; Attig and Krippner, 2025; Elkins, 2025). Yet, it 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 (Argyri et al., 2025; Wright et al., 2026).

Method

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

Keywords

hypno-psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, hypnosis, psychedelics, psychedelic integration, harm reduction, self, ego state therapy

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. Contact me →

References

Adler, J.F. and Gucciardi, I. (2025). Psychedelic preparation and integration through depth hypnosis spiritual counseling. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. doi:https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2025.00451

Argyri, E.K., Krecké, J., Robinson, O.C., Evans, J., Skragge, M. and Morgan, C.J.A. (2025). Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: a qualitative analysis. Harm Reduction Journal, 22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01347-0

Attig, S. and Krippner, S. (2025). Hypnosis, Psychedelics, and Creativity: An Overview and Analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, pp.1–24. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2025.2555431

Bălăeţ, M., Trender, W., Lerede, A., Hellyer, P.J. and Hampshire, A. (2025). Naturalistic use of psychedelics is associated with longitudinal improvements in anxiety and depression during global crisis times. Journal of Psychopharmacology, [online] 39(9), pp.957–967. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811251346729

Cardeña, E. (2025). Mind-Manifesting Hypnosis: Phenomenological Similarities and Differences in Hypnotic and Psychedelic Contexts. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 73(4), pp.398–413. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2025.2554069.

Elkins, G. (2025). Intersections of Psychedelics, Mystical Experiences, and Hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, pp.1–7. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2025.2554387

Elkins, G.R., Barabasz, A.F., Council, J.R. and Spiegel, D. (2014). Advancing Research and Practice:The Revised APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63(1), pp.1–9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2014.961870

Geagea, D., Ogez, D., Kimble, R. and Tyack, Z. (2023). Redefining hypnosis: A narrative review of theories to move towards an integrative model. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 54, pp.101826–101826. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101826

Lemercier, C.E. and Terhune, D.B. (2018). Psychedelics and hypnosis: commonalities and therapeutic implications. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), pp.732–740. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881118780714

Nayak, S., Jackson, H., Sepeda, N.D., Mathai, D.S., So, S., Yaffe, A., Zaki, H.L., Brasher, T., Lowe, M.X., Jolly, D., Barrett, F.S., Griffiths, R.R., Strickland, J.C., Johnson, M.W., Jackson, H. and Garcia-Romeu, A. (2023). Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199642

Preller, K.H. and Vollenweider, F.X. (2016). Phenomenology, Structure, and Dynamic of Psychedelic States. Behavioral Neurobiology of Psychedelic Drugs, 36, pp.221–256. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2016_459

Simon, G., Tadmor, N., Evans, J., Luke, D. and Luoma, J. (2026). When Therapy Falls Short: A Qualitative Study of Psychotherapy After Challenging Psychedelic Experiences. doi:https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9695196/v1