Entheogens such as psilocybin, LSD and MDMA can turbocharge conventional trauma treatments including medication and psychotherapy which can be extremely difficult and expensive to undergo, and often leave survivors with continuing symptoms. Understandably, some people believe they can alleviate their suffering, heal their spirit, and regain control over their lives through psychedelic therapy.

Another aspect of trauma is a rigid adherence to one version or story about the traumatic event. For example, “I should have spoken up right away when I was abused. It was my fault the abuse occurred.” Entheogens enhance creativity and facilitate openness to new ideas. Psychedelics are effective in helping a survivor to dismantle stories around their trauma. We may be able to experience a compassionate recasting of ourselves in the trauma story, as it is never the fault of the abused person that they were abused. It may also become possible to see those who cause harm through a more complex lens of causes and conditions that led to their harmful actions.