Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors.

Ponomarenko, Polina; Seragnoli, Federico; Calder, Abigail; Oehen, Peter; Hasler, Gregor (2023). Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors. Journal of psychopharmacology, 37(7), pp. 660-678. Sage Publications 10.1177/02698811231155117

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BACKGROUND

Despite the growth of psychedelic research, psychedelic-assisted group psychotherapy (PAGP) has received little attention in comparison to individual psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy models.

METHODS

In this article, we aim to discuss the therapeutic potential of PAGP, as well as outline existing models and the challenges of this approach. Using Irvin Yalom's 11 therapeutic factors of group therapy as a basic framework, we analyse current literature from clinical studies and neurobiological research relative to the topic of PAGP.

RESULTS

We argue that combining psychedelic substances and group psychotherapy may prove beneficial for increasing group connectedness and interpersonal learning, potentially enhancing prosocial behaviour with direct opportunities to practice newly acquired knowledge about previously maladaptive behavioural patterns. Challenges regarding this approach include a more rigid therapy structure and potential loss of openness from patients, which may be ameliorated by adequate therapeutic training.

CONCLUSION

We hope for this article to support clinical research on PAGP by presenting a therapeutic framework and outlining its mechanisms and challenges.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

07 Faculty of Human Sciences > Institute of Psychology

UniBE Contributor:

Hasler, Gregor

Subjects:

100 Philosophy > 150 Psychology

ISSN:

0269-8811

Publisher:

Sage Publications

Language:

English

Submitter:

Pubmed Import

Date Deposited:

06 Mar 2023 07:52

Last Modified:

15 Jul 2023 00:12

Publisher DOI:

10.1177/02698811231155117

PubMed ID:

36855289

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Psychedelic research group therapy psychedelic-assisted group psychotherapy psychotherapy therapeutic factors

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/179398

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/179398

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