When You Long for Healing—But Not Overwhelm

For many, the idea of psychedelic therapy conjures images of deep journeys—eyes closed, inner landscapes unfolding in silence. That model, while powerful, can also feel intimidating.

But what if there’s another way?
A quieter way. A gentler way.
One where the medicine doesn’t pull you under—but helps you stay present and engaged, while still accessing what’s been buried or locked away.

That’s the essence of psycholytic therapy.

What Is Psycholytic Therapy?

Psycholytic therapy blends low-dose psychedelic medicine with real-time, relational talk therapy.

The dose is subtle—typically 10–25% of a full psychedelic amount.
Just enough to quiet inner resistance and soften judgment, without disconnecting you from your surroundings.

“Psycholytic is low dose, but not low effect. It allows people to access material that’s normally blocked by resistance and ego control—while staying fully present with their therapist.”
— Dr. Dan McKinnon

You remain awake. You speak. You explore emotions in the moment they arise.
And with the support of a trusted therapist, you begin to reconnect with the parts of yourself that once felt unreachable.

For a deeper look at the unique process of psycholytic therapy, visit → Healing Without Overwhelm: Psycholytic Therapy.

Psycholytic vs. Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

To understand how psycholytic therapy differs from psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), consider the intention:

Feature	Psycholytic Therapy	Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP)
Dose	Low/sub-threshold	Full psychedelic dose
Client Awareness	Conversational, emotionally present	Inward-focused, often non-verbal
Therapy Style	Interactive, live processing	Guided reflection after the session
Session Duration	~2 hours	3–8 hours depending on the medicine
Emotional Impact	Gentle, grounded, revealing	Often intense, immersive, and expansive

Think of psycholytic therapy as a bridge—offering more depth than talk therapy alone, but without the intensity of a full psychedelic journey.

What Does a Psycholytic Session Feel Like?

Clients often describe their sessions this way:

• Emotionally open, but grounded
• Surprising access to buried feelings and insights
• Collaborative—an active exchange with their therapist
• Safe, steady, and quietly transformational

“Clients say they feel closer and safer with their therapist—which makes them more willing to do the work of change.”
— Dr. Dan McKinnon

There are no hallucinations or ego dissolution.
Just a subtle opening. A shift. A feeling of being able to say what once felt unspeakable.

Who Might Benefit from Psycholytic Therapy?

This approach can be a powerful option for people who:

• Have felt stuck in long-term therapy
• Live with chronic emotional pain or numbness
• Experience trauma-related overwhelm or shutdown
• Prefer to process aloud, not in silence
• Need a slower pace to build emotional trust

Conditions often supported by this work include:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• PTSD and complex trauma
• Anxiety and/or hypervigilance
• End-of-life concerns
• Addiction recovery
• Emotional detachment or avoidance

“It’s often a last resort for people. But once they try it, they realize it’s exactly the kind of breakthrough they needed.”
— Dr. Dan McKinnon

The Role of the Therapist

Psycholytic therapy is not about handing over a substance and hoping for insight.
It’s about being accompanied.

The therapist is not passive. They are:

• A guide, helping you explore what surfaces
• A companion, emotionally attuned to your pace
• A clinical anchor, ensuring you remain safe and regulated throughout

“The therapist isn’t trying to fix you—they’re helping you access the part of yourself that already knows how to heal.”
— Dr. Dan McKinnon

This isn’t about intensity. It’s about intimacy.
The kind of intimacy that allows healing to unfold—not all at once, but in small, safe moments of connection.

To understand the depth of this therapeutic relationship, read → Therapist-Client Relationship in Psychedelic Healing.

Is It Safe?

Yes—when conducted by trained professionals in a structured setting.

Every psycholytic session includes:

• A comprehensive medical and psychological screening
• On-site clinical monitoring—often by a nurse or paramedic
• Continuous supervision by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist

Contraindications such as untreated hypertension, psychosis, or active substance use are carefully screened for in advance.

And most importantly: you are never alone.
From the first intake to the final integration, you are met, held, and supported.

For an overview of how this full process unfolds, visit → Your Psychedelic Therapy Journey.

A Gentle, Empowering Path to Change

Psycholytic therapy doesn’t push. It doesn’t overwhelm.
It nudges and meets you where you are.

If full-dose psychedelic therapy feels like too much—or if traditional talk therapy hasn’t brought the clarity you long for—this may be your middle path.

“This is about becoming whole—with a W. And these sessions help fill the psychological spaces we’ve been trying to avoid.”
— Dr. Dan McKinnon

🌿 Is Psycholytic Therapy Right for You?

If you’re seeking emotional clarity, insight in real time, or a softer way into healing, I invite you to explore this work.

Learn more about our approach and our services, or contact us today to begin the conversation.

You don’t have to go deep alone.
With the right guide, the journey can feel not only possible—but profoundly healing.