MDMA is a synthetic drug short for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, and is chemically similar to both stimulants and psychedelics, the latter of which it is often grouped together with, despite not being a 'classic psychedelic'.
MDMA’s ability to help people gain access to their emotions made it a popular drug to treat depression in the late 1970s, as well as in couples therapy to foster closeness. The psychologist and psychotherapist who first brought MDMA to the world of psychotherapy, Leo Zeff, reportedly called the drug “penicillin for the soul.”Working with a therapist like Angela Leong, who has training in psychedelic integration, can provide safe guidance when exploring these innovative therapies.
MDMA-assisted therapy is an experimental treatment that combines psychotherapeutic techniques with the administration of MDMA under direct observation as a pharmacological adjunct that enhances therapy. In the early 2000s, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) launched the first clinical study into MDMA’s therapeutic potential, specifically for PTSD. In one study, 68% of the 107 participants involved no longer had PTSD one year after treatment.
Increased feelings of interpersonal closeness, changes in social perception, and reduced anxiety might make MDMA a suitable pharmacological adjunct to enhance therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as PTSD, social anxiety, and anxiety associated with other conditions.
Our services, including Trauma Therapy and Anxiety Counselling, can support individuals who are navigating these challenges while considering psychedelic-assisted approaches.
You may also want to read our blog on Beyond Boundaries: Understanding Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, which explores another promising path in psychedelic care.
If you're curious about exploring psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and whether it's the right choice for you, Contact Us today or Book Now to begin your journey with one of our skilled clinicians.
Sources: Third Wave, MAPS, Doubleblind