In this discussion from NDNR's Mental Health & Insomnia issue, Dr. Kareem Kandil (Medical Director, NDNR), Dr. Natasha McLay (Medical Editor, NDNR), and Dr. Node Smith (CE Director & Associate Editor, NDNR) explore the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and how naturopathic medicine is uniquely positioned to lead within it.

Topics covered:

• Introductions and backgrounds of the three panelists
• Overview of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy — psilocybin, ketamine, plant medicines, and beyond
• Set and Setting: The foundational framework for safe and effective psychedelic therapy
  • What "set" means: mindset, intention, preparation, and psychological groundwork
  • What "setting" means: the physical environment, facilitator, cultural/religious neutrality, and home life context
• The critical role of preparation and counseling before a psychedelic session
• Integration: what happens after the experience
  • Journaling, breath work, meditation, and giving space for the experience to unfold
  • Waiting 24–48 hours before discussing the experience with others
  • How breakthroughs can emerge days, weeks, or even months later
• Naturopathic medicine's holistic edge: incorporating nutrition, sleep, breath work, and lifestyle into the psychedelic care framework
• Dr. Node Smith's approach to "psychedelic therapy without a psychedelic" and conscious development work
• Closing reflections on patient selection, limitations of psychedelic therapy, and avoiding the "silver bullet" mindset

Resources mentioned:

• The Witness and the Four Behaviors by Charlie Ley (ND, Boulder, CO)
• NDNR Continuing Education Platform — ndnr.com
• Dr. Waters' article on ketamine history (in the Mental Health issue)
• Erica Zan's work on difficult vs. harmful psychedelic experiences

Connect with NDNR:

• Website: ndnr.com
• Submissions & partnerships: editor@ndnr.com