Psychedelics and Art Therapy

""Psychedelics and Art Therapy brings together two healing traditions in a clear, comprehensive and constructive way. It finds a nice balance between theoretical context and clinical practicality. It offers a unique blend of art therapy, meditation and neuroscience, specifically tailored to the integration of psychedelic experiences into daily life. As a workbook, it has an important place as an adjunct in working with a therapist and will be useful as a self-help guide for those seeking healing and growth on their own. But there’s also food aplenty here for both beginning therapist and experienced veteran."" Bruce Tobin, PhD, RCC, ATR(BC) founder of TheraPsil (2019) Advocacy for patient access to medical psilocybin. Charter & Honorary Life Member BC Art Therapy Assn. ""Psychedelics and Art Therapy offers a thorough foundation in how to structure psychedelic assisted art therapy, as well as describing the persons and traditions associated with this emerging healing practice. Styled as a manual for self-discovery, Husum’s book emphasizes a trauma informed approach incorporating the creation of a safe, supportive environment for psychedelic experiences, and promoting empowerment, choice, and informed consent to avoid re-traumatization. She emphasizes the importance of harm reduction, noting the risk for repressed trauma memories to emerge, and offers guidelines to prepare for a psychedelic session to minimize negative outcomes and increase potential benefits. This book will be an invaluable resource for those undertaking a course of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy or for art therapists, psychologists, and counselors who support persons through an experience with psychedelic substances."" Susanne F. Fincher, MA, LPC, ATR-BC ""Charmaine Husum’s Psychedelics and Art Therapy impresses with how much information is provided and is more than the description portrays. It is evident mountains of work has been done and the book covers so many variables in the processes of trauma, psychedelics, art, spirituality, altered states of consciousness, indigenous religious practices, and more. The information is very informative. I especially appreciate information on bad trips and cautions on usage of various substances. These topics are not readily talked about. Husum has opened the way for them to be named, recognized, and dealt with."" Marilyn Clark, LCPC ""This groundbreaking book is a must read for therapists navigating the new frontiers of art therapy and psychedelics. Husum has written a very readable comprehensive workbook on non-ordinary states of consciousness, psychedelics, and the use of meditation, breath work, and specifically the value and role for Art therapy in this field. Husum advocates for a safe trauma informed approach, and she is exceedingly thoughtful regarding the legal and ethical aspects within the larger historical and medical context of using drugs for healing, personal growth, and therapy. Husum is aware of the value and historical use of plants in sacred and healing practices and the impact of the current psychedelic tourism has on Indigenous cultures. Charmaine Husum’s book will be of value for therapists and practitioners who wish to integrate meditation and creative explorations in the field of psychedelics."" Monica Carpendale, BFA, DVATI, RCAT, BCATR, HLM, Professor Emeritus, Kutenai Art Therapy Institute.