🫠 Ask a Guide Anything

PRESENTED BY SCHOOL OF PSYCHEDELICS 🤝

Welcome to Tricycle Day. We’re the psychedelics newsletter that’s guiding you to consider what the guides say about whether you need a guide. Got it? Good. 😵‍💫

A psychedelic trip is fundamentally an internal journey. A personal one, at that. Anyone who tells you they know what you’re going to see or feel is either lying or delusional.

So it’s fair to wonder, what difference does it make if there’s another person in the room? Like, what are they gonna do? Sit there and watch me contemplate the meaning of existence?

At the same time, the idea of venturing into uncharted psychological territory by yourself might feel scary or even irresponsible. Who wouldn’t feel protective of their own mind?

So for today’s issue, we asked our network of experience practitioners: When is it best to work with a facilitator, and when can I journey solo?

Here's what they had to say.

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Start with support

Most of our practitioners agreed that beginners ought to work with a facilitator first. Eliza Collins puts it plainly: “If you're new to psychedelics, having a guide is essential in my opinion. You'll likely have encounters for which you have no previous framework and it can be challenging or scary to try and make sense of them alone.”

Kari Roe-LaFramboise takes it a step further: “I like to advise people who have never experienced a particular medicine before to work with a facilitator who is skilled in that medicine, at least for the first time or two.” Louis Belleau echoes this sentiment, noting that facilitators “offer safety, structure, and support, especially when things get difficult.”

Once you've built experience with the medicine and trust in yourself, solo journeys become a more viable option. As Avery Collura frames it, "Start supported. Earn solitude. Both have medicine."

Know when you need a witness

Certain situations call for facilitated support regardless of your experience level. Carolina Correa explains that at her center, she sees “the relational aspect as part of the medicine. Having a trained facilitator there creates a sense of safety and trust and allows the process to unfold in a supported way.”

If you’re working through trauma, grief, or a major life transition, that’s another good reason to consider a facilitator. Gerald Joseph recommends working “with a licensed therapist if faced with a mental health condition” so that together you can “address the root cause, process, and engage in skills work to cope and manage presenting symptoms.” Kari adds that it’s “important to have someone who can hold the space for you and be a resource if something big comes up.”

Kiki Jacobson points out that facilitators really shine when the journey takes a challenging turn. They’re especially valuable, she says, “in moments of emotional dysregulation triggered by unpredictable intrapersonal and environmental stressors." Having someone to "witness and validate [your] experience in real-time" can make all the difference.

Only you can decide

So, when are you ready to journey alone? Most guides suggest that readiness comes from within. Mary Decker advises: “Trust your inner wisdom. If you feel calm, prepared, and resourced, you may be ready to explore alone; if you feel uncertain or tender, journey with support.”

Ben Askins offers a provocative test: “Go solo when your inner compass feels steady, your curiosity outweighs your fear, and you can stay honest when things get weird.” Without a facilitator playing the mirror role, it’s all on you to “tell yourself the truth once the medicine starts speaking.”

Even if you’re comfortable going it alone, it’s wise to maintain some level of connection. As Eliza recommends: “If you choose to journey solo, I still recommend letting a trusted friend or loved one know what you're up to and where you'll be, even if they aren't sitting with you.” That way, you have your solitude and some peace of mind.

Our take

So far, we’ve considered two options: facilitated or self-directed.

But hold on. This is a false dichotomy. There’s a secret third thing! How could we ignore the humble trip sitter?

Unlike a facilitator or therapist, a trip sitter doesn’t tease out your intentions, ask probing questions, or do any interventions of the sort. They're literally just there, present for you and your experience (physically and perhaps energetically).

A decent analogy is someone spotting you at the gym. They won’t lift the weight for you, but they will make sure you don't drop it on your face. Just knowing they’re there can help you feel safer and more grounded.

So at the very least (and this goes for you seasoned psychonauts, too), we’d recommend tapping in one of the fellas, your spouse, your roommate, or frankly anyone you trust and who cares about you to trip sit.

Because the safer you feel, the deeper you can go.

Thanks to Harry W. from San Jose, CA for submitting this week’s question. 🫠

Got a question for our guides?

Reply to this email to shoot your shot. If it’s a juicy one, we may select it for a future issue.

Seeking more personalized guidance?

Our directory of vetted psychedelic professionals is a great place to start your search. Find a facilitator on Maria’s List.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

That’s all for today, Cyclists! Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help.

ONE CYCLIST’S REVIEW

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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. The use, possession, and distribution of psychedelic drugs are illegal in most countries and may result in criminal prosecution.