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What is LIMINAL?

LIMINAL is an educational initiative co-founded by myself and Michal Lasocik to address the hopes and challenges associated with psychedelic substances. Specifically, its goal is to raise knowledge and competencies in working with psychedelic experiences. We are pursuing this by organizing a series of workshops for various mental health professionals, giving academic lectures, presenting at scientific conferences, appearing on podcasts, etc. We are also publishing articles on the need and practice of integrating psychedelic experiences.

The need for psychedelic integration

Meanwhile, psychedelics are also associated with numerous risks, especially those related to individual contraindications and use under inappropriate conditions. These risks include both difficult psychedelic experiences (e.g., due to traumatic memories or a sense of dissociation) and their adverse consequences (e.g., intrusive thoughts, somatic symptoms, or persistent perceptual changes). Hence, in recent years there has been a growing need for psychedelic integration, that is, for support in processing the content and implementing the insights gained during a psychedelic experience, as well as, in dealing with its potential adverse consequences. Given its nature, psychedelic integration is also referred to as a bridge between the psychedelic experience and everyday life.

Psychedelic renaissance

Psychedelic substances (such as psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, or DMT) increase neuroplasticity and induce a range of intense changes in perception, emotion, and cognition. These changes make up psychedelic experiences, which often have deeply personal meaning, challenge fixed beliefs and behavioral patterns, thus carrying the therapeutic potential. The resurgence of research into the medical use of psychedelics over the past two decades (the so-called "psychedelic renaissance"), provides promising results for the treatment of many mental health problems (including depression, addiction, PTSD, anxiety, or eating disorders). Accompanying investments and enthusiastic media attention are being translated into an increased willingness to use psychedelic substances in a variety of contexts (e.g., at home, at music festivals, as part of clinical trials, underground therapies, or organized ceremonies).

Liminality

Liminal (from Latin līmen - "threshold") means "transitional", or "in-between states". In anthropology, this term is used to describe the phase of initiation processes or rites of passage in which a person has already left his/her former state, but has not yet fully transitioned to the new one. In psychology, on the other hand, this term refers to the developmental period that stretches between the status of a child and an adult, known as "emerging adulthood". In our opinion, liminality is also a good description of the nature and dynamics of psychedelic experiences, as well as the state accompanying some people who experience them.

In-depth workshop "Integration of psychedelic experiences — practice and applications"

This event is a continuation of the introductory, "Theory and Practice" workshop, and is addressed to those who took part in one of its editions. This time the emphasis is placed on the practice itself. During this workshop, further approaches to working with the content and consequences of psychedelic experiences are presented. Selected cases from psychedelic integration in the clinical practice, and in ketamine-assisted therapy conducted in Poland are also discussed. Professing the principle that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we create a space for exchanging thoughts, ideas, and interventions that allow participants to put themselves in the role of a person supporting psychedelic integration. Meanwhile, invited scientists share current knowledge in the area of research on the medical use of psychedelics and the philosophical implications of experiences under the influence of psychedelics.

Introductory workshop "Integration of Psychedelic Experiences — Theory and Practice"

This two-day workshop is aimed to present the necessary knowledge and selected methods for working with people who are planning or have already had a psychedelic experience. Such people are increasingly coming forward for support in understanding it, incorporating the insights derived from it, or dealing with its adverse consequences. Speakers and facilitators at this workshop include clinical psychologists, psychotherapists of various approaches, an addiction therapy specialist, a lawyer, and a psychiatrist. The program of the workshop includes lectures and practical exercises on the current knowledge of the mechanisms and effects of psychedelics on the brain and human psyche; the definition and goals of the psychedelic integration; an overview of the current psychotherapeutic models and approaches used in this practice; as well as the legal and psychiatric aspects of psychedelic integration. This event is addressed to various mental health professionals or students in such fields.

Our workshops

For a couple of years now, we have been organizing workshops on psychedelics and psychedelic integration in Poland. These workshops are organized under the patronage of the Polish Psychedelic Society and in cooperation with numerous experts from various fields. In addition to the next editions of existing workshops, we are also working on new projects, events, and other activities in this regard.

Back from the rabbit hole

The renowned scientific journal, Frontiers of Psychology, has published a comprehensive paper that I am proud of co-authoring. This publication provides both theoretical and practical guidance on integrating psychedelic experiences, along with an up-to-date review of the scientific literature on the subject. We have intended that this work will serve as an accessible resource for various mental health providers who may come across people interested in using psychedelics or individuals in need of support for their psychedelic experiences. Thus, this publication also contributes to the emerging field of psychedelic integration.

Origins of the LIMINAL initiative

LIMINAL was born out of a combination of passion and efforts of two close friends who were literally integrated by this subject. In 2018, together with Michał Lasocik, whom I didn't yet know at the time, we were invited to represent Poland in an international project aimed at developing practical guidance for psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals who are likely to encounter people using psychedelics. This project was a response to the lack of formal training and preparation in this regard. In this project conclusion, in 2020, we organized a pilot workshop held at the first European clinic offering psychedelic-assisted therapy, PSYON-Psychedelická klinika in the Czech Republic, which inspired us to undertake local initiatives in our country.