26 Jun Couples Counseling and MDMA

In my late teens and early 20s, I experimented with many psychedelic drugs including LSD, Peyote, Mescaline, Psillocybin and mushrooms. The experiences were incredibly powerful and healing. During my so-called “trips,” I discovered wise and luminous parts of myself and experienced deep compassion and empathy for those I was with.

In recent years, there has been an enormous amount of research around the world on the therapeutic effects MDMA. For a fairly comprehensive list of research studies both current and past visit the website of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Additionally, there are many books available on the topic.

A few interesting facts about MDMA

MDMA is not the same as “Ecstasy” or “Molly.” Substances sold on the street under these names may contain MDMA, but frequently also contain unknown and/or dangerous adulterants.

In laboratory studies, pure MDMA has been proven sufficiently safe for human consumption when taken a limited number of times in moderate dose.

MDMA wasn’t always illegal. Prior to 1985, MDMA was both legal and used in a psychotherapy. It only became illegal in 1985 causing severe restriction of all clinical research.

A number of recent studies have found that couples who ingested MDMA together:

• Felt more love toward their partners
• Were better able to move beyond pointless grudges and past pains
• Felt they were more emotionally responsive, intimate and engaged in longer conversations about deeper topics
• Increased their capacity for emotional clarity, empathy, intimacy, self-awareness, authenticity and expanding sensitivity

After so many years of closing the door on the consideration of using MDMA and other psychedelic drugs in individual psychotherapy or couples therapy, I am glad to see an opening on both federal and state levels to fund research in this area.

If you have any thoughts or knowledge in this area, I would love to hear from you.

~ Craig