MDMA Therapy

Coley was selected as a health equity leader by Lykos Therapeutics (formerly known as The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) to train with leading researchers who participated in the clinical trials studying the effectiveness of using MDMA for PTSD treatment. Although MDMA therapy demonstrated clinically significant data and posed minimal safety risks, in August 2024, the FDA declined the commercial authorization of MDMA-Assisted Therapy and requested additional clinical trials for further data collection. Once approved by the FDA, hopefully by no later than 2027, The Psyberspace Center for Psychedelic Therapy will be one of the pioneers to usher in this groundbreaking, transformational therapy. It has not yet been approved by any regulatory agency in the USA and is not available until at least 90 days after FDA approval is achieved. Please join our mailing list to stay posted on the development of MDMA therapy, including accessibility and pricing as they become available in the near future.

What’s MDMA therapy?

MDMA therapy, also known as MDMA-assisted therapy or MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, is a therapeutic approach that involves using MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as an adjunct to psychotherapy sessions. It’s primarily used in the treatment of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other mental health conditions

Here’s a breakdown of how MDMA therapy typically works:

1. Administration: MDMA is administered in a controlled setting under the supervision of trained therapists. It’s usually given orally in a therapeutic dose that is lower than recreational doses.

2. Therapeutic Setting: The therapy session takes place in a comfortable, safe environment to facilitate introspection and emotional processing.

3. Therapeutic Process: During the MDMA session, which can last several hours, the therapist helps the patient explore and process difficult emotions, memories, and experiences. MDMA is thought to enhance trust and emotional openness, making it easier for patients to confront and work through their trauma.

4. Integration: After the MDMA session, therapists work with the patient to integrate insights and experiences into their daily life. This often involves further therapy sessions to support ongoing healing and growth.

How does MDMA therapy work?

MDMA therapy, also known as MDMA-assisted therapy or MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, is a therapeutic approach that involves using MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as an adjunct to psychotherapy sessions. It’s primarily used in the treatment of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other mental health conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of how MDMA therapy typically works:

MDMA therapy is currently being researched and has shown promising results in clinical trials for PTSD. However, it is not yet widely available outside of clinical trials due to regulatory and safety considerations.

MDMA therapy works through a combination of pharmacological and psychological mechanisms to facilitate therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Here’s how it generally works:

1. Pharmacological Effects: MDMA is a psychoactive substance that affects neurotransmitter systems in the brain, primarily serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These effects contribute to its ability to:

  Increase Empathy and Trust:  MDMA enhances feelings of empathy, compassion, and emotional openness, which can strengthen the therapeutic alliance between the patient and therapist.

  Reduce Fear and Anxiety: It can decrease activity in brain regions associated with fear and stress responses, allowing patients to approach traumatic memories or difficult emotions with less fear and anxiety.

  Enhance Emotional Processing: MDMA may facilitate the processing of emotionally charged memories and experiences by modulating the amygdala and other brain regions involved in emotional regulation.

2. Psychological Mechanisms: MDMA therapy is conducted within a structured therapeutic framework, typically involving several phases:

  Preparation: Patients undergo thorough preparation sessions with therapists to establish rapport, set treatment goals, and understand what to expect during MDMA sessions.

  MDMA Session: During the MDMA-assisted session, which typically lasts several hours, patients are encouraged to explore their emotions, memories, and inner experiences. The therapist provides support and guidance as needed, fostering a safe and supportive environment for emotional processing.

  Integration: After the MDMA session, patients engage in integration sessions where they discuss and make sense of their experiences, identify insights gained, and develop coping strategies to apply to daily life.

3. Therapeutic Alliance: The client-counselor relationship is paramount in MDMA therapy. MDMA’s effects on enhancing trust, empathy, and emotional openness can deepen the therapeutic alliance, which is essential for effective psychotherapeutic outcomes.

Overall, MDMA therapy combines the pharmacological effects of MDMA with the therapeutic process of psychotherapy to promote healing and emotional resilience, particularly in individuals struggling with PTSD and related trauma-related disorders. Ongoing research is exploring its potential applications and refining therapeutic protocols to optimize outcomes and ensure safety.

Am I good candidate for MDMA therapy?

Deciding if MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA therapy) is right for you involves several considerations and should be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals. Here are some factors to weigh:

1. Diagnosis: MDMA therapy is primarily being studied and considered for conditions like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) that have not responded well to conventional treatments. If you have been diagnosed with PTSD or a related trauma-related disorder and have not experienced sufficient relief from other treatments, MDMA therapy may be a consideration.

2. Treatment History: It’s essential to review your treatment history with mental health professionals. If you’ve tried other therapies or medications without success, MDMA therapy might be explored as a potential adjunct or alternative treatment.

3. Safety and Health Considerations: MDMA therapy involves taking a psychoactive substance under controlled conditions. Your overall health, medical history (including any heart conditions or psychiatric disorders), and current medications need to be evaluated to ensure safety and suitability for this therapy.

4. Readiness and Commitment: MDMA therapy involves a structured therapeutic process that includes preparation, the MDMA-assisted session itself, and integration sessions. It requires a commitment to engage deeply with emotions, memories, and therapeutic work.

5. Therapist and Setting: The therapy is conducted by trained therapists in a safe, supportive setting. Assessing the qualifications and experience of the therapists involved, as well as the setting where sessions will take place, is crucial for ensuring a positive therapeutic experience.

6. Personal Preferences and Values: Consider your comfort level with the therapeutic approach involving MDMA, as well as your beliefs about integrating pharmaceuticals into psychotherapy.

Before considering MDMA therapy, it’s essential to have a thorough evaluation and discussion with qualified mental health professionals who are experienced in this treatment modality. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances, ensuring that you make an informed decision about whether MDMA therapy is appropriate and beneficial for you.