Cannabis Assisted Therapy in Denver Colorado
At Beyond the Mind Psychotherapy, we utilize Cannabis as a tool to deepen the already existing clinical strategy, including the therapeutic alliance, and somatic & parts work processing. CAP allows access to a non-ordinary state of consciousness, and is particularly useful in enhancing our ability to track our bodies and engage in nervous system reprocessing. CAP can allow us to work with challenging mental states and symptoms with a new perspective.
What does cannabis assisted therapy look like at Beyond the Mind?
Internal and external safety and stability, as well as other clinical factors, will be assessed prior to CAP treatment. You can expect to meet with your therapist for a period of time (preparation) to establish readiness and appropriateness for CAP prior to engaging in this type of work. If we do decide to pursue CAP as a part of your treatment, you will be given some suggestions and then asked to purchase a vape-pen of cannabis that you will bring with you to CAP sessions. You should always wait to arrive in session prior to using the cannabis and it should only be used during 2-hour sessions. Using any substance, including cannabis, outside of the set and setting of a pre-planned CAP session could actually slow down or hinder your treatment progress. You will sign an agreement about the parameters of use specific to CAP sessions, including the agreement that you will always arrange a ride home after all CAP session, as it will not be safe for you to drive yourself.
What to expect during a Cannabis Assisted Psychotherapy session at Beyond the Mind:
Cannabis Assisted Psychotherapy sessions are always scheduled for 120 minutes / 2-hours.
A ride will need to be arranged to pick you up after every CAP session.
Medicated sessions will always be pre-arranged (we will never decide last minute to go into a CAP session).
Even if a medicated session is scheduled, you can always decide when you arrive to session that you’d prefer not to utilize the medication, and a regular session will be arranged instead
Medication will be taken approximately 15 minutes into the 2-hour time slot
Come in on an empty stomach (a few hours recommended)
Once you take the cannabis, you will get settled into a state of body tracking and relaxation while we wait for the onset
The therapist will provide background music during the session
An eye mask is generally worn throughout the experience
What you may want to bring for a Cannabis Assisted Psychotherapy session at Beyond the Mind:
-The Cannabis (self-purchased per discussion w/provider, vape-pen format)
-A water bottle (water is also available at the office)
-Your own eye-mask (Recommendations will be given; masks are available to borrow)
-Nausea medication (Good if you tend towards motion-sickness, generally not needed)
-Slip on shoes (In case you need to walk to the bathroom mid-session)
-Important objects if desired (Such as: a stuffed animal, a favorite blanket or pillow, a meaningful photo)