Episode 19

Ep. 19: Taking Apart Bad Trips

Published on: 25th April, 2022

What are bad trips and why do they happen? What are the different ways that things can go wrong? In this episode we explore various sub-types of psychedelic experiences and debate the differences between challenging trips and bad trips, and how difficult experiences can often lead to healing and growth with the right support. We dismantle the idea that “there is no such thing as a bad trip” and talk about ways to mitigate difficult experiences when taking psychedelics. Nate also opens up about a difficult psychedelic experience that he had and what he learned from it, including the importance of support and integration.

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About the Podcast

Altered States of Context

A Podcast about Psychedelics, Science and Psychotherapy

Brian Pilecki and Nathan Gates, two therapists and long-time psychedelic advocates explore the uneasy fit between a medicalized view of individual mental illness and a psychedelic view of suffering and change.

We'll also explore many of the possibilities, opportunities and pitfalls that emerge from this union.

In addition, we'll keep it weird, and talk about some of the aspects of psychedelic experiencing that make it so interesting, fun, and transformative.

This will hold interests for anyone interested in behavior change, cultural trends, and for professionals eager to explore how psychedelics are poised to change many of our therapeutic orientations and approaches.

About your hosts

Nathan Gates

Nathan is a licensed psychotherapist and co-host of Altered States of Context, a podcast about psychedelics, science and psychotherapy. In addition, he serves as president of the board for the Illinois Psychedelic Society and is a board advisor for Entheo Il, a group dedicated to the successful passage of Illinois HB1, the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens act. He also practices regenerative ranching and writes from his family's farm in rural west-central Illinois. He is a frequent guest and guest host for the Doomer Optimism podcast, a collective podcast dedicated to promotive creative and humane ways to engage with our social and environmental problems with creativity, hope, and good stewardship.

Brian Pilecki

Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at the Portland Psychotherapy Clinic that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Brian also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health problems.