Citation

González D, Aixalà MB, Neimeyer RA, Cantillo J, Nicolson D, Farré M. Front. Psychol. 2022; 13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Frontiers Research Foundation)

DOI

10.3389/fpsyg.2022.832879

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Rationale: Many psychedelic experiences are meaningful, but ineffable. Engaging in meaning-making regarding emerging symbolic content and changing previous schemas have been proposed as mechanisms of change in psychedelic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Firstly, we suggest the implementation of a Restorative Retelling (RR) technique to process and integrate the psychedelic experience into autobiographical memory, in a way that fosters meaning-making. We also show how ayahuasca has the potential to evoke key psychological content in survivors, during the process of grief adjustment following the death of a loved one.

METHODS: The rationale for the implementation of RR to process psychedelic experiences and a case study of a woman suffering from Complicated Grief (CG) after her mother's suicide are presented.

RESULTS: Evaluations conducted before the ayahuasca experience and after RR suggest the effectiveness of ayahuasca and RR in reducing symptoms of CG and psychopathology.

CONCLUSION: This case report illustrates an effective adaptation of the RR technique for processing the psychedelic experience. The significance of the study and its limitations are discussed. Copyright © 2022 González, Aixalà, Neimeyer, Cantillo, Nicolson and Farré.

Language: en

Keywords

grief; integration; ayahuasca; psychedelic therapy; restorative retelling