Description
Psychedelic experiences have an unpredictable place in psychotherapy; some clients are openly comfortable discussing them, and others are worried by the mere thought of their therapist knowing about their psychedelic use. Although psychedelics have a history of use in mental health treatment, and several are currently being tested as part of psychotherapy protocols for a range of diagnoses, there is still little support for integrating people’s experiences with psychedelics into the course of psychotherapy. This can be problematic for people who have had intense, difficult and/or positive, life-altering psychedelic experiences, who then feel they must gloss over, hide, or even deny these experiences in order to participate in psychotherapy. This group is intended to help meet the needs of people who are seeking additional support around psychedelic use in any context, including reducing risks and potential harms of psychedelic use.
Note: This group does not involve the ingesting of psychedelic substances during the session, and no referrals to psychedelic treatments will be given outside of those currently approved by the FDA.
Group Therapist
Hi, I’m Melanie Van Orden, and I’m a psychotherapist and professional life coach in New York City. I offer psychotherapy to clients that reside in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Florida. I offer life coaching, trauma recovery coaching, and psychedelic integration coaching to clients worldwide.
I specialize in working with people who are creative and sensitive, but often struggle with issues surrounding self-worth and meeting their own needs. These individuals frequently prioritize being liked, accepted, and approved of, which can hinder their ability to express their true selves and pursue their genuine desires. Additionally, they tend to be overly critical of themselves, burdened by feelings of shame, blame, and guilt.
The clients I work with are also often facing professional transitions from unfulfilling careers, navigating romantic relationship issues (such as finding new love or leaving unhealthy partnerships), or dealing with grief and loss. I also address deeply personal issues, including questioning the belief systems they were raised with or leaving high-demand groups. I also have expertise in working with queer clients on LGBTQIA+ concerns, helping individuals affected by narcissistic abuse, and assisting my clients in their recovery from love addiction or sex addiction.
No matter what you are currently grappling with, my goal is to assist you to accelerate your healing and growth through a combination of trauma-informed, somatic or body-based practices, and for those that are interested and when it’s appropriate, psychedelic-assisted therapy.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
