Integration of psychedelics in CBT: Effects on decentering

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, particularly those using psilocybin and LSD, have recently garnered interest for their potential to enhance the treatment of psychological disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These substances are known for inducing altered states of consciousness, which can catalyze significant changes in cognition, emotions, and behavior. The specific impact of these psychedelic experiences on the decentering mechanism in CBT is particularly noteworthy; this process allows patients to observe their thoughts and emotions in a detached and non-judgmental manner. Psychedelics appear to strengthen this mechanism, thereby facilitating better management of emotional and cognitive reactions in individuals suffering from disorders such as anxiety and depression. The “oceanic feeling,” characterized by the dissolution of self-boundaries and a sense of unity, plays a crucial role in this context.