Table 4 A detailed breakdown of the top components from Workshop 3, highlighting their Benefits, Barriers, Risks, Ideal Outcomes, and the Solutions formulated to address challenges.
From: Development of a digital intervention for psychedelic preparation (DIPP)
Component (theme) | Workshop 3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small group discussions | Group Brainstorm | ||||
Benefits | Barriers | Risks | Ideal Outcomes | Solutions | |
Reading assignments (KE) | Increased understanding of psychedelic experiences Encourages independent research Provides foundational knowledge for discussions | Potential information overload Difficult for non-regular readers Quality and credibility of sources | Misinterpretation of text Over-reliance on a single source Becoming overly critical | Foundational understanding Prepared for informed discussions | Curate concise and vetted reading lists with diverse sources Provide FAQs for each reading to prevent misinterpretations |
Grounding techniques (PR) | Offers stabilisation during and after intense experiences Provides tools for emotional and mental regulation | Lack of familiarity with techniques Scepticism about efficacy Difficulty in accessing resources | Ineffectiveness for some individuals Ignoring other necessary interventions | Efficient self-regulation Enhanced mindfulness Equipping participants with tools for during the psychedelic experience and post-retreat life | Introducing various techniques Provide resources or references for continued practice |
Abstinence from alcohol/drugs (PR) | Pure experience without influences Resets body chemistry Clarity and focus Eliminates counteractive effects | Potential withdrawal symptoms Social pressures Breaking habits | Abrupt cessation complication Mood disturbances Non-compliance Overcompensation post-retreat | Substance-free entry No drug interactions Clear-headed participation Healthier lifestyle approach | Educate on the benefits of temporary abstinence Provide a support community for those struggling |
Journaling (IP) | Personal reflection Intention setting, experience and emotion tracking Encourages self-awareness Post-retreat review tool | Maintaining consistency is difficult Time commitment Over-analysing experiences | Overthinking negatives Misinterpreting writings Overly self-critical behaviour | Personal journey record Regular introspection Tool for post-retreat reflection Enhance personal accountability | Provide structured templates or prompts Regularly remind participants about the purpose and benefits |
Planning integration (SP) | Provides dedicated time for processing experiences Ensures intentional reflection and assimilation of retreat learnings Reduces the risk of post-retreat overwhelm Enhances long-term benefits and application of retreat insights | Managing daily commitments with integration time Potential lack of discipline in following through with plans Distractions from daily life and routines Potential for feeling isolated in the process | Inadequate time leading to suppressed or unresolved emotions Misguided or misunderstood integration techniques Potential for neglecting daily responsibilities Over-isolation or excessive introspection | Well-structured post-retreat period maximising benefits Seamless transition from retreat to daily life, retaining retreat insights Enhanced personal growth and understanding from the retreat Continuous integration of retreat learning into daily life | Provide structured post-retreat guidance Organise follow-up group sessions for continued support Offer resources for effective daily-life integration |
Meditation (PR) | Emotional regulation Mindfulness Reduces pre-retreat anxiety | Lack of experience Achieving focus difficulty Time commitment Environmental distractions | Unresolved traumas surfacing Misunderstanding purpose Becoming overly introspective | Calm mindset Familiarity with thoughts Handle disturbances | Offer beginner-friendly guided sessions Start with short sessions and progressively increase Offer support for surfacing traumas and misunderstood objectives |
Resource list (SP) | Provides attendees with credible, trustworthy preparation material Makes research easier Standardised information disseminated to attendees | Overwhelming volume of resources Inconsistency in quality or relevance of resources Potentially biased or one-sided material | Misinterpretation or misinformation Over-reliance on a singular source Information overload | Informed and well-prepared attendees Cultivation of a culture of continuous learning Encouragement of diverse perspectives | Periodically update and vet resources Provide summaries or overviews for each resource Encourage participants to seek multiple perspectives |
