TRIPSITTING 101

Check if it is a medical emergency

It is important to ensure that the person is not experiencing a medical emergency. This involves:

• Identifying the substances consumed (including any medication); and

• Looking for signs of medical emergencies (responsiveness, sweating, temperature, vomiting, breathing etc.

Be open with your communication during this process, make sure the person is included, and given the opportunity to voice any concerns about their physical health.

Respect and normalise their experience

Showing genuine respect and engaging with the person is an important step in connecting with the person. It is important to actively listen and show empathy. Gently showing appropriate concern and interest in the experience will help you to establish a bond and build trust between yourself and the person.

Do not try to “talk down” or dismiss a person’s experience. This will lead to resistance and a breakdown of trust. Instead, allow space for, and acknowledge, emotional expressions.

When someone is having a challenging time, it can be helpful to normalise their experiences as they are expressed - no matter how weird they sound. Anyone who’s tripped before knows things can get pretty weird at times... but that’s the point! Remind the person you are with that what they are experiencing is an entirely normal reaction to what they’ve taken.

Helpful phrases include “that’s not unusual” or “some people experience…” In addition, you can reflect statements to convey meaning and positive framing when appropriate: “That sounds like…”

Some tips to consider

• Encourage them to lay down, with eyes closed

• Only talk if you are responding, or if you need to check something for safety

• Remind them they are safe, and you will be there for them

• Encourage them to explore the state they’re in with curiosity.

Holding Space

The presence of a grounded, compassionate individual can go a long way in helping someone feel safe in a time of crisis. Approach with kindness and openness, creating an environment of acceptance and compassion. Let the person know that they are in a safe place and that their experience is welcome.

Holding space involves considering both the physical space and interpersonal space.

Physical space: We must first seek to establish a safe setting for the person to work through any internal processes that may come about. Is the person comfortable? Do they have enough room to move? Do they have any physical needs not being met? Is the temperature okay? What is the noise level, is it too loud?

Interpersonal space: It is also important to ensure the person feels safe by considering their interpersonal surroundings. Who else is in the space? Do they feel they can trust them? Is there a better space for them?

Encourage Reflection and Growth

Remind them that this experience is temporary, and encourage exploration.Be mindful that they may have anxieties relating to being “stuck” in the trip, or feeling like it is lasting too long. It can be beneficial to communicate how helpful it is to be present in the moment without resisting.Reassure them they are safe. Feelings of safety can allow them to let go of resistance to the experience.

Integration and Aftercare

What happens after the experience is an extremely important part of the psychedelic journey. The person may be experiencing a lot of different emotions after having been through such a vulnerable experience and it is important to spend time validating, normalising and inquiring about any reflections they have about their experience.

Intergration is when somebody takes their psychedlic experience, and applies what they’ve uncovered into their day to day life. It can help to ask the person you’re helping whether they have plans to try and intergrate their experience into their life. It can also help to ask them how they plan on caring for themselves in the upcoming days.

Check in with them after the experience if possible, when they’ve had some time to process their trip. Make sure you let them know you’re there to support them if they’re having trouble coping