Psychohistoriographic approaches to Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy in Jamaica

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) [1]. Initial scientific research into the utilization of these compounds were eventually suspended [2]. However, the use of psilocybin and other psychedelics have shown promise in the treatment of mental illnesses. Psychedelics catalyze or enhance the experience fostered by existing psychotherapeutic methods [3]. Psychohistoriographic Brief Therapy (PBT) includes documenting life experiences in a Psychohistoriogram [4]. In the De La Haye Psilocybin Treatment Protocol (DPTP), micro-doses of Psilocybin mushrooms are taken throughout an 8-week outpatient process of documenting the components of the Psychohistoriogram, making use of the increased openness and empathy associated with the use of psychedelic agents. These sessions are followed by supervised in-office therapeutic doses of psilocybin. Conclusions: These are interesting times for PAP in the Caribbean in general and Jamaica in particular, benefiting clients as we venture into this New Frontier in Psychiatry. We should ensure that the Caribbean’s rapidly expanding psychedelic wellness and medical programmes are safe, while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. References: [1] J.S. Aday, E.K. Bloesc, C.C. Davoli. “2019: A year of expansion in psychedelic research, industry, and deregulation” Drug Science, Policy, and Law, 6, 2050324520974484, 2020. [2] S.J Belouin, J.E Henningfield, “Psychedelics: Where We Are Now, Why We Got Here, What We Must Do” Neuropharmacology, 142: 7-19, 2018. [3] C.M. Reiff, E.E. Richman, C.B. Nemeroff, L.L. Carpenter, A.S. Widge, C.I. Rodriguez… & Work Group on Biomarkers and Novel Treatments, a Division of the American Psychiatric Association Council of Research, “Psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy” American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(5): 391-410, 2020. [4] F.W. Hickling, “Psychohistoriography: A Post-Colonial Psychoanalytic and Psychotherapeutic Model” Kingston: CARIMENSA Press 2007