Psychedelic Medicine & Internal Family Systems (Ifs) Therapy: A Clinical Skills Manual - Paperback

by David Lovas (Author), Martha Sweezy (Author), Richard C. Schwartz (Author)

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) holds incredible promise for mental health, but without a clear framework, it can be risky, confusing, and even unsafe.

This book provides that framework by integrating PAT with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy--a model that is uniquely suited to the multiplicity and intensity of the psychedelic state. Drawing on decades of clinical practice and research, the authors offer step-by-step guidance for every phase of the psychedelic journey, from preparation to dosing to integration.

Inside, you'll learn how to:

1. Create a safe, therapeutic "set and setting"
2. Negotiate with protector parts to reduce backlash
3. Reduce the risk of "bad trip" reactions
4. Navigate the effects, risks, and contraindications of key psychedelics (ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca)
5. Support clients through intense or confusing journeys
6. Guide clients in translating insights into lasting change
7. Honor the Indigenous roots of psychedelic medicine and practice ethically

Whether you're new to IFS and PAT or an experienced clinician, this book is the blueprint you need to collaborate with the psyche and help clients access their innate healing wisdom.

Author Biography

David Lovas, MD, is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist now working in private practice in Canada and California. He has conducted research on mindfulness interventions and most recently has been collaborating and supporting IFS research at Harvard Medical School and at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). He cofacilitates retreats, teaches IFS therapy, and offers coaching and speaking nationally and internationally.

Martha Sweezy, PhD, is a part-time assistant professor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a research and training consultant at the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion at the Cambridge Health Alliance, and a psychotherapist in private practice. She has authored, coauthored, and coedited eleven books on various applications of IFS, including Internal Family Systems Therapy for Shame and Guilt. She teaches IFS therapy nationally and internationally.

Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective therapeutic model with a growing evidence base that depathologizes the multipart personality. Richard is also the founder of the IFS Institute, which primarily offers training for professionals. He is currently a teaching associate in psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate. Richard has authored or coauthored more than ten books on Internal Family Systems and related topics, including No Bad Parts and Internal Family Systems Therapy. For more information on IFS, visit https: //ifs-institute.com.

Sunny Strasburg, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist, educator, speaker, and pioneering author, specializes in training clinicians and designing impactful experiences that inspire both creativity and compassion. She is the founder of the Theradelic Approach and is the author of The Theradelic Approach.