Psychedelics and the new behaviourism: considering the integration of third-wave behaviour therapies with psychedelic-assisted therapy

Abstract

This narrative review examines evidence related to the potential for third wave behaviour therapies to serve as adjuncts to psychedelic-assisted therapy. It identifies shared theoretical foundations for both approaches, and notes enhanced mindfulness, decentering, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance as common mechanisms of action. It also identifies potential targets for which both approaches have demonstrated therapeutic potential, including problematic substance use, self-directed and other-directed violence, and mood disorders. Based on these commonalities, there is a call for research on the potential integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy and third wave behaviour therapies including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.

Keywords:

• Psychedelics
• psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
• hallucinogen
• behaviour therapy
• third wave
• dialectical behaviour therapy
• acceptance and commitment therapy
• and mindfulness based cognitive therapy

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.