Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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Acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for cancer-related depression
The present study explored the acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of this novel intervention. Method: Guided by the conceptual framework of acceptability, we conducted semi-structured interviews with participants of the psilocybin trial. Data were analyzed using template and thematic analyses. Results: Participants’ (n = 28) perspectives on the acceptability of the group and simultaneous sessions was generally positive, both in terms of safety and efficacy: first, the groups contributed to increase participants’ sense of safety and preparedness as they were engaging in the therapy; second, the groups fostered a sense of connection and of belonging, which served to enrich and deepen the meaning of participants’ experience, ultimately opening a dimension of self-transcendence and compassion. Other findings related to acceptability include the following themes: 1) the importance of the therapeutic framework, 2) the complementary value of individual sessions, 3) disruptive factors related to the group/simultaneous setting and 4) opportunities and challenges related to group size and how to structure interactions. Discussion: This study demonstrates that a group model of PAT is acceptable in a community cancer center and might enhance safety and efficacy, suggesting new ways PAT may be scaled and integrated into cancer care.
BIOGRAPHY
A hematologist and palliative care physician, Dr. Beaussant currently serves as faculty in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as an instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He graduated from the Certificate Program in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2018, where he now serves as a mentor. Dr. Beaussant’s research focuses on developing and assessing psychedelic-assisted therapy to address psychological and existential distress in patients with serious illness. In particular, he investigates different models of psilocybin- and MDMA-assisted therapy to address depression, adjustment disorder, pain, and existential distress in this population.
Please support our work and enable us to continue to share these talks for free by donating at paypal.me/breakingconventionuk
Acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for cancer-related depression
The present study explored the acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of this novel intervention. Method: Guided by the conceptual framework of acceptability, we conducted semi-structured interviews with participants of the psilocybin trial. Data were analyzed using template and thematic analyses. Results: Participants’ (n = 28) perspectives on the acceptability of the group and simultaneous sessions was generally positive, both in terms of safety and efficacy: first, the groups contributed to increase participants’ sense of safety and preparedness as they were engaging in the therapy; second, the groups fostered a sense of connection and of belonging, which served to enrich and deepen the meaning of participants’ experience, ultimately opening a dimension of self-transcendence and compassion. Other findings related to acceptability include the following themes: 1) the importance of the therapeutic framework, 2) the complementary value of individual sessions, 3) disruptive factors related to the group/simultaneous setting and 4) opportunities and challenges related to group size and how to structure interactions. Discussion: This study demonstrates that a group model of PAT is acceptable in a community cancer center and might enhance safety and efficacy, suggesting new ways PAT may be scaled and integrated into cancer care.
BIOGRAPHY
A hematologist and palliative care physician, Dr. Beaussant currently serves as faculty in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as an instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He graduated from the Certificate Program in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2018, where he now serves as a mentor. Dr. Beaussant’s research focuses on developing and assessing psychedelic-assisted therapy to address psychological and existential distress in patients with serious illness. In particular, he investigates different models of psilocybin- and MDMA-assisted therapy to address depression, adjustment disorder, pain, and existential distress in this population.
