Psychedelic Healing Journey Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Psychedelic Curious
- Coach Katie
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
If you’re curious about using psychedelics and considering a healing journey, feeling prepared is critical to ensuring a safe and transformative experience. Whether you’re working with a psychedelic guide, attending a retreat, or embarking on a solo journey, following a structured approach can help you navigate the process with confidence.
Use this psychedelic healing journey checklist to guide your research, decision-making, psychedelic experience and integration. Note this list shouldn't take the place of working with a trained professional. With several nuances to each bullet below, having professional and personalized guidance can set you on the right path.
Phase 1: Researching Your Options
Understand Different Psychedelic Substances
Learn about psychedelic plant medicine: psilocybin, ayahuasca, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline.
Understand how pharmaceutical psychedelics work: ketamine, MDMA, LSD
Consider the effects, duration, and risks of each.
Decide on Your Intentions
Are you seeking personal growth, trauma healing, or spiritual insight?
Define what you hope to gain from the experience.
Explore Legal and Ethical Considerations
Research local laws regarding psychedelic use.
Look for ethical sourcing of plant medicines.
Find a Trusted Psychedelic Guide or Facilitator
Look for experienced, well-reviewed guides with harm reduction training.
Ask about their approach, experience, and safety protocols
Consider Alternative Legal Options
Explore psychedelic retreat centers in countries where plant medicines are legal.
Research licensed psilocybin services in Colorado or Oregon, or ketamine therapy clinics throughout the U.S.
Join Psychedelic Communities
Connect with others in forums, online groups, or integration circles to learn from their experiences. We work with several of these personally and professionally. They've been a really game-changer in our own transformations.
Phase 2: Preparing for the Journey
Choose the Right Set and Setting
Set (Mindset): Prepare emotionally and mentally with journaling, meditation, or therapy.
Setting (Environment): Ensure a safe, calming space with minimal distractions.
Work with Your Psychedelic Guide on Intention-Setting
Discuss your personal goals and expectations for the experience.
Use prompts like: What do I want to learn about myself?
Follow a Pre-Journey Diet (if applicable)
For ayahuasca and ibogaine, it's usually recommended to follow a specific "dieta" to cleanse the body.
Reduce caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and excessive sugar.
Prepare Physically
Get good sleep leading up to the experience.
Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods, ideally whole foods and nothing processed.
Arrange a Trusted Trip Sitter (if solo journeying)
Choose a sober, experienced person who can provide support.
Ensure they understand how to handle difficult experiences calmly.
Have Essential Supplies Ready
Comfort items: Blankets, eye mask, music playlist
Journals & art supplies: For capturing insights and explaining "the ineffable"
Emergency items: Water, light snacks, a grounding object
Set Clear Boundaries
Turn off your phone or set it to do not disturb mode. (Bonus points if you turn it off, put it in airplane mode or tuck it in a drawer.)
Inform trusted friends or family where you’ll be and when you expect to be available again.
Phase 3: The Psychedelic Experience
Trust the Process
Surrender to the experience rather than trying to control it.
If difficult emotions arise, breathe through them and stay curious.
Use Breathwork and Grounding Techniques
If overwhelmed, try deep breathing, body scanning, or holding a grounding object.
You can also go back to your intention for the experience. Use it as your guidepost if you start to feel lost.
Stay Hydrated and Listen to Your Body
Take small sips of water as needed.
Move gently if you need to shift positions.
Engage with the Experience
Be open to whatever comes up. It's often said that "the medicine shows you what you need to see," not necessarily what you want to experience.
Pay attention to visions, emotions, and bodily sensations.
If guided, follow your psychedelic guide’s instructions for deeper exploration.
If Challenging Moments Arise, Remember:
“This is temporary, and I am safe.”
Use mantras or affirmations to reframe discomfort. Ideally, you'll create these ahead of time as part of your intention-setting practice.
Document Key Insights
If possible, jot down notes or mental snapshots for later integration.
Many people record voice notes or even have a microphone clipped to their shirt while they journey. Similar to a dream state, sometimes it's challenging to remember all of the details right away.
Phase 4: Integration (After the Journey)
Journal Your Experience
Write about insights, emotions, and key themes.
Reflect on how they relate to your daily life.
Share (if comfortable)
Talk with your psychedelic guide, integration coach, or a trusted friend.
Join an integration circle to hear others' experiences. These group sessions can often trigger memories from your own journey and enable new insights.
Create an Action Plan for Change
Identify one or two key lessons from the experience.
Decide on small, tangible steps to incorporate these insights into your life.
Support Your Nervous System
Prioritize rest, nature time, and self-care in the days following.
Avoid overwhelming social situations if you need quiet reflection.
Continue Integration Work
Use meditation, creative expression, or therapy to process ongoing insights.
Revisit your intentions periodically to see how they evolve.
Avoid Rushing into Another Experience
Give yourself weeks or months before considering another journey.
Allow the lessons to settle and integrate fully into your day-to-day life.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Your Psychedelic Healing Journey
A successful psychedelic journey isn’t just about the trip itself. It's about the preparation, intention, and how you integrate the experience into your daily life.
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