Psychedelic coaching and therapy are both valid, effective ways to support individuals in their careers and social lives. But they are not interchangeable. Coaching can help people to prepare for psychedelic experiences, and through integration, they can then incorporate those lessons into their lives. Therapy often deals with present and past wounds and finds clinical solutions.

Some clients may benefit from both coaching and therapy. Functional, goal-oriented clients may lean more toward coaching, while those with deep-seated trauma and clinical concerns are better suited to therapy. Either way, these are two very different approaches, and a psychedelic practitioner must know the differences and advise clients accordingly.

Coaching is Goal-Oriented and Growth-Focused

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 5% of Americans are suffering from serious mental illnesses. For those 14+ million people, clinical therapeutic solutions (which can include psychotherapy and medication) is the best solution. But as many as one in five struggle with some form of mental health issue, and many are unwilling or unable to get treatment. (1)(2)

For some of those individuals, as well as those seeking more direction and purpose, psychedelic coaching could be a viable alternative or complementary solution.

While therapy focuses on healing past wounds and targeting issues such as chronic anxiety and depression, psychedelic coaching primarily offers:

1. Preparation for intentional psychedelic experiences, ensuring the individual is ready for the journey, understands what to expect, and remains safe throughout.
2. Reflection on insights gained from the experience and the lessons learned..
3. Integration of the experience, helping the individual to align their lives with the lessons learned and find direction and purpose going forward.

There is a clearly defined line between psychedelic coaching and therapy. At the Psychedelic Coaching Institute, we ensure that all graduates understand this distinction and are ready to support their clients ethically and with integrity.

Ethics and Scope Are Central to the Coaching Model

Every psychedelic practitioner wants to do the best for their client, but we can’t stress enough the importance of refraining from clinical care and acting purely as a guide throughout the experience. Psychedelic coaches are facilitators of reflection, guidance, and support; they do not clinically treat physiological or psychological conditions, nor prescribe medicine.

In our Practitioner Certification Program, we equip students to provide a comprehensive psychedelic integration service without crossing the line into therapy. Students learn how to:

• Remain within their scope of practice
• Use empowering rather than pathologizing language
• Advise without diagnosing or treating
• Understand when and how a clinical referral is needed

Responsible psychedelic coaching isn’t simply a case of understanding how plant medicines work and knowing how to integrate experiences effectively. It’s a comprehensive framework that includes ethical, moral, and legal obligations—all of which PCI teaches on. Upon certification, students are ready to provide proper support with consideration for all ethical and legal outcomes.

When is Therapy the Best Option?

Whether therapy is a suitable option or not is usually judged on a case-by-case basis. It ultimately depends on the client’s needs, history, experiences, and diagnosis.

Upon agreeing to work with a client, a practitioner will perform a risk assessment to determine if they are a good fit. They will inquire about existing medical issues and prescriptions before asking about the client’s goals. If there are various issues stemming from past trauma, they may determine that therapy would be a better solution. If there are medication contraindications (such as antidepressants) or preexisting illnesses that could complicate the experience, they will advise against a psychedelic journey.

The practitioner’s goal is to support a safe experience and get the best outcome for the client. Sometimes, that means recommending an alternative solution and a more traditional approach.

Integration Coaching is a Distinct, Valuable Offering

People have been sitting with psychedelics like LSD for decades, and rituals involving psilocybin mushrooms and shamanic brews go back millennia. Many of these journeys were undertaken without supervision, but the inclusion of an experienced practitioner greatly reduces the risks associated with psychedelic journeys and promotes more positive experiences. Reports suggest that the presence of local or remote sitters, as well as consideration for “set and setting”, can improve emotional and well-being scores during and after the experience. (3)(4)(5)

Psychedelic practitioners are trained in harm reduction and can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. More importantly, they can help individuals to make sense of their journeys and then integrate them properly.

Without psychedelic integration, those experiences will eventually fade with the afterglow effects, taking any insights and lessons with them.

Psychedelic coaches are trained to help clients make sense of their experiences and integrate them successfully while remaining grounded and staying true to their values.

The PCI coaching container includes valuable insights into psychedelic experiences and the integration process, helping students unlock meaning in their own lives and then bring those perspectives to their work with clients.

Coaching and Therapy Can Complement Each Other

Clients can work with both a therapist and a coach and don’t need to choose one or the other. A therapist can work through past trauma and help with conditions such as anxiety and depression. A coach can complement this treatment by supporting and integrating psychedelic experiences.

PCI-trained coaches know when to recommend a broader approach. They are trained to detect signs that a client may need more support and have access to networks of therapists who can provide clinical care.

Not every client is suitable for psychedelic coaching, and many will feel like therapy is not right for their needs. Trained psychedelic practitioners can support clients in their decisions and help them to make the right choice, ensuring they advise and guide without actually making the decision for the client.