From Theory to Practice: Irish Psychotherapists' Perspectives on Delivering Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Authors
Madsen, Ciara
Issue Date
2025.16.12
Degree
BA in Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Open Access
Abstract
In light of growing international interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), this study explored what prepares Irish psychotherapists to engage with this emerging therapeutic modality. Five accredited psychotherapists working in diverse modalities were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore their views on readiness, training, ethics, and future models of delivery. Five themes were identified: embodied readiness and the ethical necessity of lived experience; the need for specialised, experiential training and supervision; ethical complexities in client vulnerability and practitioner responsibility; structural gaps in regulation and professional governance; and a strong preference for community-based, nature-connected models of care. Overall, the study found that while participants were open to the potential of PAT, their readiness was shaped by both internal and external factors including ethical concerns, legal ambiguity, and the absence of formal training pathways. Participants emphasised the need for culturally responsive, relationally grounded frameworks that move beyond clinical models. It is hoped that these findings contribute to an evolving conversation around safe, ethical, and inclusive psychedelic practice in Ireland, and help inform the development of future guidelines, training, and policy.