Fungi for the Mind: Exploring the role of suggestion in psilocybin assisted therapy
Authors
Clare, Susan
Issue Date
2025.16.12
Degree
BA in Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Open Access
Abstract
This thesis explores the intersection of suggestion and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), focusing specifically on the therapeutic use of psilocybin. Amidst the resurgence of interest in psychedelics—often termed the Psychedelic Renaissance—this work examines how suggestibility, a psychological phenomenon long recognized in various therapeutic modalities, may play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of psychedelic experiences. The thesis begins by tracing the historical and theoretical background of suggestion in psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and humanistic approaches, establishing a foundation for its relevance in altered states of consciousness. It then provides a comprehensive overview of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Special attention is given to the concept of “set and setting†, which underlines the importance of mental state, environment and the therapeutic alliance in influencing therapeutic efficacy. The core of the thesis investigates how psilocybin increases suggestibility and how therapists can ethically and effectively work with this heightened sensitivity. This work contributes to the growing body of research aiming to optimize psychedelic therapies, underscores the complex nature of healing through non-ordinary states of consciousness, and highlights the substantial body of research and clinical evaluation still required before psilocybin-assisted therapy can be confidently integrated into mainstream medical practice.