Social Work and Psychedelics: Practice and Perspectives in Canada: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study
Date
2024-07-04
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Abstract
Psychedelics are compounds with exceptional properties. These substances have gained significant attention recently for their potential as therapeutic agents. There now exists a growing body of evidence demonstrating the safety of a variety of psychedelics as well as establishing their efficacy in short-and long-term therapeutic applications, including treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder, end-of-life psychological distress, tobacco addiction, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders. As a result, the use of psychedelics is becoming a salient topic within the mental health field, where social workers may be positioned to provide psychedelic-assisted therapy or work with clients who are accessing psychedelics and require support. This poses unique challenges and opportunities for the profession and social workers. The role of social workers in the psychedelic field is not well understood. This multiple case study explores how Canadian social workers engage with therapeutic psychedelics in their professional practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two participants. Content and thematic analyses were used for a within and cross-case data analysis. The study indicated that social workers are using therapeutic psychedelics within the boundaries of existing regulations. They are taking diverse approaches, such as harm reduction and substance-specific interventions. Their motivations for using psychedelics include addressing limitations in standard trauma treatments and aligning with personal and professional values. Recommendations for promoting ethical practice suggest robust training programs, regular clinical supervision, and the importance of community building among practitioners. The results of this study highlight considerations for how psychedelic treatment methods can be integrated into the field of social work.
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Keywords
Social Work, psychedelic-assisted therapy
Citation
Koenig, L. L. (2024). Social work and psychedelics: practice and perspectives in Canada: an exploratory multiple case study (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.