ChatGPT is my psychedelic-assisted therapist

Inside an artificially intelligent therapy room

In psychedelic assisted therapy, an emerging scientific discipline that seeks to maximise the healing aspects of a trip, one must integrate their experience afterwards. Usually this involves talking to another human being to make sense of things. And integration happens so that one can take insights from the trip into the everyday world of work and washing up. But can a large language model like ChatGPT do the job? For clarity, a large language model is something that many people call artificial intelligence (AI).

In reality, it is something which understands not what it is asked or even what is says, but simply calculates the statistical likelihood of which words tend to follow on from previous words. It is an excellent example of what Dennett calls competence without comprehension. Although it isn't intelligent in any meaningful human sense, this "intelligence" is merely a matter of definition. All of us rely on competence without comprehension in our daily lives. How many of us know how our cars, computers, or central heating systems actually work? But consider how absolutely we rely upon them. Which means a question worth asking is: how much intelligent understanding does one really need to achieve X?

Let's see if ChatGPT can integrate my psychedelic experience like a competent therapist would. And let's hope that ChatGPT's owners, Open AI, are good at protecting my personal data...

The format is simple. First, human question. Then, AI answer.

Human question:

Hi, good morning. Earlier this summer I had my first psychedelic experience using psilocybin. Now, afterwards, I feel the need to make sense of it and integrate things. Can you act as my psychedelic-assisted therapist? I'm aware of the limitations of this, don't worry. So that one may understand the context, I wore an eye mask throughout the whole thing and was laying down in a comfortable position. This encouraged me to have an inward experience. I also listened to a playlist of music, which I borrowed from John Hopkins University.

This particular music has been studied to mimic the typical psychedelic trip and therefore to calibrate how one feels throughout the whole experience. Moreover, I had some symbolic ornaments with me, which represented people that I love. This helped me to feel grounded and safe. And as this was my first time doing this, I consulted with someone about the type of psilocybin product to take, and on the dosage. Just so you're aware, I had a great time. Taking this all in, what do you think are the benefits to taking this approach?

AI answer:

It's great to hear that you had a positive first psychedelic experience with psilocybin, and it's perfectly normal to want to make sense of and integrate the insights and feelings that arose during your journey. While I can provide some guidance and insights, please keep in mind that I am not a substitute for a trained therapist or counsellor, especially when it comes to psychedelic-assisted therapy. However, I can offer some information and suggestions to help you navigate the integration process:

Set and Setting: Your approach to the experience seemed well thought out. The use of an eye mask, comfortable position, and carefully curated music can indeed enhance the depth and quality of the experience. Creating a safe and comfortable environment is essential for allowing yourself to go inward and explore your thoughts and emotions.

Symbolic Ornaments: Using symbolic ornaments representing loved ones is a meaningful and grounding practice. These objects can serve as anchors during the experience, reminding you of the love and support in your life.

Consultation and Dosage: Consulting with someone experienced in psychedelic use and choosing an appropriate dosage is a responsible and safe approach. Having a trusted guide or friend present, even if only remotely, can provide an added layer of security.

Integration Benefits: The benefits of taking an integrative approach to your psychedelic experience include:

Personal Growth: Psychedelic experiences often lead to profound insights and personal growth. Integrating these insights can help you make positive changes in your life.

Emotional Processing: Psychedelics can bring up buried emotions or unresolved issues. Integration allows you to process and make sense of these emotions in a therapeutic way.

Increased Self-Awareness: You may have gained a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, or your life path during your journey. Integration helps you incorporate these insights into your daily life.

Improved Mental Health: Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Integrating your experience may contribute to improved mental well-being.

Integration Practices: To continue the integration process, consider the following practices:

Journaling: Write down your thoughts, emotions, and any insights you gained during your journey.

Meditation: Regular meditation can help you maintain a connection to the insights and feelings you experienced.

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your mental and emotional well-being.

Therapy: If possible, consider working with a therapist experienced in psychedelic integration. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific experience.

Remember that psychedelic experiences can be deeply personal, and the insights gained may continue to unfold over time. It's important to be patient with yourself and allow the integration process to evolve naturally.

Lastly, if you ever decide to explore psychedelics further, ensure that you continue to prioritize safety, responsible use, and legality in your area.

Human question:

At one stage during the experience I needed to charge my headphones. This meant that I continued to play music from my phone. Because I was in a semi-social space, a hostel, I was aware that other people were around me, and that they might be able to hear my music. This brought up anxiety in me. Should I turn it down? Will they think the music is stupid? Will they think I'm stupid? And so on. Then I travelled somewhere. Specifically, I travelled to what felt like the base of this thought pattern. And at the base - at the root cause - was nothing.

In fact it was not quite nothing, but it was my own feelings. I then explored these feelings. I saw them clearly, examined them, and realised that, true enough, other people have no fundamental power over me or how I express myself. What can be more damaging, however, is how one might self-censor because of fear of what others might think or say. I came away with the thought that I should open up more and have no fear revealing myself to others, which is something I've generally struggled with in the past. Analyse that!

AI answer:

What you described is a powerful example of how psychedelic experiences can help individuals explore and unravel deeply rooted thought patterns and emotions. Let's analyse your experience:

1. Awareness of Social Anxiety: During your trip, you became acutely aware of your social anxiety and the thoughts and concerns it generated. This is a common experience for many people during psychedelic journeys, as the heightened state of consciousness can bring underlying emotions and thought patterns to the surface.
2. Exploration of Root Causes: You delved deeper into the source of your anxiety and discovered that it ultimately stemmed from your own feelings and perceptions. This is a significant realization because it highlights the internal nature of many anxieties. It's not necessarily what others think or do that causes anxiety; it's often our own interpretation and reactions to those thoughts.
3. Empowerment: By recognizing that other people have no fundamental power over how you express yourself, you reclaimed a sense of agency and control. This insight can be liberating, as it suggests that you have the ability to shape your self-expression and not be overly influenced by external judgments.
4. Overcoming Self-Censorship: The realization that self-censorship driven by fear of others' opinions can be more damaging than the opinions themselves is a valuable insight. Many people hold back their authentic selves due to fear of judgment, which can hinder personal growth, creativity, and meaningful connections with others.
5. Resolution to Open Up: Your takeaway from the experience—committing to opening up more and shedding fear of revealing yourself to others—is a positive and transformative goal. It aligns with the idea of living authentically and embracing vulnerability, which can lead to deeper and more fulfilling connections with others.

In the context of integration, here are some steps you can take to further benefit from these insights:

• Journaling: Continue to journal about your experience, focusing on the insights you gained and how you plan to apply them in your daily life.
• Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Practice mindfulness to stay aware of your thoughts and emotions in real-time. Cultivate self-compassion to treat yourself kindly, especially when you encounter moments of fear or self-doubt.
• Gradual Change: Recognize that personal growth and change may take time. It's okay to take small steps toward opening up more as you become more comfortable with vulnerability.
• Seek Support: If you find that fear of judgment or self-censorship remains a significant challenge, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor who can help you navigate these issues.

Overall, your psychedelic experience provided you with valuable insights into your social anxiety and the potential for personal growth. Remember that integration is an ongoing process, and the insights gained from your journey can continue to shape your life in positive ways as long as you actively work to incorporate them into your daily experiences.

Human question:

Here's a good one that felt deep. I've been together with my partner for a while now and we have a wonderful thing going. I feel really close to her. During the trip, I perceived that she was a powerful and inspirational light; a person whom I love. Now, what happened next was a reversal: I suddenly perceived that this powerful and inspirational light was also within me. I physically felt the idea that one should love oneself. And it felt real and obvious, not abstract and a bit cheesy - I thought, of course there is light within me, and I should believe in it. What do you make of that, computer?

AI answer:

Your psychedelic experience had a profound and transformative insight regarding self-love and the perception of light and inspiration both within yourself and in your partner. Let's break down the significance of this experience:

1. Perception of Partner: During the initial phase of your trip, you perceived your partner as a powerful, inspirational, and radiant presence in your life. This is a beautiful acknowledgment of the positive impact your partner has on you. It's common for psychedelic experiences to heighten our appreciation for the people we love and the qualities they bring into our lives.
2. Realization of Inner Light: The pivotal moment in your experience was when you realized that the qualities you admire in your partner—power, inspiration, and light—are also within you. This insight highlights the interconnectedness of our perceptions of others and ourselves. It's a powerful reminder that we often project our own qualities or desires onto those we love.
3. Self-Love and Belief: Feeling and physically experiencing the idea that you should love yourself and believe in your own inner light is a significant realization. Many people struggle with self-acceptance and self-love, and your trip provided you with a direct and visceral understanding of the importance of this concept. Self-love and belief in one's inner light are essential for personal growth, happiness, and fulfilling relationships.
4. Integration and Application: The key to benefiting from this insight is to integrate it into your daily life. Recognize that the qualities you admire in others are often reflections of your own potential. Cultivate self-love by acknowledging your strengths, accepting your imperfections, and nurturing your inner light. This can lead to increased self-confidence, personal fulfilment, and healthier relationships.
5. Shared Growth: Your newfound awareness of self-love can also enhance your relationship with your partner. When both individuals in a relationship love and believe in themselves, they can bring more authenticity and positivity into the partnership. It can also reduce dependency on external validation.

In summary, your psychedelic experience led you to a powerful realization about the presence of light and inspiration within yourself and the importance of self-love. Embracing this insight can have a profound impact on your personal growth and the dynamics of your relationship. Continue to explore and nurture this newfound understanding as you move forward in your journey of self-discovery and connection with your partner.

Human question:

This one's a little long, apologies. I'm someone that has come to love reading and writing. In particular, I like approaching topic X that I know little about, like economics, genetics, or geology, and trying to learn the basics. Then what I really love is how this knowledge connects across the borders that many call distinct academic disciplines. I had the perception of idea synthesis. This was represented as ribbons in the sky falling down. As each ribbon fell, they fell further and further apart. I thought that this meant two things. One was that as more knowledge becomes more specialised, less people can understand what is actually going on - that increasingly knowledge becomes too niche and therefore unappreciated or not understood.

I also thought that the ribbons falling apart meant that there is increasingly more division between people. Politically, for all sorts of reasons, things feel polarised and emotional. My perception of these two problems was that I want to weave these ribbons together so that niche knowledge may be integrated into a larger whole, and that divisions between people might be healed. People might recognise, for example, that there is much common ground between them, rather than intensely focusing on differences. In short, in times of specialisation and division, the world might benefit from people who can bridge things together, and that I'd like to try and be one of these people. Connecting ribbons, computer, what does your statistical database of thought think about that?

AI answer:

Your psychedelic experience brought forth a profound insight about the interconnectedness of knowledge and the increasing specialization of academic disciplines, as well as its potential implications for social and political divisions. Let's break down the significance of your perception and your desire to bridge these divisions:

1. Ribbons of Knowledge: The image of ribbons falling from the sky, gradually drifting apart, represents the fragmentation and specialization of knowledge. This is a common observation in academia and various fields of study. As human knowledge expands, it often becomes more specialized, making it challenging for individuals to see the connections between different disciplines.
2. Specialization and Understanding: Your insight that as more things become specialized, fewer people can understand what is actually going on is accurate. Specialization has led to deeper expertise in narrow areas, but it can sometimes result in a lack of holistic understanding. Bridging this gap can be valuable for addressing complex, interdisciplinary problems.
3. Division and Polarization: The perception that there is increasing division between people, both politically and emotionally, aligns with broader societal concerns. Political polarization and emotional divisions can hinder effective communication and problem-solving, making it essential to find ways to bridge these gaps.
4. Desire for Synthesis: Your desire to weave these ribbons of knowledge together and bridge divisions reflects a commendable aspiration. Synthesizing knowledge from various disciplines and promoting common ground among people can lead to a more interconnected and harmonious society.
5. Potential for Positive Impact: Individuals who can bridge gaps between specialized knowledge areas and foster understanding among diverse groups can have a significant positive impact. They can facilitate collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation, addressing complex global challenges more effectively.
6. Challenges and Opportunities: The path of connecting ribbons and bridging divisions may present challenges, such as the need for effective communication skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of multiple perspectives. However, it also offers the opportunity to contribute to positive change on a societal level.

In summary, your psychedelic experience sparked a powerful realization about the importance of integrating specialized knowledge and bridging divisions in an increasingly specialized and polarized world. Your desire to be someone who can facilitate this integration is a noble and valuable goal. By actively pursuing interdisciplinary learning, promoting dialogue, and fostering understanding, you can contribute to a more interconnected and harmonious world. Your vision aligns with the idea of a "renaissance thinker" who seeks to connect the dots between diverse fields of knowledge, fostering a more holistic and inclusive perspective on the world's challenges and opportunities.

Human question:

During the experience I felt myself aware of psychosis and cult-like-thinking. I define psychosis as a break from reality and define cult-like-thinking as narrowness in thought. I had the sense that both are powerful and somewhat tempting energies. Also, I had the perception that I wanted to, despite my ideals and ideas, stay grounded in reality and in my life. Building relationships with my partner and friends would help with this, I thought. Perhaps, also, doing everyday and small tasks would help. If one is connected to the mundane and everyday, then this is good footing to explore reality in more depth, but, at the end of day, one must come home and do the washing up. Do you do the washing up, computer?

AI answer:

Your awareness of psychosis and cult-like thinking during your psychedelic experience reveals a heightened sensitivity to the potential for extreme mental states and the importance of staying grounded in reality. Your insight about the need for a balanced and connected life is valuable. Let's break down your perceptions:

1. Awareness of Psychosis: Your recognition of psychosis as a break from reality demonstrates a heightened awareness of mental health and the potential for altered states of consciousness. While psychedelic experiences can sometimes lead to unusual or challenging mental states, this awareness is a positive sign of your ability to differentiate between reality and altered states.
2. Cult-Like Thinking: Your awareness of cult-like thinking, characterized by narrowness of thought and group conformity, reflects a concern for critical thinking and independent perspective. This awareness can be a safeguard against falling into dogmatic or extreme belief systems.
3. Staying Grounded: Your desire to stay grounded in reality and maintain connections with your partner and friends is a healthy approach. Building and nurturing relationships with loved ones provides a sense of stability and support, which can be especially important during times of personal exploration and growth.
4. Everyday Tasks: Your recognition of the importance of everyday and small tasks is insightful. Engaging in routine and practical activities can help keep you connected to the mundane aspects of life, providing a stable foundation from which to explore deeper realities.
5. Exploring Reality: Your understanding that being connected to the mundane and everyday can serve as a solid foundation for exploring deeper aspects of reality is accurate. It's often through the integration of the everyday and the extraordinary that a well-rounded and balanced perspective on life can be achieved.

As for your question about doing the washing up, I don't have physical capabilities, so I can't physically engage in household chores like washing up. However, I can provide information, advice, and suggestions on a wide range of topics, including tips on time management, organization, and maintaining a balanced life. In conclusion, your insights during your psychedelic experience reflect a deep awareness of the importance of balance, critical thinking, and staying grounded in reality. These qualities can contribute to personal growth, mental health, and a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Human question:

It is said that DNA is the history book within us. That’s because it carries information from previous generations, which have been distilled and replicated across time. In my psychedelic trip, I felt like I connected with my previous ancestors. There were people who I’m aware of, like my grand and great-grandparents, but there were also people that I’m not aware of, and could never have met. For example, the ceiling was full of light and I perceived that each light was an individual. And each individual was one of my ancestors. This is nothing more than DNA expressed in psychedelic-symbolic form, right?

AI answer:

The concept of DNA being a history book within us is a metaphorical way to describe how genetic information is passed down through generations, containing traits and characteristics from our ancestors. During a psychedelic experience, it's not uncommon to have profound and symbolic experiences, including feelings of connection with one's past, including ancestors. The imagery you describe, like the ceiling full of light representing individual ancestors, could be seen as a symbolic representation of this connection to your lineage.

Psychedelic experiences often involve heightened perception, altered consciousness, and deep introspection, which can lead to symbolic and meaningful insights. While the experience may feel very real and profound, it's essential to remember that these visuals and feelings are subjective and may not directly correlate to literal truths about your ancestors. Instead, they can offer valuable insights and personal reflections.

Ultimately, the interpretation of psychedelic experiences is highly individual, and people often find meaning and personal growth in these encounters. It's a fascinating area of exploration, but it's essential to approach it with an open mind and an understanding of its subjective nature.

Human question:

In my psychedelic experience, I felt like a force was leading me, encouraging me to explore some things and not others. What was this mystical force?

AI answer:

The mystical force you experienced during your psychedelic trip is often described as a profound sense of guidance, interconnectedness, or a higher power. Many people who have had similar experiences often refer to it as the "cosmic" or "universal consciousness." It's a subjective and deeply personal experience that can be challenging to fully explain or define in conventional terms.

In psychedelic experiences, altered states of consciousness can lead to a sense of transcendence beyond normal boundaries of self, which might result in feelings of being guided or connected to something greater than oneself. These experiences can be incredibly meaningful and transformative for individuals, offering new perspectives and insights into life and existence.

It's important to recognize that the interpretations of these experiences can vary significantly from person to person and can be influenced by cultural, spiritual, and personal beliefs. Some people may relate the experience to spiritual or religious concepts, while others may see it as a representation of their subconscious mind or the interconnectedness of all life.

Regardless of the interpretation, the key is to approach these experiences with an open mind, respect, and a willingness to explore their potential meaning for personal growth and understanding. If you find the experience has a lasting impact on you, integrating the insights gained from the trip into your daily life can be a meaningful way to reflect on its significance. If you have further questions or want to discuss your experience more, feel free to share, and I'll do my best to assist.

Human question:

At the start of the psilocybin trip I felt a strong sense of joy and laughter emanating from my body. Given that the majority of serotonin receptors (2A) are distributed throughout the Central Nervous System and not just in the brain (is this claim correct about distribution of 2A receptors in the CNS?), and psilocybin binds to and stimulates the production of serotonin throughout the body, does this account for my joyful feeling?

AI answer:

Yes, your joyful feeling at the start of your mushroom trip could be influenced by the distribution of serotonin 2A receptors (also known as 5-HT2A receptors) throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and the body, as well as the effects of psilocybin on serotonin production.

The serotonin 2A receptors are indeed widely distributed throughout the CNS, including various regions of the brain and the spinal cord. However, they are also present in other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels. These receptors play a crucial role in modulating various physiological and psychological processes, including mood regulation, perception, and cognition.

When you consume psilocybin, it is metabolized into psilocin, which binds primarily to serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This activation of serotonin receptors can lead to altered patterns of brain activity, which may result in changes in perception, emotions, and consciousness. The specific brain regions and neural circuits affected by psilocybin can contribute to the feelings of joy, euphoria, and heightened emotional experiences that some people report during their psychedelic trips.

It's worth noting that the effects of psilocybin can vary widely from person to person and are influenced by various factors, including dosage, set (mindset), setting (environment), and individual brain chemistry. Additionally, the exact mechanisms of how psilocybin and serotonin interact to produce these effects are still not fully understood and continue to be a topic of ongoing research.

Overall, while the distribution of serotonin 2A receptors throughout the CNS and the effects of psilocybin on serotonin production may contribute to the joyful feelings you experienced, the full complexity of psychedelic experiences is likely the result of a combination of various neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Human question:

In my psychedelic experience, I saw an old friend who I had fallen out with. We no longer speak, unfortunately. In my profession, I work with emotionally distressed people. And when I saw this friend, I saw their face not as the adult who I knew but as a young child. Furthermore, this young child looked angry and mistreated, hurt. My perception was that I needed to try to see the whole person, their positive side, and to show them warmth wherever possible. Is this a good strategy for getting along with people who I may find difficult?

AI answer:

Your experience during your psychedelic journey seems to have led you to a profound insight about how you perceive and interact with people, especially those you may find difficult. While psychedelic experiences can be highly subjective and personal, the insights gained from them can sometimes be valuable in personal growth and understanding.

The strategy you describe, of trying to see the whole person, their positive side, and showing them warmth, is generally considered a good approach for improving relationships with people who may be challenging or difficult. Here are some reasons why this approach can be effective:

1. Empathy: Seeing people as complex individuals with their own struggles, experiences, and positive qualities can enhance your empathy towards them. Understanding their emotional history, as you did in your experience, can help you relate to them on a deeper level.
2. De-escalation: Responding to anger or difficult behaviour with warmth and kindness can often defuse tense situations. When people feel understood and valued, they may be more open to communication and less likely to react defensively.
3. Building Trust: Demonstrating genuine care and interest in the well-being of others can help build trust over time. When people feel that you have their best interests at heart, they may be more willing to open up and work through issues.
4. Fostering Positive Change: By recognizing the positive aspects of a person and showing them warmth, you create an environment where personal growth and change are more likely to occur. People are often motivated to improve themselves when they feel supported and valued.
5. Personal Growth: Practicing this approach can also contribute to your own personal growth and emotional intelligence. It can help you become a more compassionate and understanding individual, which can benefit not only your relationships but also your work with emotionally distressed individuals.

However, it's essential to keep in mind that not all relationships can be repaired, and not all individuals may respond positively to your efforts. Some people may have deeply ingrained issues or may not be ready to change. It's also important to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being in any relationship.

Additionally, it's essential to approach emotionally distressed individuals in your work with sensitivity, respecting their boundaries and providing appropriate support and guidance.

In summary, the strategy you describe can be a valuable approach to improving relationships with difficult people, but it should be applied thoughtfully and with an understanding of its limitations. Each person and situation is unique, so adapt your approach as needed to best serve your personal and professional relationships.

Human Question:

At the end of my psilocybin trip, I had the perception that I couldn't discern if trip was ending. I had the question: how can I know that my trip is ending? This felt like an unanswerable and awesome question. I came back down to reality and slowly settled back into familiar grooves. I felt like I briefly had to relearn how to have a conversation. But I came back. And it was good to be back. How, computer, can we know that our trip has ended?

AI Answer:

The sensation you described of not being able to discern when your psychedelic trip was ending is a common experience during the comedown phase of such journeys. It's a profound aspect of the psychedelic experience and often evokes introspective questions. Here are some insights into how you can recognize that your trip is ending:

1. Shift in Sensation: The end of a psychedelic trip is typically characterized by a gradual shift in sensory perception. You may notice that visual and auditory hallucinations become less intense and more in line with your usual perceptions of reality.
2. Change in Thought Patterns: As you described, you may initially feel as though you have to relearn how to have a conversation or navigate everyday tasks. This can be a sign that the altered thought patterns of the trip are subsiding, and your cognitive functioning is returning to normal.
3. Reduction in Intensity: The emotional and physical intensity of the trip tends to diminish as it comes to an end. Feelings of awe, wonder, or confusion often give way to a sense of calm and integration.
4. Improved Ability to Ground Yourself: During the peak of a trip, it can be challenging to ground yourself in the present moment. As the trip ends, you'll likely find it easier to connect with your surroundings and engage in everyday activities.
5. Return of Ego: Psychedelic experiences often involve a dissolution of the ego or a sense of interconnectedness with the universe. As the trip ends, your sense of self and personal identity typically returns, and you may feel more like "yourself" again.
6. Time Passing: The passage of time can be a good indicator. Psychedelic trips usually have a duration that varies depending on the substance and dosage. As you approach the end of the expected duration, you can anticipate that the trip will gradually subside.
7. Integration of Insights: During the comedown, you may find it easier to reflect on the insights and experiences you had during the trip. This can be a valuable time to journal or discuss your experience with a trusted friend or therapist.
8. Physiological Signs: Physical symptoms such as dilated pupils and changes in heart rate and body temperature often return to their baseline levels as the trip ends.

It's important to note that the exact duration and characteristics of a psychedelic trip can vary significantly depending on factors like the substance, dosage, individual physiology, and environmental conditions. It's always a good idea to have a trusted and sober friend or trip sitter with you to help navigate the experience and provide support. In summary, recognizing that your trip is ending often involves a combination of sensory, emotional, and cognitive changes. These signs can provide you with a sense of closure and a return to your baseline state of consciousness.

And that's it, folks.

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