Trauma, Transpersonal &
Psychedelic Integration Therapy
Psychedelic Integration Therapy
“Know Thyself”—inscribed over the entrance to the Temple of Delphi—
is the fundamental wisdom of the ages, in all cultures.
Hello, I’m Jim Carson, PhD
Welcome! “Know Thyself” is the fundamental wisdom of the ages. Development of greater self-knowledge is the necessary foundation for any psychotherapy to be helpful. My overall approach emphasizes mindfulness and other practices to develop our capacities for presence, love, joy, inner peace and wellbeing. At present I am not accepting new clients, but if you are interested in knowing more about my services, please read the descriptions below, then send me an email at knowthyselfcollaborative@gmail.com. I have a very unique background and toolbox of interventions that can help people re-discover their inner depths and strengths to better cope with the many stressors that are affecting our lives.
I am licensed to practice teletherapy in most states, and specialize in four types of services — trauma therapy, transpersonal psychotherapy, psychedelic integration, and professional consulting — as briefly described below:
Trauma Therapy
When we experience something terrifying, tragic, or overwhelming, our minds and bodies are flooded with intense emotions. Our fight-flight-freeze responses kick in to protect us at the moment. However, this reaction often comes with lasting distressing effects, causing anxiety, depression, rage, and difficulties with concentration and memory. It can seem we have lost control. However, people are fundamentally resilient. Trauma-focused psychotherapy can be invaluable for discovering how to draw on the natural healing powers that reside deep within us all. A compassionate approach to therapy can help you feel safe and supported as you work through disturbing or painful memories. Therapy gives you the chance to express yourself without shame or judgment as you begin to find your balance again, despite whatever happened. Over time, trauma can be transformed and healed, helping you gain a sense of emotional closure and restoring a sense of security, hope, and joy.
Transpersonal Psychotherapy
This approach is rooted in the reality that who we are as human beings boils down to much more than just our physical bodies and our rational minds. In actuality we are linked to everyone and everything around us. Transpersonal psychotherapy assists us in realizing our fundamental connectedness, joy, wisdom, and vitality. While not associated with any particular form of religion, nor necessarily any faith-based beliefs at all, this therapy draws upon the wisdom practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Sufism, and indigenous shamanic traditions. People who follow traditional Christian, Judaic, or Muslim practices may also find this approach valuable, including for deepening their faith. Evidence-based psychological modalities—such as mindfulness training, cognitive-behavioral strategies, strengths-based therapy, and Jungian therapy—are also employed. In this context, our struggles and suffering are not ignored, but rather are included as challenging yet very meaningful pathways that can teach us how to live more fully and skillfully. In this way, healing troubling emotions, painful trauma, negative self-judgments, and difficult relationships can be approached as an essential part of your life’s journey of growth and self-transformation.
Psychedelic Integration
Over the last several years, very promising results have emerged from rigorous clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. At present, however, the only psychedelics legally approved for use outside of clinical trials are ketamine, and in Oregon, psilocybin. In May 2022, I completed a year-long training to become a Certified Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Provider. Psychedelic Integration is a unique service I provide to clients who seek a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to unpack a psychedelic experience and its potential for personal transformation. Although this does not include administration of psychedelic medicines, if you are receiving ketamine therapy, I can provide the integration treatment recommended for ketamine to be maximally beneficial.
Professional Consulting
Consultations typically last 1-3 sessions and are appropriate for a variety of reasons, such as providing input and collaboration on a research or educational project, or seeking advice on helping a loved one or friend with a mental health challenge.
Want to contact me?
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave.” ~ Thoreau