Megan Allyn, MA, LCPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Durango CO
My intention is to offer support to those who have independently sought out plant medicines for personal growth. In order for psychedelic experiences to reach their utmost emotional/spiritual/psychological benefit, it is essential to have the experienced and informed support of a licensed therapist. These medicines are often the catalyst for immense change, but as with any immense change, maintaining momentum and commitment to those changes is imperative for long term positive outcomes. This is why I strongly recommend more time and energy are spent on integration after a profound psychedelic experience.
Common themes in psychedelic preparation include exploring intentions and expectations, establishing an open and curious mindset to optimize therapeutic potential, orienting to the session environment, choosing effective grounding strategies to use as needed during your journey, discussion of safety and consent, education around plant medicines and the typical arc of psychedelic experiences, addressing any specific fears or concerns, how to move through possibly challenging moments during the psychedelic experience, use of guided imagery the week prior to administration to practice incorporating your fear and welcoming it, and how to create and honor ceremony.
Common themes in psychedelic integration include deepening sense of Self, translation of spiritual/mystical messaging into daily practices, organization around previously chaotic traumatic memories, shifting out of painful perspectives through meaning making, embodiment and ongoing somatic integration, how to maintain momentum on your path towards real change, and utilization of breath work, meditation, journaling, and other personal rituals to connect back to the wisdom of your journey.
I received my graduate degree and training in therapy from Western Carolina University while living in Asheville, North Carolina. I have experience in various therapeutic settings, including wilderness therapy, adventure therapy, school counseling and within community mental health clinics. I am trained in both EMDR and Play Therapy, and often use an ecotherapy approach in outdoor therapy sessions, allowing for nature to be an integral part of the healing process. I have completed over 300 hours of adventure therapy facilitation through the use of therapeutic rock climbing, with the intention of receiving my CCAT (Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist) certification within the year. I am also working towards my Psychedelic Assisted Therapy certification at Naropa University and plan to open a Healing Center for Psilocybin Assisted Therapy in 2025 in Durango, CO. I currently offer individual therapy for those in search of support during a challenging chapter in their life journey, as well as preparation and integration sessions for planned journeys with plant medicines, with a focus on harm reduction.