Written by Sarie Scott

Hey there, wellness seekers! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of cannabis-informed therapy. It’s a fascinating approach that’s gaining traction in the mental health community, and for good reason. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s explore this innovative therapeutic approach together.

What Exactly is Psychedelic-Informed Therapy?

Imagine sitting down with a therapist who not only understands your mental health concerns but also gets the whole cannabis scene—how it helps, how you use it, and even the tricky bits. That’s the essence of cannabis-informed therapy. It’s like having a therapy buddy who’s clued in about cannabis and how it intertwines with your mental wellness journey.

But here’s the kicker: You don’t even need to be a cannabis user to benefit from this kind of therapy. It’s all about leveraging that specialized knowledge to boost your healing process, regardless of your personal stance on cannabis use.

Why Consider a Psychedelic-Informed Counselor?

Having a therapist who understands cannabis can be a real game-changer, especially if cannabis is part of your life in any big or small way. Here’s why:

1. Judgment-Free Zone: These therapists create a safe space where you can openly discuss your cannabis use without fear of stigma or misunderstanding.
2. Holistic Approach: They consider how cannabis fits into your overall wellness strategy, ensuring a comprehensive treatment plan.
3. Informed Guidance: Whether you’re using cannabis for medical reasons, relaxation, or recreation, they can provide insights on how it might interact with your mental health.
4. Personalized Strategies: They can help you develop coping mechanisms and wellness strategies that take your cannabis use into account.
5. Education: If you’re curious about cannabis but haven’t used it, they can provide evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.

Things to Think About When Looking for Cannabis-Informed Therapy

Finding the right therapist is crucial for your mental health journey. Here are some key aspects to consider when seeking cannabis-informed therapy:

1. Your Cannabis Journey: Sharing your story—like when you started using cannabis and why—helps personalize your therapy. Was it a recommendation from a friend? A doctor’s suggestion? Or personal curiosity? Your journey is unique, and understanding it helps tailor the therapy to your needs.
2. Why Cannabis?: Understanding your reasons for using cannabis (or considering it) is crucial. Are you seeking relief from anxiety? Managing chronic pain? Or simply enjoying recreational use? Each motivation can inform different therapeutic approaches.
3. How You Roll: Chatting about your preferred consumption methods—whether it’s edibles, vaping, smoking, or tinctures—lets your therapist understand your habits better. This information can be valuable in addressing any health concerns or optimizing your usage.
4. Cannabis & Your Mood: It’s essential to explore how cannabis plays into your mental health. Does it help lift your spirits when you’re feeling down? Does it sometimes increase anxiety? Being honest about these effects helps your therapist create a more effective treatment plan.
5. Learning More: If you’re curious about different strains, CBD vs. THC, or how cannabis can be integrated into therapy, don’t hesitate to ask. A good cannabis-informed therapist should be able to provide evidence-based information or guide you to reliable resources.
6. Highs and Lows: Talking about any downsides or worries you have about cannabis use is crucial. Whether it’s concerns about dependency, legal issues, or impact on your daily life, addressing these topics ensures your therapy covers all bases.
7. The Bigger Picture: How does cannabis fit into your overall wellness plan? What are your goals for therapy, and how might cannabis use support or hinder those goals? Your therapist can help you navigate these questions and find a balance that works for you.

Not Just for Cannabis Users

It’s important to emphasize that cannabis-informed therapy isn’t exclusively for those who use cannabis. This approach can benefit anyone interested in a therapeutic style that acknowledges and understands the role cannabis can play in healing and wellness. Here’s who might find this approach valuable:

• Individuals considering cannabis for medical reasons but unsure about potential impacts on their mental health
• Family members or partners of cannabis users looking to better understand and support their loved ones
• People who have had negative experiences with cannabis in the past and want to process those experiences
• Anyone curious about the intersection of cannabis and mental health, even if they don’t plan to use it themselves

Cannabis Coaching vs. Cannabis-Informed Therapy: Unraveling the Difference

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, you might come across two related but distinct services: cannabis coaching and cannabis-informed therapy. Let’s break down the differences:

Cannabis Coaching:

• Focus: Primarily on cannabis use itself
• Services: Strain selection, dosage guidance, consumption methods, lifestyle integration
• Scope: Typically doesn’t delve deep into mental health issues
• Goal: Optimize cannabis experience and benefits

Think of cannabis coaching as your go-to for all things cannabis—picking strains, figuring out doses, and understanding how cannabis can fit into a healthy lifestyle. It’s less about digging deep into emotional stuff and more about making your cannabis experience as positive and beneficial as possible.

Cannabis-Informed Therapy:

• Focus: Mental health and overall wellness, with consideration of cannabis use
• Services: Traditional therapy techniques, plus cannabis-specific insights
• Scope: Addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, with cannabis knowledge as a tool
• Goal: Improve mental health and well-being, considering cannabis use as part of the bigger picture

Cannabis-informed therapy, on the other hand, is the best of both worlds. It’s working with a licensed therapist who understands cannabis but is primarily there to support your mental health journey. They offer support, insights, and strategies to manage whatever life throws your way, with the added benefit of cannabis knowledge when relevant.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Cannabis-Informed Therapy Can Help

To better illustrate how cannabis-informed therapy works in practice, let’s look at a few hypothetical scenarios:

1. Sarah’s Anxiety Management: Sarah uses cannabis to manage her anxiety but worries about dependency. Her cannabis-informed therapist helps her develop a balanced approach, incorporating mindfulness techniques and exploring strain options that complement her therapy goals.
2. Mike’s Pain and Depression: Mike, dealing with chronic pain and depression, is considering medical cannabis. His therapist provides information on how cannabis might interact with his current medications and helps him set realistic expectations for symptom management.
3. The Johnson Family’s Communication: The Johnsons seek therapy to improve family communication, particularly around their adult son’s cannabis use. Their therapist helps facilitate understanding and set healthy boundaries without judgment.
4. Alex’s Recreational Use Review: Alex enjoys cannabis recreationally but wants to ensure it’s not impacting their career goals. Their therapist helps them assess their usage patterns and develop strategies for responsible consumption that align with their life objectives.

Ready to Explore More?

Feeling like cannabis-informed therapy or coaching might be your vibe? Awesome! Taking that first step towards better mental health is something to be proud of. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Book a Free Consultation: You can schedule a no-pressure, friendly chat with me, Sarie, to discuss whether coaching or therapy feels right for you. It’s a great way to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.
2. Prepare Some Questions: Before our chat, jot down any questions or concerns you have. This helps ensure we cover everything that’s important to you.
3. Be Open and Honest: The more open you are about your experiences and goals, the better I can tailor our approach to suit your needs.
4. Consider Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve through therapy or coaching. Whether it’s managing anxiety, improving relationships, or simply understanding cannabis better, having clear goals can guide our work together.

Cannabis-informed therapy is all about creating a space that’s insightful, welcoming, and totally focused on you—cannabis user or not. It’s a modern take on therapy that embraces all parts of your lifestyle, helping you navigate toward a happier, healthier you. Let’s discover together how cannabis knowledge can play a role in your healing process, whether you’re enjoying cannabis recreationally, using it medically, or just curious about the possibilities.

Remember, your journey to wellness is unique, and finding the right support is key. Cannabis-informed therapy offers a fresh perspective that might just be the missing piece in your mental health puzzle. So why not take that first step? Your future self might thank you for it!