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A recent study by Dr. Jarrett Rose, Assistant Professor of Community and Behavioral Health and Sociology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, sheds new light on the role of group dynamics in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). The study, titled “From Isolation to Social (and Psychedelic) Integration: A Sociology of Collective Effervescence and Therapeutic Community in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,” was published in the Sociology of Health & Illness journal, presenting a fresh perspective on how communal experiences during psychedelic therapy can contribute to healing.
Dr. Rose’s research applies Emile Durkheim’s theory of collective effervescence—the phenomenon where individuals come together to experience a shared sense of excitement or emotional intensity—to group-based psychedelic therapy. Through ethnographic research, including interviews with participants of a weeklong psychedelic retreat in Jamaica, Dr. Rose explores how social interactions within a therapeutic group setting can enhance the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
The study addresses a critical gap in modern psychedelic research, which has often focused on individual, rather than group-based, therapy. Dr. Rose’s findings emphasize how group processes like trust-building, emotional bonding, and shared vulnerability can deepen the therapeutic experience. Participants reported that these dynamics helped them forge strong social connections, making it easier to confront and heal from personal traumas.
In particular, many participants noted that the sense of community within the group provided a safe space to openly share fears, struggles, and emotional baggage. These experiences of collective support helped amplify the healing effects of the psychedelic substances and contributed to long-term psychological recovery.
“Group interactions create an environment where participants feel supported and understood, which can significantly boost the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy,” Dr. Rose explained. “This work emphasizes the importance of social integration in the healing process, both in clinical settings and in more natural, retreat-style environments.”
This research not only highlights the potential of group-based psychedelic therapy to improve mental health outcomes but also bridges the fields of sociology and psychedelic science, providing a framework for further research into collective healing practices. Dr. Rose’s work opens the door for further exploration into how social environments can shape and enhance the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
For more details, refer to the study: Jarrett Robert Rose, From Isolation to Social (and Psychedelic) Integration: A Sociology of Collective Effervescence and Therapeutic Community in Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy, Sociology of Health & Illness (2024). DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13872
Disclaimer: The research discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. Psychedelic-assisted therapy should be conducted under the guidance of licensed professionals in a controlled environment. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering alternative therapies.
