Glossary: Psychedelic Medicine

The ability to notice and interpret internal bodily sensations, including tension, breathing, posture, movement, and visceral sensations.

The gradual unfolding of spiritual development or expanded consciousness that is generally integrated successfully and supports psychological growth.

A crisis in which intense spiritual or transpersonal experiences overwhelm an individual's capacity to cope, leading to significant psychological distress and functional impairment.

A structured clinical evaluation of suicidal thoughts, intent, planning, previous attempts, protective factors, and immediate safety needs.

The formation of new synaptic connections between neurons, contributing to learning, memory, and neural plasticity.

The blending or integration of beliefs, rituals, or practices from different religious or cultural traditions into new forms.

A class of aromatic compounds found in many plants that contribute to fragrance, flavor, and biological activity and may influence therapeutic effects.

The collaborative relationship between clinician and client characterized by trust, mutual respect, shared goals, and agreement on therapeutic tasks. It is one of the strongest predictors of positive treatment outcomes.

The clinician's capacity to remain fully attentive, emotionally regulated, empathic, and intentionally engaged, fostering psychological safety and supporting healing without directing the patient's experience.

The perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds without an external auditory source.

Ethical guidelines governing the use of therapeutic touch, emphasizing clinical necessity, informed consent, cultural sensitivity, competence, and appropriate professional boundaries.

A cumulative body of ecological knowledge, practices, and beliefs developed through long-term observation and interaction with local ecosystems. TEK informs sustainable stewardship of land, water, plants, animals, and human health.

A practitioner recognized within a cultural tradition for providing healing through inherited knowledge, ceremony, herbal medicine, spiritual practices, manual therapies, or other culturally specific methods.

The right of Indigenous peoples to control, protect, preserve, and determine the use, interpretation, and transmission of their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.

An approach to care that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma and emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness while avoiding re-traumatization.