Introspection

Introspection can be described as the experience of a state of mind in which a person feels as if they are being encouraged or forced to reflect upon and examine aspects of their life, thoughts, and feelings. [1] [2] [3]

This state is often felt to be extremely effective at facilitating therapeutic self-improvement and positive personal growth on a level that remains largely unparalleled by that of everyday sober living. This is due to the way in which it often results in logical resolutions to the present situation, future possibilities, insecurities, and goals or personal acceptance of insecurities, fears, hopes, struggles, and traumas.

Introspection is unlikely to be an isolated effect component but rather the result of a combination of an appropriate setting in conjunction with other coinciding effects such as analysis enhancement, empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement, and personal bias suppression. It is most commonly induced under the influence of moderate dosages of hallucinogenic compounds, such as psychedelics and dissociatives. However, it can also occur in a less consistent form under the influence of entactogens and meditation.


Relational Embeddedness

Relational embeddedness is defined as a remarkable insight or transformation involving a significant personal relationship. [4] A small sample size of psilocybin therapy patients unanimously addressed crucial aspects of their personal relationship histories without interviewer prompting. These insights are most likely to be about immediate family members or loved ones.

This experienced is marked by radical acceptance and forgiveness for the focused loved one along with a catharsis. Occasionally participants describe loved ones appearing as spirits sent to guide them.


References

  1. What is introspection (PsychologyDictionary) | https://psychologydictionary.org/introspection/
  2. Introspection definition (Merriam Webster Dictionary) | https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspection
  3. Belser, Alexander B.; Agin-Liebes, Gabrielle; Swift, T. Cody; Terrana, Sara; Devenot, Neşe; Friedman, Harris L.; Guss, Jeffrey; Bossis, Anthony; Ross, Stephen (2017). "Patient Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis". Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 57 (4): 354–388. | https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0022167817706884

Tags

cognitive
dissociative
psychedelic
psychological state

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