You have had a psychedelic experience and, weeks later, you still don’t quite know what to do with it. Or you are about to have one and want to have the aftermath planned. In both cases you are looking for the same thing: a place to make sense of what you went through and turn it into something useful. That is integration, and in Barcelona there are several ways to do it with support.
This article explains what options exist in the city, when it makes sense to seek support, how we work at RILOFU and what to look for when choosing. If you are looking for the in-depth explanation, it is in the guide on what psychedelic integration is.
What integrating means, in a few words
Integrating means making sense of an experience and carrying whatever is valuable in it into daily life. It is not just about talking through what happened. It is about answering three questions: what happened, what it means to you and what you are going to do with it.
Without that work, what usually happens is that the experience remains an intense memory that gradually fades. And when it was difficult, that it leaves behind a distress nobody puts a name to.
When it is worth seeking support
A mild experience can be integrated on your own, with time and a bit of method. Seeking support makes more sense when:
- The experience was very intense or stirred up weighty personal issues.
- It was difficult and you keep going over it. We cover this in how to integrate a bad trip.
- Weeks have passed and you don’t know how to ground what you understood.
- You have no one to talk to about it without feeling judged.
- You are preparing for an experience and want to arrive with a clear mind.
If what you are dealing with is intense anxiety, persistent insomnia or a sense of unreality, the first step is a medical assessment. The signs are in when to ask for help.
Integration options in Barcelona
One-to-one support
A one-to-one space, in person or online, to work through your experience calmly and at your own pace. It is the most suitable option when what you went through is very personal or when you need continuity.
Integration circles
Group gatherings where people share and listen without judgment. In Barcelona, the community linked to RILOFU meets through the Meetup group Barcelona Psychedelic Society. If you have never been to one, read integration circles: what they are and what to expect from your first one.
Healthcare professionals
When there is a mental health problem, or symptoms that do not ease after an experience, the right thing is to see a healthcare professional. Support can run in parallel, but it does not replace that care. We explain the difference in emotional support and psychotherapy.
How we work on integration at RILOFU
The process
- A free first consultation, to get to know each other and assess whether this support is a good fit for you.
- We reconstruct the experience in as much detail as you want to give.
- We separate what you went through from the conclusions you drew in the heat of the moment.
- We define small changes and review how they evolve.
- We wrap up when it is no longer needed. The fewer sessions, the better.
The details are in what happens in a support session.
The three dimensions
We organize the work into three dimensions, from the inside out:
- Yourself: the changes in your relationship with yourself, your habits and the way you take care of yourself.
- Your inner circle: what the experience shifts in your relationship with your partner, family, friends and work.
- The world: what you want from the world, what you can offer and what concrete step brings you closer to it.
An integration that stops at the first one usually falls short. We develop them in the complete guide.
The tools
Conversation, writing, work with the body and with attention, contact with nature and, if it fits, music or contemplation. You can start using many of them on your own with these integration exercises.
What we do not do
- We do not sell, supply or provide substances.
- We do not diagnose or treat health problems.
- We do not interpret your experience for you.
- We do not promise results.
How to choose who supports you in Barcelona
The range of services on offer has grown a lot and it is not regulated. Before starting with someone, ask:
- What training and what experience do you have?
- What do you do and what do you not do?
- In which cases would you tell me I need a different kind of help?
- How much does it cost and how long does the process usually last?
Be wary of anyone who promises healing, anyone who includes the substance in the service and anyone who encourages you to depend on their sessions. On the different roles, read trip sitter, facilitator, therapist and companion.
Frequently asked questions
Can I integrate an experience from a long time ago?
Yes. There is no expiration date. Many people come months or years later.
Does it have to have been an experience with psychedelics?
No. We also support intense experiences from meditation, retreats or life moments that have stirred up a lot.
How long does the process last?
It depends on what has been stirred up. Some people need one session and some need several. We talk about timeframes in how long integration lasts.
Do I need to be in Barcelona?
No. Sessions can be in person or online.
The first step
If you want to make sense of an experience or prepare for the next one wisely, start with a conversation. The first consultation is free and comes with no obligation.