This survey study (n=60) explores the potential of ayahuasca in grief therapy by comparing those who had taken ayahuasca (n=30) with those in peer-support groups (n=30) and found that people using ayahuasca showed a lower level of grief, indicating advantages in some psychological and interpersonal parameters.
Abstract
“The death of a loved one is ultimately a universal experience. However, conventional interventions employed for people suffering with uncomplicated grief have gathered little empirical support. The present study aimed to explore the potential effects of ayahuasca on grief. We compared 30 people who had taken ayahuasca with 30 people who had attended peer-support groups, measuring level of grief and experiential avoidance. We also examined themes in participant responses to an open-ended question regarding their experiences with ayahuasca. The ayahuasca group presented a lower level of grief in the Present Feelings Scale of Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, showing benefits in some psychological and interpersonal dimensions. Qualitative responses described experiences of emotional release, biographical memories, and experiences of contact with the deceased. Additionally, some benefits were identified regarding the ayahuasca experiences. These results provide preliminary data about the potential of ayahuasca as a therapeutic tool in treatments for grief.”
Authors: Débora González, María Carvalho & Jordi Cantillo
Summary of Potential Use of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy
Grief associated with the death of a loved one is nearly universal, and can last for months. People find the uncontrollable emotionality of acute grief disconcerting or even shameful or frightening.
There are many interventions available to providers to target grief, including pharmacotherapy, counseling, peer-support groups, and psychotherapy interventions. However, little empirical support exists for the effectiveness of universal interventions employed with the majority of people who suffer from uncomplicated grief.
Peters, Cunningham, Murphy, and Jackson (2016) reviewed harmful and beneficial interventions reported by family members affected by the suicide of a loved one. Peer-support groups were among the higher rated interventions because they allow sharing memories of their loved ones with others.
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Potential Use of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy
https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0030222817710879
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