The difference between intentions and expectations in psilocybin therapy

How setting intentions and letting go of expectations can help you trip better.

Image by Sergei Tokmakov from Pixabay

What does it mean to set an intention before psilocybin therapy?

Before my clients have a facilitated psilocybin experience, I guide them in considering their intentions. In the context of psychedelic therapy, I like how in their podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison describe an intention as “loosely held hope”. An intention is not a goal or a predetermined outcome, but the wish for an internal shift that can help you live a more fulfilling life that’s aligned with your core values.

When setting an intention or intentions, it helps to ask yourself the following questions:

• What’s going on in my life right now that’s troublesome or robbing me of peace of mind?
• What’s an issue that I’ve been struggling with?
• In what ways or in which areas of my life do I feel stuck or blocked?
• What about myself or how I react to life would I like to improve on?
• How would I like to think, feel or behave rather than how I am currently thinking, feeling or behaving?