The Phenomenology of Psilocybin: Transformative Insights for Research and Clinical Practice

Antonio Metastasio ^1,2* Elisabeth Prevete ³ Andrea Garofalo ⁴ Sofia Venturini ⁴ Nicola De Pisapia ⁴ Ornella Corazza ²

• ¹ Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
• ² University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herefordshire, United Kingdom
• ³ Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Lazio, Italy
• ⁴ University of Trento, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy

Introduction: Considering the increasing evidence supporting psilocybin's efficacy in therapeutic settings, it is essential to deepen our understanding of its subjective meanings and effects to enhance its integration into psychotherapy. Current knowledge is primarily based on psychometric assessments or unstructured personal reports, leaving a gap in the qualitative analysis of subjective psychedelic experiences and the resulting changes. Objective: To describe in a structured, objective, and non-judgmental way (Epoche) the subjective psychedelic experience with psilocybin, and its potential clinical applications. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative approach, integrating Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and the PHD method, was used to analyze self-reported psilocybin experiences. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling, meeting inclusion criteria of being healthy adults who had experienced psilocybin without any other substances. Semi-structured interviews explored dimensions such as emotions, bodily sensations, perception of time and space, relationships, values, and enduring transformation. Data were analyzed using thematic coding. Results Ten interviews were carried out with voluntary participants. All the interviews reported enhanced emotional and interpersonal sensitivity, increased empathy, a deeper connection to others, and a heightened ability to resolve personal issues as well as long-lasting insights into their lives and values. Participants also showed profound changes in behavior, attitudes, and interests, indicative of the potential for psilocybin to catalyze significant personal growth and development.This study highlights the transformative potential of psilocybin experiences and their relevance to psychotherapeutic practices. By employing phenomenological methods, we offer a structured understanding of these states, that in future could be used to provide guidance for their integration into therapy by giving a better insight of the psychedelic experience.