Alessia Chiappino, MA, PgDip
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Consultant & Psychotherapist
London ENG
There is a lot of misinformation online about what psychedelics and sacred plant medicine are, and the recurring narrative that one or few sessions with these substances will transform your life with no added work needed is simply false and potentially dangerous - this is not how it works. Entheogens are powerful tools to be used therapeutically in a safe environment with clear intentions, they can help reduce our defences and allow what's in our unconscious to emerge more freely. In my view, the work starts after those experiences have taken place.
Psychedelic harm reduction and integration (PHRI) is a therapeutic approach designed to offer psycho-educational information and to address different types of psychedelic use. PHRI combines harm reduction strategies related to substance use in general, with a specific focus on the significance of "integration" work for psychedelic use. PHRI does not involve the administration of any psychedelic drugs. Instead, it involves the guidance and support that I will provide if you have had or plan to have psychedelic experiences on your own, outside of therapy. For instance, if you are exploring the use of psilocybin, you may seek the assistance of an integration specialist to help you prepare for your experiences and reduce risks while increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes. As a PHRI therapist I do not refer clients to illicit therapists, engage in the procurement of psychedelic substances, or conduct therapy while individuals are under the influence of psychedelics.
I offer Psychedelic Harm Reduction, Integration and ongoing support via Zoom. Psychedelic Harm Reduction consultations are about safety and substances and how to prepare for an experience to maximise safety and benefits. During the consultation you will have the chance to ask any questions you might have and to clarify your intentions, as well as to receive an in depth psychological assessment and evaluate whether this might be right path for you.
I am an Italian-British relational psychotherapist, group facilitator, and visual artist in advanced ongoing clinical training, currently enrolled in the two-year post-graduate Depth Relational Process of The Institute of Psychedelic Therapy (UK).
I have trained with institutions in Italy, USA, UK, and Canada. After a career in Fine Arts, Digital Media, and the music industry, I trained in Transactional Analysis and Relational Psychotherapy. Further, I have trained in Somatic Attachment Therapy, Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration, Mindfulness and Trauma Treatment. Drawing from over two decades of experience in these fields, my method is integrative and eclectic, meaning that I combine a variety of approaches, so that I can tailor a treatment plan most suited to each individual.
I belong to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK Association For Transactional Analysis (UKATA), the European Association For TA (EATA) and the Institute of Psychedelic Therapy (IPT). I am bound by their ethical codes of practice and attend regular clinical supervision to support my work, peer groups, seminars, and workshops in order to strengthen my skills and keep up with current thinking.
I am also a member of Modern Spirit, a non-profit organisation in Arizona dedicated to spiritual healing in modern healthcare, scientific research in epigenetics, and the study of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Through its Reciprocity Project, Modern Spirit offers Native Americans the opportunity to receive KAP treatment for issues such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Having worked for several years both in individual and group settings with people belonging to minority groups, with religious and intergenerational trauma, I take an anti-discriminatory stance and am committed to learning about the impact of discrimination in all forms, and examining my own biases and assumptions in the process.
Master's Degree in Fine Arts University of the Arts London (UAL) | Central Saint Martins
PgDip Psychotherapeutic Counsellor TA East London & United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis
PgCert in PHRI - Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Psychotherapy NUMINUS, Canada
PgCert Integrative Psychedelic Therapies Modern Spirit USA
PgCert in Somatic Attachment Therapy The Embody Lab, USA
PgDip Integrative & Humanistic Psychotherapy The Link Centre
Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Psychotherapy
Couples Counselling
Group Integration
Psychedelic Harm Reduction & Integration
Initial consultation for psychological assessment , or a one-off Psychedelic Harm Reduction or Integration consultation (approx. one hour): £150
If self referred, follow up sessions are £100 for 50-minute sessions (offered weekly, forth-nightly, monthly or ad-hoc)