While this question is challenging to answer, there are some measurable affects on the brain by psychedelics that indicate an “opening” or expansion of neural networks during psychedelic experiences. Brain imaging studies show that psychedelics can increase connections between parts of your brain that don’t usually communicate, creating fresh patterns of thinking and new perspectives on old problems. They temporarily dial down the part of your brain that keeps you thinking in habitual loops and maintains your sense of ego, which can let you see yourself and your life from completely different angles.

Research has documented real increases in psychological openness, creativity, and mental flexibility after psychedelic experiences. People often report lasting shifts in their worldview, values, and how they see themselves.

That said, these benefits don’t happen automatically just by taking a psychedelic. Without proper preparation, guidance, and time & support to integrate what you learned, the experience might just be confusing or overwhelming. The real mind-opening magic happens when psychedelics are combined with intentional therapeutic work that helps you translate insights into actual lasting changes.

Learn more or book a free info call with ATMA CENA to speak to our team about these experiences and learn what’s possible for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here since different psychedelics show promise for different conditions and work differently for different people. Some psychedelics have strong research backing for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and the existential distress that sometimes comes with terminal illness. Others are leading the pack for PTSD treatment and is closest to getting full regulatory approval. Ketamine, while technically in it’s own category, is already legally available for severe depression.

The truth is, the best option depends on what you’re dealing with, your unique biology, any health conditions you have, and the therapeutic context. Research increasingly suggests that the quality of therapeutic support, your mindset, and your environment matter just as much as which substance you use. Any treatment should happen under professional guidance with proper screening, preparation, and follow-up integration support.

Learn more or book a free info call with ATMA CENA to speak to our team about these offerings.

Psychedelics aren’t safe for everyone, and certain people should definitely avoid them. If you or close family members have experienced psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, psychedelics could trigger or worsen these conditions. People with serious heart problems need to be cautious since some psychedelics can affect heart rate and blood pressure. If you’re taking certain medications, especially MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, or other psychiatric drugs, there could be interactions. Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid psychedelics since we don’t know how they affect development. Other conditions that require careful medical review (also called “contraindications”) include uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, or serious liver or kidney disease. You also shouldn’t use psychedelics if you’re in an acute mental health crisis or don’t have access to proper therapeutic support. This is why proper medical screening before any psychedelic therapy is so important for your safety.

Learn more or book a free info call with ATMA CENA to speak to our team about psychedelic therapy.

Psychedelics fundamentally shake up how your brain normally operates by latching onto serotonin receptors, particularly ones called 5-HT2A receptors. This kicks off a domino effect where the part of your brain that keeps you thinking the same thoughts over and over, called the default mode network, quiets down significantly. At the same time, brain regions that usually work independently start communicating in brand new ways, creating fresh pathways for thoughts and feelings to flow. This surge in brain connectivity seems to make your brain more flexible and adaptable, potentially helping you rewire patterns that aren’t serving you well anymore. Brain imaging studies show psychedelics also change how your emotional processing center and decision-making areas interact. The result is a more fluid, interconnected brain state that might explain why these substances show so much promise for conditions where people feel stuck in negative loops, like depression, addiction, and trauma.

A psychedelic experience is highly personal and can vary quite a bit depending on what substance you take, how much, where you are, and your mindset going in. Generally speaking, colours might seem incredibly vivid, patterns may appear to breathe or shift, and your sense of time often gets wonky. Emotions tend to amplify, sometimes bringing waves of joy and connection, other times surfacing anxiety or fear that needs processing. Many people describe seeing geometric patterns or experiencing their senses mixing together, like hearing colours or seeing sounds. Your thoughts might feel more fluid and creative, with insights about yourself and life feeling profound in the moment. Some people experience what’s called ego dissolution, where your normal sense of being a separate self temporarily fades. The journey typically unfolds over several hours in waves. In therapeutic clinical settings with proper support, even challenging moments can become valuable opportunities for growth and healing.

Psychedelic therapy in Canada exists in a bit of a gray area that’s gradually becoming clearer. Most psychedelics are still controlled substances, but Health Canada has been granting special exemptions for medical and research purposes. If you’re dealing with end-of-life anxiety or haven’t found relief from conventional treatments, you might qualify for psychedelic therapy. Healthcare providers can also apply for permission to work with restricted psychedelics in their practice. Training programs like those at ATMA CENA help healthcare professionals navigate this evolving legal landscape and prepare to offer these treatments properly. While the rules are still developing as more research proves these therapies work, recreational use remains illegal, and any legitimate therapy needs proper medical supervision and Health Canada authorization.

Learn more or book a free info call with ATMA CENA to speak to our team about these offerings.

Psychedelics work mainly by interacting with serotonin receptors in your brain, especially one called 5-HT2A. When this happens, your brain’s usual communication highways get temporarily rewired. Parts of your brain that don’t normally talk to each other suddenly start having conversations, while the area responsible for your inner critic and sense of self quiets down a bit. Brain scans show these substances create new temporary connections between different regions, which is why people often report completely fresh perspectives on old problems. Psychedelics also seem to boost your brain’s natural ability to form new connections and pathways, which scientists call neuroplasticity. Additionally, they calm down the amygdala, your brain’s alarm system, while helping emotional and logical thinking areas work together better. This unique brain state creates special opportunities for learning and emotional healing when you have the right support.

The research on psychedelics and trauma is really encouraging, especially for PTSD. Clinical trials using MDMA-assisted therapy have shown remarkable improvements, with many participants experiencing major reductions in their symptoms. What seems to happen is that psychedelics help quiet down the brain’s fear response while boosting connections between areas that handle emotions and memories. This creates a window where you can revisit painful experiences without being completely overwhelmed by them, making it possible to actually process and heal from what happened. That said, psychedelics aren’t a magic bullet you take once and you’re cured. The real healing happens when they’re part of a complete treatment plan that includes working with trained therapists before, during, and after your psychedelic sessions to help you make sense of and integrate your experiences.

Psychedelic therapy brings together carefully administered psychedelic substances and professional counselling support to help people work through mental health challenges. Think of it as a guided journey where the medicine helps you see your experiences from completely new angles, making it easier to process difficult emotions or break free from stuck patterns of thinking. These substances temporarily change how different parts of your brain communicate with each other, which can lead to breakthrough moments that might take years to reach in traditional talk therapy alone. When done properly with preparation sessions beforehand and integration support afterward, psychedelic therapy has shown real promise for treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. The goal is to create lasting positive changes in how you feel and relate to yourself and the world around you.

Learn more or book a free info call with ATMA CENA to speak to our team about these offerings.

The Calgary clinic operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. For specific appointment availability, please contact the clinic at (403) 278-9020 or email info@atmacena.com.

We recommend reviewing the New Client Information on our website, which provides details on what to expect and considerations for your treatment journey. We understand that pursuing these treatments can feel like a big decision which is why our team is happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach our team of professionals by booking a free information call.

The Edmonton clinic operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. For specific appointment availability, please contact the clinic at (780) 245-2362 or email info@atmacena.com.