Back to competency map

Clinical competency

Preparation support

Cluster covering 11 related competencies including: Preparation support, Psilocybin preparation, Therapeutic preparation.

Mixed evidenceModern clinical

Looking for something specific? Ask Blossom

Guidelines

16

Courses

6

Providers

5

Protocols

7

Classification

Source quality

Course pageLab manualProtocol paperSOP / guidebookTrial supplement

Also known as

Client preparation planningHallucinogen-assisted therapy preparationPreparation and expectation-settingPreparation and orientation to treatmentPreparation and rapport buildingPreparation and set-setting facilitationPreparation for psilocybin sessionsPreparation-phase therapeutic supportPreparation-session planningPreparation-stage guidancePreparation, session support, and integration guidancePreparatory psychoeducationPrepare participants for LSD sessionsProvide preparation for challenging experiencesPsilocybin preparationPsilocybin-assisted therapy preparationPsychedelic preparation facilitationPsychological preparation and psychoeducationPsychotherapeutic preparationTherapeutic preparationTreatment preparation and alliance building

Across the manuals

The manuals converge on preparation as a structured pre dosing process that builds rapport, clarifies expectations, and supports safety. Across psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ibogaine, and 5-MeO-DMT materials, preparation commonly includes psychoeducation about likely effects, discussion of possible difficult or dysphoric experiences, intention setting, and practical orientation to the session or treatment setting. Several sources also link preparation with therapeutic alliance, readiness, and reduced anxiety. Sources differ mainly in emphasis and format. Some manuals specify multiple preparatory sessions, rehearsal of dosing day procedures, or a final clinic based preparation visit, while others focus more on rapport, screening, and orientation before initiation. A few extracts add distinctive elements, such as bringing meaningful personal items, reviewing grounding techniques, discussing post session unfolding over days or weeks, or supporting preparatory activities like music, art, meditation, stretching, diet, or clothing guidance. The LSD and ibogaine materials place more weight on introducing the facility, staff, rules, and environment, while the MDMA and psilocybin manuals more often stress emotional vulnerability, trauma processing, and challenging internal experiences.

In practice

What it looks like on the ground

  • Explains expected effects, risks, and session procedures before dosing
  • Builds rapport by discussing the participant’s history, values, hopes, and concerns
  • Helps the participant set intentions and prepare grounding or coping strategies
  • Rehearses or orients the participant to the dosing day environment and logistics

Synthesised from the linked source documents; refreshed as the library updates.

Linked sources

The guidelines, courses, and providers that evidence this competency. Full lists are a Blossom Pro feature.

Linked guidelines (16)

Unlock every linked source

See all linked guidelines, courses, and providers behind this competency, plus the full competency graph.