Psilocybin assisted therapy for existential distress in cancer patients By Jeff Guss, MD

This course examines psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress in cancer patients. It explains how the study was shaped by the concept of existential distress, including how participants were selected, how preparation was structured, and how integration was approached after the dosing session. The content also reviews the broader history of psychedelics in culture, including their long-standing use in indigenous and religious contexts. It presents existential distress as a response to cancer diagnosis marked by fear, sadness, loss of meaning, and questioning of life’s purpose. The course describes the therapist’s role as supportive and minimally directive during the session, with emphasis on helping participants remain with their inner experience. It also addresses post-session integration and the relevance of transpersonal psychology in spiritual and existential work.