On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research

Introduction

Noorani proposes that metaphysics should be explicitly incorporated into the integrative phase of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and into psychedelic research. The paper argues that many therapeutically salient psychedelic experiences are metaphysical in character and that providing patients with an optional, intelligible schema for understanding metaphysical options could strengthen integration and potentially extend clinical benefits. To support this, the author introduces a practical toolset: a Metaphysics Matrix that maps broad ontological positions and a Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire (MMQ) intended both as an integration aid and as a quantitative instrument for trials. The introduction situates the proposal in historical and conceptual context, distinguishing metaphysics from mysticism and from empirical science. Noorani frames metaphysics as a long-standing branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and suggests that many psychedelic experiences are intelligible as experiences of established metaphysical systems. The core conjecture is that Metaphysics Integration—an optional, additional strand within the standard preparatory, dosing, and integration phases of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—will help participants make lasting sense of metaphysical experiences and thereby improve long-term outcomes. The MMQ is presented as a complementary tool for research measurement and for providing concise definitions of the metaphysical positions used throughout the paper.