I currently work as a counsellor with adults where I offer counselling support and psychedelic integration therapy. Having originally worked as a Cognitive Scientist with an interest in mental health and non-ordinary states of consciousness, I decided to train as a humanistic counsellor following my own psychedelic experiences which initially I undertook to help address issues related to Bipolar disorder. Whilst these experiences were expansive and transformative, some were emotionally challenging. To stay grounded in the present I used breathing exercises and meditation. I also found it very helpful to talk through my experiences with a counsellor as part of my integration work. Over time the combination of psychedelic experience and psychological support helped me heal layers of past trauma held in my mind and body. As part of this process I also re-evaluated a number of things across physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, and social dimensions of my life. Whilst the gains I experienced in my mental health have been sustained, psychedelics are not a magic bullet, and I need to continue working to maintain the benefits. I also recognise that psychedelics are not for everyone.
Overall the most important lessons I learned from my experiences have been the value of letting-go, being open and accepting of my own and others experience, and to listen to myself and others in a non-judgemental and compassionate way. By embodying these qualities as a counsellor my hope is that I can now help you to overcome your own struggles, whatever issues you face in life. I believe if I can succeed and learn to lead a happier life, you can too.
This is my journey; it would be a privilege to help you with yours. Please click the link below to see what services I can offer you.
Namaste,
John Anderson
BSc (Hons) Neuroscience
PhD Psychology
Diploma in Counselling
Counselling & Therapy:
Working with Gestalt Techniques
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
The biology of violence and risk assessment in the mentally disordered
Psychedelics
Supporting people through challenging psychedelic experiences
Preparation and integration of psychedelic experiences
Fundamentals of Psychedelics: how to work safely, ethically and skilfully in the new paradigm
Associate member of Institute of Psychedelic Therapy
Member of the Scottish Psychedelic Research Group