The Reopened Mind

Why I’m Talking About Psychedelics as a Counsellor

As a counsellor, I’m deeply curious about how we heal, grow, and rewire the patterns that shape our lives. While I don’t conduct or facilitate psychedelic-assisted therapy, I follow the research in this area closely because it intersects with what I see in my work every day: the incredible capacity of the human brain to change and adapt when given the right tools and environment.

On a more personal note, I’ll share that I’ve had my own experiences with psychedelics, and they’ve been profoundly eye-opening. These experiences helped me better understand my own mind and how perception can shift in ways that are deeply healing. That said, I’ve always approached these experiences with care and respect—and I’m sharing this topic here not to promote recreational use but to explore the science, possibilities, and risks involved.

My goal is to offer you useful information that balances excitement about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics with an understanding of how they work and how to approach them responsibly. Whether you’re curious about the science or wondering how these substances might fit into the broader conversation about healing, this post is an invitation to learn—and to reflect on how the way we engage with the world shapes us in profound ways.

Reopening the Door to Childlike Wonder

Imagine you’re a kid again—everything feels magical, the world is full of wonder, and you’re soaking up every experience like a sponge. That’s the kind of state researchers believe we can re-enter, temporarily, thanks to psychedelics. These substances, long associated with profound and sometimes mystifying experiences, appear to have a surprising effect on the brain: they reopen critical learning windows, also known as periods of heightened neuroplasticity.

While this phenomenon holds tremendous promise for therapy, it also carries risks when we step into this state without intention or awareness. Let’s dive into the science—and why you should treat your post-trip brain like a 4-year-old’s.

What Are “Learning Windows”?

Critical periods, or learning windows, are times in our lives—typically during childhood—when our brains are uniquely flexible and able to absorb new information rapidly. This neuroplasticity is what allows a toddler to learn language effortlessly or a child to adapt to new environments.

As we grow older, these windows close, and our brains become more efficient but less adaptable. We can still learn, of course, but it takes more effort to rewire long-standing habits, beliefs, or patterns of thinking. Think of it as the difference between carving into wet clay versus chiselling marble.

Psychedelics and Reopened Critical Periods

Here’s where psychedelics come in. Emerging research suggests that substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA temporarily increase neuroplasticity, reopening those learning windows for a short time during and after their use. This may explain why psychedelic-assisted therapies have been described as achieving the work of “ten years of therapy in one session.” By combining this increased neuroplasticity with skilled guidance and a safe, structured environment, people can explore deep-seated traumas, reframe entrenched beliefs, and build new emotional pathways.

It’s like giving your brain a “reset” button and using it intentionally to let go of old patterns and create healthier ones.

Recreational Use: A Double-Edged Sword

But what about recreational use? The same mechanisms that make psychedelics so powerful in therapy don’t shut off just because you’re at a music festival or hanging out with friends. After a trip, your brain may still be in this sponge-like state—open, curious, and deeply impressionable.

The podcast Radiolab explains it this way: after a psychedelic experience, we’re a bit like 4-year-old children, interfacing with the world in an open and uninhibited way. This can be beautiful—making everything feel fresh and magical—but it also makes us vulnerable. Just like you wouldn’t let a 4-year-old wander into a chaotic environment, binge-watch disturbing movies, or listen to hours of toxic social media commentary, you shouldn’t let your post-trip self soak up anything that could leave a lasting negative impression.

Protecting Your Post-Trip Brain

If you’ve used psychedelics recreationally, think of your post-trip self as a tender, impressionable version of you. This means being intentional about the environments, media, and people you engage with in the days that follow.

Here’s how to care for your reopened learning window:

1. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Choose calm, nurturing spaces that promote feelings of safety and positivity. Think nature walks, soothing music, or meaningful conversations with trusted people,
2. Avoid Toxic Inputs: Skip the doomscrolling, scary movies, or time with people who make you feel small or unsafe. If you wouldn’t expose a 4-year-old to it, don’t expose yourself to it.
3. Embrace the Opportunity: Use this time to focus on things that align with your values. Journal, meditate, or dive into creative activities that feel expansive and uplifting.
4. Connect Intentionally: Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. Conversations during this period can have a surprising impact, so lean into relationships that feel meaningful.

Why This Matters

While psychedelics hold incredible therapeutic potential, they aren’t magic pills—and they’re not without risk. Whether used in therapy or recreationally, their ability to reopen your learning window comes with responsibility. What you experience and engage with during this time can shape you in lasting ways, for better or worse.

By treating your post-trip self with the same care you’d offer a curious, open-hearted child, you can protect yourself from harmful influences and make the most of this unique state. You have the chance to rewrite parts of your story—but remember, the pen is in your hand.

Final Thoughts

A reopened mind is a powerful thing. It’s not about chasing magic or quick fixes—it’s about using these moments of openness to move with intention toward what matters most. Growth takes time, but every small step shapes the story you’re writing.

If you’re curious about how psychedelics might play a role in therapy or personal growth, consider seeking out professional guidance. Therapy—psychedelic-assisted or otherwise—is one of the safest and most intentional ways to explore your inner world and make meaningful changes.