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Imagine this: You’re sitting in your office, waiting for your next client, Karl. You’ve been meeting regularly to explore his lingering dissatisfaction with his current employment situation, working in middle management for a supply chain firm.
Karl bursts into the room, face lit up with excitement, words spilling from his mouth before he even sits down: “You’ll never believe what happened to me! I know exactly what I’m supposed to do. I’m done with working as a manager. I’m going to start an organic apple orchard – I’ve already wasted too much time”
Karl then proceeds to tell you about his harrowing yet illuminating journey into the depths of his own mind, during which his true nature and unique life path were revealed to him.
And this revelation came to him while reclining on his couch one evening over the weekend … after eating psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms.
Wait … psychedelic what?!
What are psychedelics, anyway?
Psychedelics are a category of substances that induce profound alterations in consciousness and perception. They include well-known examples such as LSD and psilocybin (found in Karl’s “magic mushrooms”), as well as others used in traditional spiritual and healing ceremonies, such as the peyote cactus and the plant-based Amazonian tea ayahuasca. Additionally, there are hundreds of synthetic psychedelic compounds and a wide variety of naturally occurring plants and fungi with psychedelic properties.
These substances have a complex history in Western society, with many having much deeper cultural and spiritual roots in Indigenous traditions around the world, where they are considered medicines. The countercultural movements of the 1960s, cast psychedelics, like LSD, in a negative cultural light for decades – a perception that arguably contributed to their widespread prohibition and stigma.
In the past two decades, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, marked by a growing body of research into their therapeutic, cultural and spiritual applications – often referred to as the Psychedelic Renaissance. In fact, research has shown that folks who have had experiences with psychedelics often rank them as peak life experiences, among the top 10 most-significant experiences of their lives.
Today, their use spans diverse Western contexts: healing practices at wellness retreats, spiritual exploration within new religious movements, and even creativity and productivity enhancement among Silicon Valley professionals. Notably, several influential figures, from philosopher Aldous Huxley to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, have credited psychedelics with inspiring personal growth, creativity and insight.
Legality, decriminalization and harm reduction
It’s important to clearly state what this article is not. It does not provide permission to use psychedelics, nor does it serve as a guide for using them in career counselling. It also does not outline methods for helping clients integrate psychedelic experiences, though they might find this valuable.
The use of many psychedelic substances continues to be illegal in most countries, though some Indigenous groups have been granted exemptions on the grounds that their practices hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, even in Canada.
In recent years, however, there has been a growing movement toward decriminalization and regulated therapeutic use, particularly in the United States but also in Canada. These changes reflect shifting public attitudes, a growing body of scientific research supporting potential therapeutic benefits, and a desire to move away from punitive drug policies toward approaches centred on public health and personal autonomy.
History shows that making something illegal rarely prevents those interested from engaging in it. The use of psychedelics is no different. Therefore, another vital consideration for counsellors is adopting a harm-reduction approach when working with clients who disclose psychedelic use, whether for spiritual, creative or recreational purposes.
Meeting clients where they’re at
So, if we’re not guiding clients on psychedelic use, how does this relate to career conversations? It’s still about assisting clients in answering questions about their careers – but recognizing that those questions could arise from introspection during a psychedelic experience.
Meeting clients where they’re at is essential, particularly in a manner that is non-judgmental and honours the significance of their experience. However, we also need to help them take a sober, reflective look at their insights and the implications these may hold for their careers and lives. This would certainly be an important approach for Karl.
No matter how enthusiastic they may feel, it is best that clients sit with a significant insight for a week or two before acting. Passing fancies tend to fade, while genuine insight retains its luster long after the initial novelty has passed.
“Meeting clients where they’re at is essential, particularly in a manner that is non-judgmental and honours the significance of their experience.”
Psychedelics are powerful catalysts for change, partly because they act as what Czech psychiatrist Stanislav Grof called “non-specific amplifiers.” In other words, they magnify and intensify thoughts, emotions or experiences that are already present. So, if Karl has been struggling to find meaning in his work, a psychedelic experience may well lead him to a powerful revelation related to that struggle.
In addition, psychedelics are known to influence a person’s values and worldviews. Research suggests that such experiences can help individuals reconnect with their core values, or even shift them, often in ways that foster pro-environmental and pro-social attitudes. Much of this transformation is thought to stem from the profound sense of ego dissolution or connectedness that psychedelics can induce, offering glimpses of new perspectives on self, others and reality. This can have significant implications for one’s career.
A recent study found that the most significant impacts of psychedelics on work and career include increased creativity and innovation, and the ability to produce personal transformation, including career transitions. In particular, the findings suggest that psychedelic experiences can catalyze career realignment by dissolving ego-driven ambitions and “reorienting motivation toward value-based, purpose-driven work.” So, Karl may have found his calling but assisting him to take a slow and thoughtful approach to making big career changes is still prudent.
An opportunity for openness
Karl’s experience illustrates a growing reality for many clients: psychedelic experiences, whether sought intentionally or stumbled upon, can shape how people think about work, experience their values and make meaning. For career counsellors, the opportunity lies in approaching these experiences with genuine openness, but also awareness, helping clients integrate insights responsibly while keeping both feet on the ground.
