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For over 20 years I have been witness to the profound impacts of psychedelic experiences on my clients. One of the most remarkable themes that consistently emerges in these sessions is the deep sense of awe that psychedelics can evoke and their ability to foster self-compassion and reduce judgment, both toward oneself and others. Drawing on my clinical experiences and the research of Dacher Keltner in, “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” and “The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness”, I’d like to explore in this article how these experiences can reshape our inner and outer worlds.
Psychedelics offer a unique form of psychological work As they have been used by indigenous people for thousands of years. One aspect that makes psychedelics most unusual is that they amplify consciousness while making the personality passive. When the personality becomes more passive and the consciousness more active the person then experiences an ability to observe themselves in a new way. We could also say that a very natural unfolding of mindfulness happens where the person begins to be able to observe themselves in a non-critical way, without judging or condemning what they’re observing; yet understanding themselves through the lens of their consciousness.
There is often an experience that happens through the use of psychedelics that is only seen if a person continues using psychedelics over time and that is, noticing the effect that they have on the consciousness. One can begin to recognize that the consciousness has a different kind of intelligence then thinking. When using Psychedelics or medicine, one can begin to notice their own defense mechanisms in a very different way. And one also can begin to experience a feeling of interdependency or how we are connected to all things and how all living things need each other at some level. It is because of this expansive experience of consciousness and this realization of how we are connected to things that we begin to remember the experience of awe. Awe is an experience that most of us have a lot when we are children. But many of us as we become adults become, we could say, sick with the experience of life and we can forget how to experience awe.
Awe is a complex and profound emotion, often experienced when we encounter something vast and beyond our ordinary understanding. As Keltner notes in Awe, this feeling has the power to alter our perspective, making us feel smaller yet more connected to something greater. Psychedelic experiences often catalyze this profound sense of awe, bringing people into contact with ineffable truths, breathtaking visions, or a newfound understanding of the interconnectedness of life.
For one client, Sam, a 42-year-old scientist, a guided psilocybin session brought him to tears as he described seeing the intricate beauty of a forest floor as if for the first time. “I realized how everything, the moss, the roots, the soil, is interdependent. It felt so profound,” he shared. This moment of awe was transformative, shifting Sam’s perspective from feeling isolated in his career-driven life to understanding himself as part of a larger, interconnected system.
Keltner’s research suggests that awe can decrease self-focus and promote prosocial behaviors, such as generosity and kindness. This is extremely important because having meaning in our lives brings a sense of peace. In our modern world most people are trying to unconsciously derive meaning through materialism. Sam’s newfound appreciation for connection extended beyond nature to his relationships, as he began to prioritize family and community over individual achievements and materialism.
One of the most striking therapeutic benefits of psychedelics is their ability to foster self-compassion. Self hatred and shame can be a very difficult subconscious habit that can feel natural to us. In my practice, I’ve seen clients confront their inner critic during these experiences, emerging with a gentler and more understanding view of themselves.
In The Compassionate Instinct, Keltner discusses the human capacity for compassion as an evolutionary trait. Psychedelics appear to amplify this innate ability by quieting the default mode network—the brain’s hub for self-referential thoughts—and creating space for more open and accepting self-reflection.
Take Jenna, for instance, a 36-year-old artist who struggled with debilitating self-doubt. During an Mushroom-assisted therapy session, Jenna revisited painful childhood memories of being criticized for her creativity. Instead of reliving the pain with judgment, she described feeling an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance for her younger self. “It was like I could see myself as a child and tell her, ‘You’re enough, just as you are,’” Jenna recounted. This newfound compassion allowed her to reframe her narrative, replacing self-criticism with self-kindness.
Psychedelic experiences don’t just change how we view ourselves; they can also transform how we perceive others. Clients often report a sense of unity and understanding that dissolves feelings of anger or resentment. As Keltner’s research emphasizes, awe and compassion are deeply intertwined, and the awe inspired by psychedelics often leads to greater empathy and reduced judgment toward others.
Consider Mark and Lisa, a couple who sought therapy to address years of resentment and communication breakdowns. In a guided psychedelic session, both experienced what they described as “seeing each other’s souls.” Mark, who often felt Lisa was overly critical, saw her childhood wounds and the fears driving her behavior. Lisa, in turn, saw Mark’s deep longing for validation and safety. “It was like all the walls came down,” Lisa shared. “We saw each other with such clarity and tenderness.”
After the session, their work in therapy became profoundly collaborative. They were able to address conflicts with a newfound compassion, focusing on shared understanding rather than blame. Psychedelics, in this case, acted as a catalyst for breaking through entrenched patterns of judgment and resentment.
Even without psychedelic experiences, there are ways to integrate the principles of awe and self-compassion into daily life:
While awe and compassion can be cultivated through mindfulness and intentional living, psychedelic therapy offers a unique pathway for those feeling stuck in entrenched patterns. Psychedelics create a state of heightened neuroplasticity, allowing individuals to break free from rigid mental frameworks and explore new ways of being. When combined with therapy, these experiences can lead to profound and lasting change.
If you find yourself struggling to overcome patterns of self-criticism, judgment, or disconnection, consider exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy with a trained professional. These sessions provide a safe and structured environment for tapping into the transformative power of awe and compassion. As Keltner’s research underscores, these emotions are not just fleeting states but foundational elements of a meaningful and connected life. Some of the therapists at Seattle trauma counseling have a lot of experience in also helping people with psychedelic integration.
https://seattletraumacounseling.com/mental-health/psychedelic-integration
References
Keltner, D. (2023). Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Penguin Press.
Keltner, D., Marsh, J., & Smith, J. A. (Eds.). (2010). The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness. W. W. Norton & Company.
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