Safety Net

The therapists will provide a ninety minute follow-up session the day after each MDMA session. There are several aspects of the integrative follow-up session meant to assist the participant in feeling safe after an MDMA session. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Knowing that he/she has access to the therapists at any time through their may reduce any anxiogenic thoughts the participant may have about his/her experience.
  2. Knowing that he/she is scheduled for psychotherapy less than 24 hours after the MDMA session for an opportunity to debrief and understand the intensity of his/her experience.
  3. Knowing that the therapists may have had an opportunity to work with or speak with members of the participant's support system.
  4. Knowing that the therapists may have had the opportunity to dialogue with participant's primary therapist if he or she is in therapy.
  5. Knowing that the weekly follow-up sessions are an opportunity to connect with the therapists and process any experience they may have of a heightened state of vulnerability.
In addition, participants in the current study will receive daily contact with the therapists by telephone for a week after each MDMA session. In the Safety Net stage of treatment the participant is reminded that he/she has the commitment of the therapists to provide support throughout the study. The therapists review the procedure by which they can be contacted at any time should the participant or his/her designated support network need to talk with them about any difficulties or concerns. The protocol for other emergencies is also reviewed at this time.