Starting a New Adventure
In my work and life, I've been searching for something special to add to what I know about psychology, coaching, and sex education. I'm always excited to try new ways of doing things.
It's important to think outside the box when helping people with their mental health. Because not everything works for everyone, and I like to try new methods on myself first. I was interested in trying micro-dosing of psilocybin, commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms”.
Psilocybin…what?!
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance found in certain mushrooms. Known for its ability to alter perceptions, emotions, and thoughts, it can induce profound changes when ingested. Currently, psilocybin is being explored for its therapeutic potential in various mental health contexts.
I quickly saw positive changes like feeling more awake, thinking deeply about myself, and understanding my likes and dislikes better. This helped me be more clear and confident in my relationships.
I wanted to learn more about how these substances could help, especially because there isn't much research on how they affect our sexual feelings. But I'm eager to learn and share what I find, based on my own experiences and those of the women+ and couples I help.
Understanding Psilocybin
Psilocybin works by affecting serotonin, a brain chemical that plays a big role in our mood, anxiety, and how we experience and express our sexuality. It can help us think more deeply about ourselves and feel more connected to our sexual desires and pleasures.
By asking ourselves what we really enjoy and how we want to express our sexuality, we start to understand ourselves better. This understanding is key to enjoying our sexual lives more.
How Psilocybin Can Help with Sexual Health
A common problem I see in my practice is when women+ feel less interested in sex. This can happen for many reasons like stress, changes in life, or health issues. It's normal for sexual desire to change, but it can be frustrating when we expect it to stay the same. In long-term relationships, women+ might feel this change more strongly. There's also pressure from society and partners that can make things harder. In serious cases, this can lead to avoiding sex altogether.
I've found that combining different techniques with psilocybin can help reduce negative thoughts and help people feel more connected to their bodies and sexuality.
Psilocybin can also help with vaginismus, which is when the muscles around the vagina tighten up without meaning to. This can make sex painful or impossible and affect other areas of life too. Psilocybin might help with the emotional and psychological parts of vaginismus by reducing fear, anxiety, or the impact of past traumas. This openness can be really helpful when combined with therapy, physical therapy for the pelvic area, and sex education.
Releasing Sexual Blocks and Trauma
Sexual blocks and traumas aren't just in our minds; they're held in our bodies, affecting how we feel and react. Healing begins by confronting these challenging feelings, such as sadness and anger, which often surface with microdosing psilocybin. These emotions signal the start of healing, allowing us to release past wounds and reclaim our sexual energy and vitality.
Embracing these difficult moments is crucial for developing a deeper and more authentic connection to our sexuality. It demonstrates our resilience and supports the healing of our entire being.
The First Scientific Study to Explore the Effects of Psychedelics on Sexual Functioning
I had the privilege of attending the recent Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelics Research by the Open Foundation in Haarlem, the Netherlands, where researchers from the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London presented a groundbreaking study. Tommaso Barba, a PhD, the first author of the study, presented the findings at the conference, revealing that psychedelic substances, like magic mushrooms, can improve sexual function for months after the psychedelic experience. Participants reported significant improvements in various aspects of sexual function up to six months after the experience, including enjoyment of sex, arousal, satisfaction, attraction to their partner, physical appearance, communication, and connection.
These findings suggest potential applications in therapeutic settings, such as couples therapy, and in treating depression to avoid drug-induced sexual dysfunction, one of the most significant side effects of current antidepressants.
While these studies are preliminary and require further research, they provide an indication of the potential psychedelics have in enhancing sexual well-being.
Needing Safe Guidance
It's very important to have someone guide you safely through using psilocybin, especially because it's not suitable for everyone. It's not recommended for people with certain health issues or who are going through tough times, like grieving.
Come With Me on This Healing Path
If you're interested in seeing how psilocybin can improve your journey to sexual wellness, I'm here to help and support you. We can explore the positive effects of psychedelics together, in a safe and encouraging way.
With love,
Mariana Barrios
NOTE: The use of psilocybin should be approached with caution and responsibility. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before considering its use, especially in therapeutic contexts. Psilocybin remains a controlled substance in many regions, and its legal status varies. This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse or encourage illegal activities. Always prioritize safety and informed decision-making.
Mariana Barrios Morales, is a psychologist, sexologist, sex coach, couple’s therapist, and coach integration microdosing from Latin America, Venezuela. She is living in the Netherlands.
As a passionate and dedicated sexologist, I focus on promoting positive sexual health and well-being. With a deep understanding of human sexuality, I offer personalized consultations, education, and guidance to individuals and couples. My commitment is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth.
Book a session with Mariana at marianatusexologa.com
Credit photography: Sandra Herrero photography
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