Family Matters & Psychedelics: Bi-directional Impact and Directions for Systems-Informed Care
Adele Lafrance, PhD (Psychologist & Research Scientist)
Thursday 26 March, 2026 8PM CET (7PM GMT, 3PM ET, 12PM PT)
Online via Zoom
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Psychedelic-assisted therapy can catalyse significant psychological and emotional change, often extending beyond the individual client into intimate relationships and family systems. These shifts may support growth and connection, but they can also destabilise existing relational patterns. For clinicians, this raises important considerations around assessment, preparation, and risk management when psychedelic work intersects with close relationships.
Without adequate attention, changes initiated through psychedelic therapy may contribute to relational distress, role confusion, or the reinforcement of maladaptive dynamics within couples or family systems. Conversely, engaging supportive others in a clinically appropriate way during preparation, treatment, or integration can strengthen therapeutic outcomes, reduce relational strain, and support longer-term stability. Determining when and how to involve others requires careful ethical judgment and a systems-informed clinical lens.
In this session, psychologist and researcher Adele Lafrance presents a structured, systems-informed approach to psychedelic-assisted care. Drawing on Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), systems theory, and emerging research, the session examines the neurobiological, psychological, and ethical considerations of other-involvement. Participants will be introduced to practical, evidence-informed interventions and clinical examples that support relational safety, mitigate unintended harm, and optimise outcomes across the broader system.
Your Key Insights and Takeaways
- Understanding bi-directional change processes within couples and family systems
- Ethical considerations in systems-informed psychedelic care
- Awareness systems-based interventions in preparation and integration
- Reducing relational distress during change processes
Designed for Professionals Like You
This session is designed for:
- Therapists and clinicians providing or preparing to provide psychedelic-assisted support
- Practitioners working with clients whose treatment impacts partners, families, or caregivers
- Clinicians interested in integrating systems theory and family-based approaches into psychedelic care
- Professionals seeking clinically grounded tools to support relational safety and continuity of care
