A resource for psychedelic-assisted, transitional threshold care and grief support

The Psychedelic Support Informed Consent and Preparation Guide contains an informed consent document and additional information notes for participants, death doulas, loved ones, and the deathcare ecosystem considering psychedelic-assisted therapy as part of palliative and threshold care or deep grief support.

This guide provides clear information to help participants gauge the scope, feel safe, informed, and empowered throughout the process from before, during, and after a psychedelic experience.

Why This Guide Matters

Facing death or profound loss may bring existential anxiety or fear, and emotional pain.  While there is no instantaneous cure, psychedelics are able to enhance the quality of the experience, empower presence, and promote peace.  This 4-page document helps build a supportive framework where individuals have the potential to:

• Reduce fear and existential distress

• Explore meaning, connection, and acceptance

• Prepare emotionally and practically for a psychedelic session

• Feel supported by trained professionals and loved ones

What Is On The Inside

Clear Expectations
Understand what a psychedelic-assisted session may involve, including emotional, sensory, and psychological experiences.

Thoughtful Preparation Guidance
Step-by-step support to help participants gain a wide perspective to:

• Clarify intentions and concerns

• Review health considerations

• Establish grounding practices

• Create a safe and comforting environment

Safety and Ethical Support
Learn how trained professionals provide continuous care, ensuring emotional and physical well-being throughout the experience.

Rights and Informed Consent
We aim to empower participants and the wider deathcare ecosystem with:

• Full transparency

• The ability to withdraw at any time before the experience

• Respect for personal beliefs and interpretations

• Confidential, judgment-free care

Integration Support
Elements of guidance for post-session reflection and meaning-making through:

• Conversations and inquiry about the experience

• Art and journaling to support neuroplasticity

• Gentle movement to increase release through somatics

• Time in nature to enhance the after effects of connection

Loved Ones Inclusion
These are tools to help loved ones:

• Understand the psychedelic-assisted process

• Offer meaningful support surrounding the process

• Participate in integration if consent has been given

Potential Benefits

Clinical and experiential insights suggest psychedelic-assisted therapy may help:

• Ease anxiety, depression, and fear around death

• Foster feelings of peace, connection, and unity

• Support emotional healing, forgiveness, and closure

• Restore meaning and purpose, even in difficult circumstances

• Encourage acceptance and presence in the final stages of life

Designed for High Level Tenderness Care

This informed consent document and set of preparation notes will be helpful for:

• Death doulas, death mid-wives, deathwalkers, and death care providers

• Clinical facilitators

• Hospice and palliative care providers

• Individuals, loved ones, and families navigating terminal illness or grief

What You Will Receive

• 4-page digital PDF ready for download and print

• Use: client education, informed consent, session preparation notes

• An accessible, trauma-informed document 

• Application for clinical, therapeutic, or personal use

A More Conscious Approach to Dying

This resource supports the gentle shift that is occurring from fear-based approaches to death toward one rooted in acceptance, connection, and meaning.  Help yourself and your clients move through transitions with a clear passage supported by integrity and tenderness.

Important Disclaimer

This resource is intended for educational and professional development purposes only.  It does not provide medical or legal advice.  Practitioners are to always follow local laws, professional guidelines, and medical consultation when appropriate.

Created by Jennifer M Brown of Under the Root

Presence-based death doula goods and support services for individuals and loved ones navigating death, dying, grief, and transitional thresholds.