Timmy Davis - 'Undreamt-of possibilities': the drugs work, but how?

The history of psychedelic therapeutics is evaluated through four distinct conceptual models that have defined how these substances are understood and administered. These models include the exorcist method, which historically focused on spiritual possession, the psychodynamic model that relies on transference to reveal unconscious states, the psychopharmacological model that views the drug effect as a strictly biological process, and radical psychotherapy where therapists actively participate in the psychedelic session to facilitate experiential learning. The development of these modalities reflects a broader negotiation between seekers and providers regarding the nature of mental distress and its treatment. By tracing these models, it becomes clear that modern psychiatry's reliance on standardized, quick-fix interventions may inadvertently narrow the therapeutic potential of these substances. A shift toward decolonizing these practices and acknowledging the importance of set, setting, and support is proposed to better honor individual autonomy and reduce the pathologizing nature of the current biomedical framework.