Review: 'Psychedelic Healing' by Neal Goldsmith

Originally published in 2011 ‘Psychedelic Healing – The Promise of Entheogens for Psychotherapy and Spiritual Development’ comes at an important time in the reinvigorated psychedelic research field. Written by Dr. Neal M. Goldsmith, the book explores some of psychedelic therapy’s history, while at the same time introducing and outlining the fundamentals of Goldsmith’s own approach.

In many respects John Halpern wraps up what feels like the central theme of the book when he wrote in his foreword that it is a “consultation from a specialist.” The specialist, Dr. Neal Goldsmith, goes to great lengths to underline his credentials and his gentle guidance through the mechanics of his psychotherapeutic method can, in one’s active reflection of the text, feel like a consultation. Autobiographical detail is, as always, an essential component in works on psychedelics; it has seemingly become the benchmark for the acceptance of writers on the topic, even in the scientifically-minded works. Goldsmith’s experience as a tripper, psychotherapist and policy researcher underlines his credentials.