Brian Pilecki

My therapy approach centers on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based psychotherapy that emphasizes behavior change and uses a client’s own values to guide treatment. I also incorporate tools from other forms of psychotherapy and Eastern contemplative traditions. As an active researcher, I value keeping up to date with the most recent developments in therapy technologies so that I can bring the best treatment that science has to offer. In working with clients, it is important to me to understand and work within each client’s unique belief system, something that I believe is important to using psychotherapy as an adjunct to psychedelic medicines. At the start of therapy and throughout treatment, time is spent carefully understanding each client’s needs and goals, and then collaborating on ways to help address them. Clients are encouraged to think about what is most meaningful to them in life and are supported in pursuing whatever that is. I work with clients to identify and implement practices, exercises, and out-of-session activities to address their unique needs. Using a compassionate and nonjudgmental stance, I work with clients to help them break out of old habits and rigid thought patterns that are keeping them stuck. I am also passionate about the potential for psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca to be used as tools for personal growth. As someone who is well-informed about and does scientific research on the positive potential of psychedelics, I want to help clients who have used psychedelics integrate any wisdom or insight gained from these experiences into their daily lives. Additionally, I am interested in helping clients cope and make sense of any difficult psychedelic experiences they may have had. While I cannot facilitate access to or provide psychedelic substances due to their illegal nature, I offer a harm reduction approach for individuals who are seeking psychedelic experiences by providing accurate information about risks and benefits and then supporting clients to make informed choices that are right for them. Ultimately, I wish to draw upon all of my training and experience to help clients live a meaningful and vital life.