How to be a good trip sitter: practical guide for non-using support persons
289 replies · Harm Reduction
A close friend wants me to be present while they take psilocybin for the first time. I haven't done it myself and I'm not sure exactly what my role should be. What do I need to know to be actually helpful rather than accidentally making things worse?
Core principle: your job is presence, not intervention. You are not guiding the experience. You are not making sure they have insights. You are making sure they feel safe. Most of what happens will not require you to do anything except be calmly there.
What to say during difficulty: 'You're safe.' 'I'm right here.' 'This will pass.' Not: 'What are you seeing?' 'Are you okay?' (repeated questions create anxiety). Not: 'Just relax' (unhelpful directive). Not: stories about your own experiences or insights. Your job is anchor and witness, not co-pilot.
Practical: have water available. Have a blanket. Know where the nearest emergency services are (and know that you are very unlikely to need them). Be sober. Don't have your phone out unless they ask you something. Plan for 6-8 hours of being present. That's the commitment.
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