After a time - around an hour and a quarter, give or take - the drug will be wearing off. At some point you will likely sit up or take off the eye mask. Or I may talk to you, to help bring you out.

You may need to use the bathroom, and we will walk you there - you will likely be unsteady on your feet.

There is a period of time after the journey when you’re pretty much back but still in an altered state. During that time we will review your trip, and I will listen to anything you say. I will try to write it down, with a copy given to you before you leave.

There can be some profound nuggets that come up, or some small thing that is the key to what you’re working on. And some of it is just fun.

After 30-60 minutes you will be ready to leave. Your driver will pick you up and I will go over instructions.

You will still be affected for several hours. It is critical that you don’t drive, use power tools, make financial or other important decisions for the rest of the day. Your physical function will be altered, and your judgment will be affected by the drug.

The evening after the journey, and preferably for the next few days, treat yourself with kindness. Like preparing for the journey, do things that nurture you. Avoid alcohol and cannabis, eat lightly and avoid junk food, and get good sleep. Minimize screen time. Take as much time to yourself as you need, or be with ones who love you. Remember the vase analogy? The vase is still soft and malleable at this stage.

This is a period of time when you can make some changes stick. It is vital to have a consolidation session, usually a counseling session, within a few days of the journey. Preferably this will be with your therapist, but if not, I can arrange to do a session with you.

One phenomenon to be aware of is that sometimes there is an intense revelation or memory that occurs in the first couple of days after the journey. This is normal. But if it occurs and is disturbing or disorienting you are best to contact your therapist, or me. It is important to sit with the experience and not try to block it out: this is an important element in healing when it happens.

I encourage moderate exercise, exposure to nature, and self-care during this time. Treat yourself like your best friend.