NATURE'S ANSWER
Through the doors of perception
Although used for millennia, the incorporation of psychedelics into mental health treatment is only now being embraced by medical authorities around the world as an effective remedy, particularly for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
Clinically referred to as Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) is a rapidly growing specialist treatment offered by trained mental health professionals using psychoactive compounds, normally psilocybin or MDMA. PAP is a mind-altering experience that often results in a greater sense of connection to the world, a deeper self-understanding, and insight into the root causes of underlying issues.
Institutions, including Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, have published some of the field’s most rigorous data, and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration became the first regulator in the world to formally approve prescribing of both MDMA and psilocybin, in 2023.
Changing Your Mind. How It Works
Our Clinical Director, Dr Jeremy Alford, is a qualified PAP practitioner.
Prior to any treatment there is a period of deep clinical discovery. Dr Alford will conduct a series of assessments to completely understand you, your history, your life circumstances and any medical or psychiatric issues and discuss with you the optimum course of treatment.
During the discovery phase Dr Alford will discuss with you your intentions, expectations, and emotional readiness. He will also talk to you about the setting for treatment: the physical, social, and therapeutic environment in which the experience takes place.
Careful attention to both is essential for promoting psychological safety, therapeutic benefit, and meaningful integration.
Sessions take place within a carefully prepared, safe, and private therapeutic environment designed to promote psychological safety, comfort, and emotional openness.
Depending on the individual’s needs and the bespoke nature of the program, the therapeutic setting may incorporate thoughtfully selected natural surroundings when clinically appropriate and consistent with safety and privacy.
Acting as your guide and companion your psychotherapist will gently talk to you about what you are experiencing, thinking and feeling.
After the session you and your psychotherapist will integrate your experience for a meaningful understanding of everything you felt, learned and thought.
Is PAP right for you?
If you’ve tried everything else for your anxiety, depression, PTSD or other mental health issue, PAP may provide the answer you are looking for.
We cannot guarantee your eligibility and accept no liability in the rare event of a negative outcome but let’s start the conversation. It could be life changing.
Please contact us for more information on recent developments and the increasing acceptance by global medical authorities of PAP as a viable course of treatment .
Jurisdictional Regulations
We do not offer Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy in our usual locations (Bali, Barbados, Ibiza) due to country specific restrictions.
There are various countries where PAP is legally established. The legal framework varies for each country and not all plant/psychedelic medicines are legal in each.
There are also many underground practices which we do not recommend. Effective PAP can only be conducted by a highly experienced psychologist or psychiatrist  who is trained and qualified in this area.
If you are interested in PAP please contact us to discuss the exact details of your treatment and where this can be legally conducted.
Frequently asked questions
Is psychedelic assisted psychotherapy legal?
It depends on the substance and the country. PAP is legally established in a number of jurisdictions, though the framework and which substances are permitted vary from place to place. Istana only conducts PAP where it can be done legally and safely — get in touch and we’ll talk you through the details.
Why doesn't Istana offer PAP at its usual locations?
Bali, Barbados and Ibiza have country-specific restrictions that don’t allow it. Where PAP can be legally and safely conducted is discussed individually with each client.
What conditions is PAP used for?
The strongest evidence is for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Some clients also use it alongside treatment for severe anxiety or complex grief.
Who delivers PAP sessions at Istana?
Our Clinical Director, Dr Jeremy Alford, is a qualified PAP practitioner. He conducts the initial clinical assessment personally, then works alongside you through preparation, the session itself, and integration.
How is Istana's approach different?
One client, one team. No group sessions, no fixed programme, no underground or unregulated practices — the treatment is built around you, and only where it can be done properly.