Wholeness Healing Center

Healing with Psychedelics, A book review

Healing with Psychedelics: A Step-by-Step Handbook to Safe and Sustainable Transformation was published earlier this year, by GV Freeman and I immediately bought a copy to review. This is a new and exciting therapy modality, with minimal concrete information published but much interest. I was excited to read the book, the first written by this author from central Nebraska. While a lengthy read, it is extremely comprehensive.

Fifteen chapters, divided into two parts, make up the book, with some considerations and explanations and preface at the beginning. In Part I, the author presents an Introduction, How and Why, a Map to Guide the Journey, a New Psychedelic Framework, and An Ideal (and Realistic) Healing Journey. Part II is the Psychedelic Safety Wheel, including chapters on Benefits, Risks, Preparation, Substance, Facilitation, Intention, Dosing, Setting, Mindset, Experience, Integration, and Activation. A Conclusion and Acknowledgements bring the book to a close.

The author drew upon his personal experience and his growth and healing, as he moved into the world of psychedelics, how he learned, what he learned, and how he is now educating people with his growth. Freeman shared the movement of psychedelics and their use, different options, and how they work. He shared physical, emotional, mental and spiritual viewpoints, presenting oft-asked questions, perceptions, precautions, as well as education about questions never asked. He discussed psychedelics vs. pharmaceuticals, choosing the correct psychedelics and choosing the correct guide for that type of journey.

In Chapter 4, A New Psychedelic Framework for the Modern era, Freeman wrote, “The problem with today’s oversimplified psychedelic healing is that we’re still using a 1960’s aphorism and applying it to a completely new and unstructured model of usage”. (Freeman, p.60) This book goes a long way to bringing into the present what is possible with psychedelics.

In Part II, the chapters on The Psychedelic Safety Wheel, much time and space was allotted to guiding the reader to trust his intuition, what to look for to ensure safety, as well as educate about benefits vs. risks. The use of charts, graphs, and personal narratives from clients kept the reading interesting, valuable, and leading. In several places, Freeman spent time on preparation suggestions, follow up and processing, as well as suggestions for how to have the most productive experience possible. From building a support team for the process to choosing a guide, understanding the substances, and even preparing for potential discomfort, Freeman gently and thoroughly addressed issues attached to understanding previous to the experience.

Because psychedelics are not yet legalized, more will be asked, especially about the potential, people become interested in this modality and what it has to offer. There is now a very complete “handbook” with much of this information. Freeman did write about psychotherapy and how people come to be interested in psychedelics, as they address their trauma, addictions and abuse, working to grow into a greater sense of consciousness.

I especially found the chapter on Intention to be valuable. “It’s important to create an intention for your experience before you begin. Think of an intention less as a ‘destination’ and more of a ‘direction’”. He later wrote, “A well-structured intention can act as a beacon of hope, guiding you in the direction of unlimited positive healing and growth.” Freeman followed with, “Intentions represent our first and most powerful method of communicating our desires with the medicine and with ‘Infinite Source’. They frequently act as a rubric for integration, help us explore the meaning of the content we receive, and act as an anchor to ground us when the waters of our journey get rough.” (Freeman, p. 192) Intentions are so powerful, as are the people creating them.

As the conclusion came, all too soon, Freeman wrote, “…the reality is that if we were not around, Mother Earth would be just fine. The only way to heal our planet will be to first heal ourselves. Saving ourselves demands an evolution of consciousness far beyond that offered in schools or therapist couches” and that “consider first healing yourself” is the way we touch the lives of others. (Freeman, p. 300)

While I am a beginner in the information on psychedelics, I know this resource will be a recommendation when clients come with questions. While longer than many books I review, I found it contained valuable information, great guidance, and a wealth of references. The book answered many questions I didn’t even know I had, with direct writing, with evidence to support the statements, and with a reverence for those reaching out to learn more. The book can be obtained at Amazon, and even if you are just beginning to think of the journey into psychedelics, this may well be the printed guide you are looking for.

For more information, please contact Freeman at psychedeliciq.com or gvfreeman.com.

Works Cited
Freeman, GV. (2025) Healing with psychedelics: a step-by-step handbook to safe and sustainable transformation. PsychedelicIQ Press, St. Louis, MO.

Tags: mental health treatment with psychedelics