Compassionate Guidance for deep inner work
The only journey is the journey within
-Rainer Maria Rilke
Integration
Psychedelic and expanded‑state integration is a gentle process of honoring and embodying the insights, emotions, and sensations that arise from an inner journey. It’s less about analyzing what happened and more about listening inwardly—allowing the experience to speak through the heart, body, and spirit. In the days and weeks that follow, integration invites reflection: What was revealed? What change is calling you forward? What practices or connections can help bring those insights into everyday life?
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Integration often has a spiritual dimension. Healing arises not from external sources, but from within—guided by a quiet inner intelligence that knows the way toward balance and wholeness. Turning inward with stillness, curiosity, and compassion allows that wisdom to lead the process of transformation.
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Expanded or non‑ordinary states of consciousness can unfold in many ways—through psychedelics, meditation, breathwork, time in nature, or moments of silence. However they arise, these experiences can open deeper layers of awareness, offering insights that, when integrated, become seeds of lasting harmony and meaningful change.
Meet Ellen Riordan, PhD
I specialize in helping people integrate psychedelic and other non‑ordinary state experiences—those powerful moments that can open new perspectives or awaken deep emotions. Together, we explore how to make sense of what emerged and gently ground those insights into everyday life. My approach is trauma‑informed and somatic, rooted in presence, safety, and attunement. At the heart of my work is connection—creating a space where your mind, body, and spirit can begin to move toward balance and wholeness.
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In addition to working with individuals integrating expanded states of consciousness, I also assist those moving through life’s liminal spaces—times of transition such as retirement, divorce, grief, loss, or other significant change.
Approach
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person is inherently whole. By reconnecting with our inner wisdom, we can address feelings of disconnection and cultivate practices that help us experience more joy in daily life. I incorporate mindfulness, somatic modalities, and parts work in my practice.
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of slowing down and returning to the present moment—resting awareness on the breath, the body, or the quiet flow of thoughts. When the mind drifts, we gently return, cultivating presence, emotional balance, and the ability to meet life with greater clarity and compassion.
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Somatic modalities are body‑centered therapeutic approaches that invite awareness into physical sensations, breath, posture, and movement. They work directly with the body, so we can begin to gently release patterns held in the nervous system and restore a sense of ease and presence.
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Parts Work
Parts work is a psychological approach that sees each of us as having many inner “parts,” each shaped by past experiences and carrying its own emotions and protective roles. By meeting these parts with curiosity and compassion, you can turn inner conflict into collaboration and cultivate a kinder relationship with yourself.
FAQs
What is integration, and why is it important?
Integration is the process of making meaning from psychedelic or expanded‑state experiences and weaving those insights into everyday life. It helps ground what was revealed—emotionally, somatically, and spiritually—so that insight becomes lasting change rather than a fleeting moment of awareness.
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What are key benefits of integration?
Integration helps translate profound experiences into lasting mental health improvements and personal growth. Benefits include
Supporting meaningful lifestyle changes:
Helps turn insights from the experience into practical habits and reduces the pull of old patterns
Facilitating emotional processing:
Provides space to work through fear, anxiety, or past trauma, strengthening resilience and emotional balance.
Enhancing therapeutic progress:
Reinforces mindset shifts and deepens the benefits of ongoing mental-health or personal-growth work.
Increasing self-awareness and connection:
Encourages reflection, meaning-making, and a greater sense of connection with oneself and others.
Providing ongoing tools for growth:
Offers skills—such as mindfulness, journaling, or communication techniques—that support long-term development.
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Do I need to have had a psychedelic experience to work with you?
Not at all. Many people come to integration work after meditation, breathwork, or other non‑ordinary state experiences—or simply during times of major life transition. The same principles of embodiment, reflection, and self‑understanding apply, regardless of how the experience arises.
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What does an integration session look like?
Each session unfolds differently, depending on what you bring that day. Together we might work with somatic awareness, guided reflection, mindfulness, or parts‑work to help you process, ground, and integrate insight into daily living. The space is collaborative, gentle, and supportive of whatever arises.
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What if my experience was difficult or confusing?
Challenging experiences can be powerful teachers, even when they feel overwhelming. Integration offers a grounded, compassionate container to explore what happened, understand what’s unfolding now, and find ways to honor the insights or emotions that have surfaced.
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How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your goals and what you’re integrating. Some people find clarity in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support over time. We’ll discuss your needs together and move at a pace that feels right for you.
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How do somatic practices support integration?
Because the body holds memory and emotion, somatic awareness helps anchor insights and release stored tension. By cultivating presence through breath, movement, and sensation, the body and nervous system learn new pathways toward balance, resilience, and ease.
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Do you work with people who microdose?
Yes. While microdosing doesn’t produce the same effects as a full psychedelic experience, it can still help some people feel calmer and more connected to their inner awareness. I don’t provide or source substances, but I’m happy to discuss your experience with microdosing and how it fits into your overall well‑being. Research on its effectiveness is still mixed, and we can explore what that means for you.
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Do you offer psychedelic experiences?
No. Psychedelic experiences themselves are not offered. Most psychedelic substances are illegal in Florida, and while ketamine is legal, it can only be prescribed and administered by a licensed medical professional. I provide integration services only, which focus on reflection, support, and meaning-making after a psychedelic or expansed state experience. These services do not involve the use, provision, or facilitation of any substances.
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Do you offer group sessions?
Yes. When there’s interest, I offer group integration sessions. Research suggests that group work can be highly supportive and long‑lasting, especially within a structured, mindful community. Sharing experiences with others on a similar path fosters connection, insight, and healthier ways of relating—helping to gently shift old relational patterns.
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Is this therapy?
Integration work is not mental health therapy or medical treatment, though it may feel therapeutic and healing. It can complement therapy, coaching, or other wellness practices by deepening your connection with your own inner wisdom and capacity for change.
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Are meetings online or in person?
Initial meetings happen online. Subsequent meetings can continue online or be determined. I'm located in Naples, FL.
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What are your rates?
One hour sessions are $225
Session lengths may vary based on individual needs, and rates will be adjusted accordingly.
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