Exploring Masha’s methods: Are psychedelic therapies in Nine Perfect Strangers real?

In Nine Perfect Strangers, Masha (Nicole Kidman) leads a luxurious wellness retreat that promises life-changing transformations. From intense therapy sessions to the use of psychedelics, her methods certainly push the boundaries of what we might expect to find at a real wellness retreat. However, you might be surprised to find that the show actually reflects many growing trends, including micro-dosing psilocybin.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy: fact or fiction?

One of the most striking methods Masha employs to help her patients recover in Nine Perfect Strangers is psychedelics, which in the film is psilocybin, the drug you find in magic mushrooms. While it might seem extreme, it’s not as far-fetched as you might think. In fact, psychedelic-assisted therapy has been gaining traction in the real world, especially for treating mental health disorders like depression and PTSD.

What is microdosing?

Microdosing refers to taking very small amounts of a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin, typically 1/10th to 1/20th of a full dose. This tiny amount will not lead to the hallucinations that you see portrayed in the show, which are more akin to a full dose, but they can help enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Real-world applications

In recent years, studies have indicated that psychedelics, including psilocybin, have real psychological benefits. Clinical research shows that psilocybin can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even addiction by promoting neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and may even be able to help “reset” the brain’s circuitry, particularly in people with chronic mental health conditions.

While more research is needed, researchers at the John Hopkins University and many other establishments are seeing promising results.

Meditation and mindfulness

Another central treatment at Magda’s retreat is meditation, and we see members doing it throughout the series. In reality, mindfulness and meditation, including many types of yoga, are quite common in modern wellness programs as tools to reduce stress, increase focus, and regulate emotions. Studies have shown that regular meditation can have profound effects on mental health, improving mood, lowering stress, and even reshaping the brain’s gray matter.

Sensory deprivation and novel therapies

Another item we see briefly in Nine Perfect Strangers is the sensory deprivation chamber, and many real-world wellness centers will employ novel therapies like this to push patients out of their comfort zones. Sensory deprivation tanks, cold immersion, and breathwork exercises are common features in cutting-edge wellness programs, and their purpose is similar to what we see in the show: to help individuals disconnect from the external world and reconnect with their inner selves.

The ethics of radical wellness

While Nine Perfect Strangers is a fictional show there’s a growing debate about the responsibility wellness practitioners have when guiding individuals through intense emotional and psychological processes. While some real-world programs have scientific support, others walk a fine line between innovation and exploitation, so it’s important to do your research before signing up.