The helioscope effect: A new framework for evaluating trauma-related memory processing in psychedelic experiences
In this study the authors introduce – the “helioscope effect”:
A framework describing how psychedelic experiences can allow individuals to engage with traumatic memories while remaining emotionally safe and regulated, avoiding both suppression and overwhelm.
Overview
Existing tools assess psychedelic experiences, but none specifically measure altered processing of traumatic memories—a key mechanism in trauma-focused therapies and psychotherapy in general. The helioscope effect describes how psychedelics like psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) enable revisiting challenging or traumatic experiences while remaining protected from re-actualization of trauma symptoms. This study introduces and evaluates the Helioscope Questionnaire, a novel scale for assessing memory-related processing during psychedelic experiences.
Method:
A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey was administered to 468 individuals (mean age = 32.9; 66.7% male) with self-reported psychedelic/MDMA use.
Results:
The final Helioscope Questionnaire comprised 21 items across 3 factors: protection, exposure, and avoidant-distress. A composite Helioscope Score (HS) was derived from protection and exposure subscales. Convergent validity was demonstrated through strong correlations with the Psychological Insight Questionnaire. Discriminant validity was evidenced by moderate associations with the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and a lack of significant correlations with the Challenging Experience Questionnaire. Predictive validity was supported by the HS predicting positive changes in mood and attitude on the Persisting Effects Questionnaire, whereas avoidant-distress predicted negative changes. The scale also demonstrated incremental validity by providing explanatory power beyond established psychedelic effect measures. Additionally, the presence of a trip sitter was associated with stronger HS scores, and MDMA use was linked to reduced avoidant distress.
Conclusions:
The Helioscope Questionnaire offers a novel, psychometrically robust tool for assessing therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelic experiences, particularly in relation to processing of difficult memories. Further research in clinical populations is warranted to evaluate its utility in predicting treatment outcomes.
Key Points
The authors created and validated the Helioscope Questionnaire, designed specifically to assess trauma-relevant memory processing during psychedelic or MDMA experiences.
Three core components were
Protection – feeling safe, supported, and emotionally contained
Exposure – willingness to engage with previously avoided memories
Avoidant-distress – distress or avoidance that disrupts processing
Psychometric findings:
The questionnaire showed good reliability and validity
It measured something distinct from mystical intensity or challenging experiences
It added explanatory power beyond existing psychedelic experience scales
Links to outcomes:
Higher Protection + Exposure scores predicted positive, lasting psychological changes
Higher Avoidant-distress scores predicted poorer longer-term outcomes
Context matters:
Supportive settings (e.g. presence of a sitter/guide) were associated with better helioscope effects
MDMA use was linked to lower distress and avoidance, aligning with its therapeutic profile
The study proposes that therapeutic benefit from psychedelics is most likely when trauma-related memories are engaged in a protected, regulated way, and provides a new framework and tool to study this mechanism more precisely. This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, self-report design, not yet tested in clinical PTSD populations or controlled trials.
Diehl VJ, Calder AE, Hasler G. The helioscope effect: A new framework for evaluating trauma-related memory processing in psychedelic experiences. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2026;0(0). Read Paper
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