This treatment relied on the mystical or conversion shock experiences that LSD can provide. These experiences have the effect of giving the patient a place to start over from and, if followed by psychotherapeutic treatment, can promote large scale life changes. It was believed that this form of treatment might help to reform alcoholics and criminals. This technique was mainly for neurotic and psychosomatic disorders. Props such as eye shades, photographs, and objects with symbolic significance are often used.
Music often plays an important part.
The theoretical basis of this kind of psychotherapy is usually some form of psychoanalysis. These two treatments are in complete opposition to the tranquilizer-type approach to psychotherapy. Tranquilizers tend to cover up the underling problems of the patients, reducing their importance. LSD however, serves to magnify problems, making them more intensely experienced. It is believed that through this magnification process, both doctor and patient will be better able to recognize conflicts and therefore, psychotherapy can be more effective.