There is no single right level of guidance for psychedelic sessions. Think in gradients: the experience may be powerful on its own, while preparation, setting, and a trusted guide help shape it and support integration afterward.
For many, light-touch support is enough: a clear intention and screening, a calm and familiar space, an experienced and non-intrusive sitter, agreed boundaries, and time reserved for debriefing. The emphasis is on safety, trust, and letting the process unfold without constant talk.
Others benefit from more structure. Signs include high anxiety, difficult prior experiences, complex personal history, or big life questions. In those cases, add extra preparation, alignment on expectations and coping strategies, and several integration check-ins to translate insights into daily life.
A practical rule is to match guidance to the person, the context, and the aim of the session. For a concise argument on when psychotherapy may or may not be necessary alongside psychedelics, see this overview: psychotherapy with psychedelics is not always required.
Choose the level of support that fits you best, and keep safety and integration central.