From Hemispheres to Healing: Beyond Psychedelic Nihilism

Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education

The Ohio State University College of Social Work

Adam Levin, MD is a psychiatrist and post-doctoral scholar at the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE). He completed his psychiatry residency at the Ohio State University and received his MD from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. At the CPDRE, Adam acts as medical monitor and therapist for clinical trials of psilocybin in veterans with PTSD and in cancer patients with depression. His general research interests include the use of psychedelics for individual and collective trauma, the neurobiological underpinnings of psychedelic action, and the broader implications of psychedelic medicine for medical education and practice. He recently published a new theory of psychedelic action (called HEALS) which attempts to unify the common effects of psychedelics through the lens of their differential effects on the brain’s hemispheres. 

Psilocin fosters neuroplasticity in iPSC-derived human cortical neurons

Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR)

Dr. Malin Schmidt, PhD is a postdoctoral researcher at the Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR) in Mannheim, Germany, under the leadership of Professor Philipp Koch. She holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biosciences with a specialization in Neurosciences, as well as an M.Sc. in Developmental and Clinical Psychology from Heidelberg University. Dr. Schmidt pursued her doctoral studies at the HITBR. The HITBR employs human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology with the goal to identify new targets through the study of neural cells and organoids in brain diseases with focus on psychiatric disorders. Dr. Schmidt’s research centers on the neuroplasticity effects of psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, in human iPSC-derived cortical neurons cultivated in vitro. Her work contributes to advancing our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying psychedelic-induced neural plasticity.

Room for All to Bloom: Interdisciplinary Psychedelic Therapy Teams

Oregon Health and Science University

Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy Lab

Chris Stauffer, MD is Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University and Director of the Social Neuroscience & Psychotherapy Lab (www.chrisstauffermd.com), where he conducts clinical trials of psychotherapy along with psychopharmacological agents like oxytocin, MDMA, and psilocybin. He also co-founded the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (https://openpsychedelicscience.org/), which conducts health services research on state-level psilocybin services.

Dan Friedrich, PSS is a U.S. Veteran and mental health professional specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy research and Veteran peer support. As a peer support specialist and study facilitator at the Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy (SNaP) Lab, he co-facilitates MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapy and is leading a SAMHSA-funded study to develop Veteran Psychedelic Peer Support and harm reduction trainings. His work harmonizes licensed clinical care with peer delivered services, ensuring veterans have access to culturally responsive support. Beyond the research lab, Dan has pioneered peer support programs in hospital emergency departments and community-based non-profits, integrating peer mentorship into multidisciplinary teams. His experience in combat, recovery, and deep understanding of the mind-body connection informs his approach, helping Veterans navigate reintegration with resilience and purpose. Committed to being of service, Dan continues to expand programming that centers humanity, connection, and healing in both institutional and grassroots settings.

Can Psychedelic Monoamines Chemically Modify Proteins?

🥈PsychedelX 2025 2nd Place Winner

Abstract: Proteins are complex biomolecules that are essential for almost every function of our  bodies’ cells. Smaller chemicals can “tag” or “modify” proteins in ways that influence their activities. Even chemicals we normally think of as neurotransmitters – serotonin and dopamine – are capable of modifying proteins. This is possible because serotonin and dopamine are “monoamines.” They contain a single primary amine group that can be recognized by an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2, which catalyzes a biochemical reaction that chemically connects serotonin or dopamine to a protein (or, more specifically, to the γ-carboxamide of proteinaceous glutamine residues). Interestingly, some psychedelics – like mescaline – are monoamines themselves, with chemical structures similar to that of serotonin or dopamine. So…if serotonin can chemically modify a protein, could a psychedelic modify a protein? To start answering this question, we recreated one of Alexander Shulgin’s phenethylamines: 3,5-dimethoxy-4-(2-propynyloxy)-phenethylamine. A “propargylated” analogue of mescaline, which is amenable to “click-chemistry” (a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction), a process that allows us to link a tracer to our mescaline-like compound. By following this tracer in cells that have been treated with our mescaline-like compound, we are able to closely watch what mescaline does inside a human cell. We are able to ask it questions like, “Are you inside the cell yet? Is transglutaminase there? Are you sticking to any proteins? Please buddy, just attach to that protein already so I can get some sleep.” And we got some answers. Answers that will be talked about during this talk, where I will be talking to you.

Bio: Hi, I’m Rajiv. I’m a PhD Candidate at the UNT Health Science Center’s North Texas Eye Research Institute. This might make you think that I study eyeballs. And you would be right, because eyeball science pays the bills. But you would also be wrong. Because I don’t study eyeballs. I study the molecular and cellular activities of psychedelics, since it seems fun and no one has stopped me yet.

Heart-Focused Biofeedback & Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Exploring the Synergy Between Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Self-Compassion Training for Enhancing Psychedelic Therapy Outcomes

Abstract: Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows great promise for mental health, but making the most of it requires preparation and integration practices that support both mind and body. This presentation introduces a new, research-based approach that combines heart-focused biofeedback (using breathing and feedback to support nervous system balance) with embodied self-compassion training—helping people not just think kind thoughts, but learn to notice, accept, and work with emotions in the body to find greater calm and ease. Drawing on both science and personal experience, Jack Howell shares results from a randomized controlled trial at Connecticut College. Sixty students were assigned to one of four groups: control, biofeedback, self-compassion, or both. The combined group showed the greatest improvements: increased coherence (a marker of healthy nervous system regulation), reduced anxiety and stress, and higher self-compassion. Students described moving from overwhelm to calm, resilience, and empowerment—reflected both in the data and in their own words. These findings matter—especially now, as mental health challenges and disconnection are rising, particularly among young people. Many existing treatments don’t fully empower people to manage both their emotional and physiological responses. This protocol helps fill that gap with practical, scalable tools that foster self-regulation and build resilience. The talk will explore the science, key findings, and real-world applications—including how these practices can enhance psychedelic therapy by helping participants harness heightened bodily and emotional awareness and support lasting positive change. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how combining biofeedback and self-compassion can support whole-person healing.

Bio: Jack Howell is driven by a single goal: to humanize mental health care for the next generation by bridging science with mind-body approaches. Growing up navigating a severe stutter and multiple autoimmune conditions, Jack saw firsthand the need for more patient-centered care—an experience that inspired him to use lived experience to address gaps in the system. As a neuroscience researcher and aspiring psychiatrist, he co-led and co-designed one of the first randomized controlled trials investigating the synergy of heart-focused biofeedback and self-compassion training for college students, with preliminary results presented at national conferences and a manuscript in preparation. His research centers on heart rate variability, biofeedback, contemplative practices, and psychedelic therapies, with a focus on developing evidence-based, scalable tools that help young people harness their innate capacity for resilience, self-regulation, and mind-body well-being. He also serves as an academic coach and tutor in the Connecticut State Community College system and volunteers for Crisis Text Line. Jack graduated from Connecticut College in 2024 with a B.A. in Neuroscience.

An Epidemic Opportunity: Working Memory Deficits in TBI as a Proof-of-Concept Model for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects over 50 million people annually and remains without any approved pharmacological treatments. Even mild TBI can lead to persistent working memory (WM) deficits, which are quantifiable, clinically relevant, and commonly used in concussion assessments such as the ImPACT Test, an FDA-approved medical device. Despite the growing body of psychedelic research, TBI remains largely unaddressed. This work proposes that WM impairments after TBI offer a novel and powerful proof-of-concept model for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). WM provides a tractable, transdiagnostic outcome measure that can help clarify the cognitive mechanisms behind therapeutic effects. This approach has the potential to bridge a critical gap in psychedelic science by targeting a massive, underserved clinical population while also advancing our understanding of how task engagement and neuroplasticity interact under psychedelics. Studying TBI through this lens may not only guide treatment development but reshape how we evaluate and apply PAT across conditions.

Bio: Isabel Bermudez is a master’s student in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation at UW–Madison with a background in cognitive neuroscience, emergency medicine, and cannabis science. A former college athlete with first-hand experience of TBI, she brings both scientific and personal insight to her research on psychedelics and brain injury.

Instagram: @izzyybermudez

Revisiting Depth Psychology & Psychedelics

✨PsychedelX 2025 Runner Up

Abstract: Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) offers a relatively novel method of treatment for mental health disorders. Although PAT sessions often follow a general preparation-dosing-integration framework, specialized treatment approaches vary between clinicians (Mithoefer et al., 2017, p. 10). Popular psychotherapeutic methodologies within PAT include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) (Yaden et al., 2022). However, depth-psychological frameworks (including psychoanalytic and psychodynamic approaches) offer unique advantages in understanding psychedelic experiences due to their emphasis on the irrational and unconscious dimension of the human psyche and its inherent "multiplicities" (Burton et al., 2022; Mithoefer et al., 2017). Psychiatrist and PAT-pioneer Stanislav Grof notes that "the phenomenology of the psychodynamic experiences in LSD sessions is to a large extent in agreement with the basic concepts of classical psychoanalysis" (Grof, 1982, as cited in Carhart-Harris et al., 2014). Carhart-Harris et al. (2014) expand on this, suggesting that "scientific research with psychedelics has considerable potential for developing aspects of psychoanalytic theory." Despite this connection, modern rational models overshadow depth-psychological approaches within PAT (Yaden et al., 2022), thus limiting the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine (Yugler, 2022). As PAT grows, it is important to consider depth-psychological frameworks and their relevance to psychedelic experiences; failure to do so limits the number of therapeutic techniques available in-session, further disconnects PAT from its depth-psychological history (Yugler, 2022), and minimizes the natural irrationality of the psyche. This presentation suggests that depth-psychological concepts offer valuable therapeutic tools in understanding psychedelic experiences, and thus seeks to explore them by illuminating connections between the two fields. More specifically, concepts central to depth psychology—including the emphasis on numinosity, archetypes & symbols, and individuation—are applied to the psychedelic experience. This work also explores whether exposure to depth-psychological theories has a place in PAT training.

Bio: Justin Tyler Serwinski is a student at Pacifica Graduate Institute studying Depth Psychology & Creativity. He has an educational background in neuroengineering and general psychology. His interests include exploring: contemporary applications of analytical psychology, sensation & perception, psychedelic science, and the role of creativity in individuation. Justin enjoys rock 'n' roll music and writing, hoping to blend academic psychology with artistic expression.

No Such Thing as Just a Room: Understanding the Feedback Loop of Set and Setting Through the Lens of Ontological Design

🥇PsychedelX 2025 1st Place Winner

Abstract: Set and setting have long been recognized as critical determinants of psychedelic experience, yet the task of designing the therapeutic environment remains conceptually and clinically underdeveloped. Setting design has focused on aesthetically pleasing treatment spaces that involve what might be called “setting solutionism;” the belief that comfort-driven, inward-oriented design optimizes for desired therapeutic outcomes. This presentation argues for an expanded framework rooted in ontological design, which holds that environments do not merely contain experience; they actively shape it. Ontological design posits that by designing objects, spaces, and experiences, we are simultaneously shaping the human subject. What we design, designs us back. In the context of psychedelic therapy, this suggests that physical space functions not as neutral backdrop but as a co-regulator and co-facilitator in meaning-making. Drawing from research in neuroscience, developmental psychology, trauma-informed design, and environmental aesthetics, this talk explores how multisensory features interact with altered states of consciousness to influence identity, perception, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Further, the presentation situates this framework alongside indigenous ceremonial practices, where spatial design has long been integral to transformation. By examining psychedelic neurophenomena such as hyperplasticity, reopened critical periods, somatic amplification, and increased environmental salience, the case is made for a more intentional, interdisciplinary approach to setting design. This talk invites clinicians, researchers, and designers to consider how therapeutic environments can support not only safety and efficacy but also creativity, awe, and ontological coherence. In psychedelic therapy, where reality is often deconstructed and reassembled, the room itself becomes part of the intervention. As such, designing for healing must include designing for becoming.

Bio: Megan Portnoy, B.A., M.S. is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University New England. She takes a psychodynamic orientation to her clinical work, where she currently treats adults struggling with mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, grief, and questions of identity and meaning. Megan holds an Archetypal Dream Patterning certification from the Assisi Institute and has pursued extensive training in psychedelic medicine. Her scholarly interests include interdisciplinary innovations in psychology, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, transformational change, post-traumatic growth, and the intersection of neuroscience and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Prior to graduate school, Megan worked as a communications strategist, government consultant, yoga instructor, and small business owner. An active member of multiple psychological associations and advocacy networks, Megan is dedicated to promoting inclusive practices and expanding equitable access to innovative psychological treatments.

The Interpersonal Dimension of Healing in PTSD: Attachment Security and Epistemic Trust in MDMA-Assisted Group Therapy

✨PsychedelX 2025 Runner Up

Abstract: Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with impaired interpersonal functioning and hindered social connectedness. Attachment security and epistemic trust are social-developmental traits essential for adaptive interpersonal functioning. It is theorized both may be disrupted by traumatic experiences, particularly during key developmental periods, leading to increased vulnerability to PTSD and impeding recovery. Evidence suggests that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is a promising treatment for PTSD. To date, no studies have investigated the impact of combined social psychopharmacology (e.g., MDMA) and psychotherapy interventions on attachment security and the epistemic stance. Methods: This is a single-arm pilot trial of a novel 12-week MDMA-assisted group therapy intervention for Veterans with PTSD (n=17, 3 group cohorts of 5 to 6). Participants completed self-report measures of attachment insecurity (Experiences in Close Relationships – Short Form) and epistemic stance (Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire) at baseline and 1 month post-intervention. Given the pilot nature of the data, we calculated within-subject effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals for change on each subscale. Results: We found medium and large reductions in attachment anxiety (Cohen’s d = -0.46) and avoidance (d = -0.85), respectively, as well as large reductions in epistemic mistrust (d = -0.75). Effect sizes for changes in epistemic trust and credulity were negligible. Conclusion: We found pre-to-post-intervention reductions in attachment insecurity and epistemic mistrust among Veterans with PTSD, providing preliminary evidence that MDMA-assisted group therapy may adaptively alter social-developmental traits known to promote interpersonal functioning and resilience to post-traumatic stress.      

Bio: Philip is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at Oregon Health & Science University, where he is a member of the Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy (SNaP) Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Stauffer. He graduated in 2020 from Portland State University with a B.S. in Philosophy and Psychology. Clinically, he is passionate about supporting individuals who have lived in conflict-affected settings, including refugee and military populations. Philip's research focuses on the role of attachment security, epistemic trust, and religiosity/spirituality in facilitating the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in populations affected by trauma and substance use disorders.  

Instagram: @introspectiveimmigrant

Queer Ketamine: Bridging the Gaps Between LGBTQ+ Clients and Ketamine Therapy

Abstract: The presentation, “Queer Ketamine: Bridging the Gaps Between LGBTQ+ Clients and Ketamine Therapy,” thoroughly explores the critical intersection of Queer mental health disparities and the promising role of Ketamine Therapy. Its purpose is to identify and address gaps in access, inclusivity, and effectiveness of ketamine treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals who are disproportionately affected, ultimately empowering both providers and clients to foster a more equitable, effective, and efficient mental health care landscape. Opening with an overview of shocking Queer mental health statistics, the presentation highlights the alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality within LGBTQ+ populations. Clear definitions related to Ketamine Therapy and LGBTQ+ identities are then provided to best establish a common foundation of understanding. Next, the lecture reveals key applications and contraindications of ketamine therapy to best ensure safe implementation of ketamine treatment. Relevant ketamine statistics underscore its expanding role in addressing treatment-resistant conditions of a wide variety plus transgender-specific considerations. Barriers that marginalized LGBTQ+ clients face in accessing Ketamine Therapy, including stigma, lack of provider competency, and systemic health inequities are explored. Practical solutions are proposed to overcome these challenges, such as provider education, culturally sensitive practices, and community outreach. Guidance on how to connect Queer clients with appropriate Ketamine Therapy resources is revealed, encouraging collaborative and affirming care. The lecture concludes with a question-and-answer segment, the sharing of relevant resources, a list of references used, and the recognition of support received. Upcoming events related to Queer Ketamine are discussed to promote continued dialogue and connection within the community. This presentation seeks to leave audience members feeling empowered to foster a more equitable, effective, and efficient mental health care future for LGBTQ+ individuals through Ketamine Therapy.

Bio: T, also known as "The Queer Ketamine Nurse," has lived with chronic health conditions since birth, which worsened over time. By age 21, they were taking 43 pills and supplements daily. Frustrated and seeking change, T transitioned off most of their medications and began using a Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (PEMF) device as their primary treatment during nursing school. After detoxing Lyme bacteria, parasites, and mold, they were surprised to still be facing intense mental health challenges. In 2021, T graduated from Virginia’s top-ranked nursing program but struggled to balance their personal health with a desire to help others. Through some LGBTQ+ friends, T discovered Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and began treatment in December 2022. The results were immediate and profound—suicidality, depression, and a lack of motivation lifted. What remained was a sense of purpose, strength, and clarity, leading T toward a calling to share their healing journey and serve the LGBTQ+ community. T completed Cybin’s Psychedelic Facilitator Training, published The Ketamine Handbook (available on Amazon Kindle and paperback), and became the Business Development Lead for Queer Psychedelic Society. Now based out of Las Vegas, T shares their story at events, appears on podcasts, and leads retreats and workshops for clients and practitioners alike. They also offer sitter and coaching services, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals on their unique paths to healing. The Queer Ketamine Nurse’s mission is to empower both providers and clients to foster a more equitable, effective, and efficient mental health care future for LGBTQ+ populations. Connect with their mission at www.TheQueerKetamineNurse.com!

The Rainbow Wave: Research Equity, Queer Identity, and the Need for Culturally Informed Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies 

Abstract: As psychedelic-assisted therapy moves into the mainstream, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. One where we can choose to build more equitable systems from the start, rather than retrofit inclusion as an afterthought. This presentation explores the often overlooked issue of LGBTQ+ representation in psychedelic research, and how exclusion—both passive and systemic—shapes the science we rely on to develop new and better ways of healing. Drawing from my undergraduate honors thesis, I conducted a systematic review of mental health intervention studies in the psychedelic therapy space and found that none reported on participants’ sexual orientation, and only one study went beyond binary gender categories. These findings weren’t surprising—but they were deeply concerning. If research doesn’t account for gender or sexual identity, it risks producing treatments that may not fully serve or even safely support the people who need them most. Using a blend of personal narrative, academic critique, and my own clinical research experience, including my work as a research assistant for psychedelic research, I outline the barriers to inclusion across academic, political, and methodological levels. I also highlight emerging efforts by organizations, and propose concrete, creative ways forward, from community outreach to more inclusive identity measures. This talk is not just about pointing blame. It’s about asking how we as researchers, clinicians, and members of the public—can be aware of factors that may effect the quality of care we can give or recieve and build a field that’s safer, smarter, and better equipped to serve a dynamic ever-changing world. Because when we treat diverse inclusion as a scientific standard, not just a social ideal, we all benefit.

Bio: Tyler earned his BA in Psychology (University Honors) from Portland State University. Tyler plans to continue his education and prusue a Masters in Clinical Counseling with a focus in working with Queer Individuals and those who do, or have done Sex Work using Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for trauma processing and personal growth. At the start of the pandemic, Tyler decided to leave his job as an in-home and group class personal trainer to go back to school and pursue a career in mental health and trauma recovery. After realizing many of his training sessions were becoming therapy sessions for his clients, he discovered he was more interested in supporting his clients emotionally rather than diet tracking or designing workouts for them. Tyler's primary field of interest is Data Equity in Mental Health research and the development of strategies for more diverse and representational participant data and have had the opportunity to be on a the SNaP Lab research team as a Research Assistant under Dr. Christopher Stauffer, working to explore these topics from a queer-centered lense. Tyler's interests include reading & writing short stories and poetry, video/board games, exercising, hanging out with his tortoise Jason, and spending weekends on the couch watching movies with his husband, Eric.

Beyond the Data: The Lived Experience

Abstract: What if the most powerful part of psychedelic therapy isn’t measurable? In this personal talk, I take you inside my experience as a participant in a clinical trial where I received psilocybin assisted therapy for OCD. I delve into each phase of the experience including preparation, dosing, and integration. Ultimately, I explain how unique, subjective, self-derived insights may be at the core of healing through psychedelics. In most clinical trials, the patient’s voice is overlooked. It is rarely captured in ways that reflect the depth of their lived experience. This talk brings attention to the missing human element in current research. You will hear what it’s like to navigate the uncertainty, the unraveling, and the slow process of meaning-making that unfolds after the trip ends. I invite you to question what we call “data,” and consider how personal meaning and therapeutic transformation are linked. Let’s center the human voice in psychedelic therapy.

Bio: Eddy BSN, RN, PMHNP Candidate, is a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner Candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation this summer, she will begin training in residency at ChristianaCare in Wilmington, Delaware.

Leveraging Advanced Meditation to Understand Altered States of Consciousness

Florida State University

Justin Riddle, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Florida State University investigating how neural oscillations support higher-order cognition and underlie consciousness. Recent groundbreaking work discovered that psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin are an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. The intensity of so-called ‘mystical experience’ during the psychedelic trip was positively correlated with treatment response. Unfortunately, these altered states are poorly understood and better models will allow mental health practitioners to assist patients to integrate these psychedelic experiences. A challenge for scientific study is that the psychedelic trip is highly volatile with significant individual differences. Advanced meditation techniques on the other hand allow the practitioner to systematically enter altered states of consciousness. Recent studies provide evidence that the states reached through advanced meditation can match, and sometimes surpass, the intensity of ‘mystical experience’ produced by psychedelics. Justin and his collaborators are investigating the phenomenology and neural basis of these states.

Therapy in Transition: Mental Health Providers and the Psychedelic Frontier

The Ohio State University

Stacey B. Armstrong, PhD is a senior researcher and the Associate Director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology at Bowling Green State University after completing a clinical internship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. Her clinical fellowship at the Traumatic Stress Center in Akron, OH, emphasized the utilization of evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE). She completed a research fellowship at The Ohio State University evaluating the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating treatment-resistant PTSD among US military veterans. Dr. Armstrong is also collaborating on a clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating depression among lung cancer patients. She is also investigating the patterns of use and acute effects of psychoactive substances in clinical and non-clinical settings, measuring attitudes and beliefs about psychedelic-assisted therapies among mental health professionals, and helping to develop a global registry for opioid use disorder patients who have sought psychedelic therapy in international locations to obtain real-world evidence on the safety and effectiveness of ibogaine as an addiction treatment. She has a particular interest in the subjective effects of psychedelics and their impact on treatment outcomes, as well as how psychedelic-assisted therapies might benefit populations currently excluded from clinical trials.

Psychedelic Capitalism and the Shortcomings of Wellness

Smith College

POC Psychedelic Collective

Ifetayo Harvey, BA is the executive director of the People of Color Psychedelic Collective, a non-profit that educates communities of color on healing, psychedelics, and ending the so-called war on drugs. Ifetayo is known for her sharp insights concerning the war on drugs’ impact on communities of color and her thoughtful approach to building capacity for people of color in the psychedelic field of study. In 2022, Open Society Foundations awarded Ifetayo the Soros Justice Fellowship. With the fellowship, Ifetayo built a coalition of workers, advocates, and practitioners in the field. Whether keynoting a conference or speaking at a community event, Ifetayo advocates for intentional healing spaces for people of color and ending drug criminalization and the war on drugs. A Table Of Our Own, a documentary by Ayize Jama Everett and Kufikiri Imara featured Ifetayo and the POCPC. Ifetayo challenges psychedelic communities to unpack white supremacy and center the impacts of the war on drugs.

The Psychedelic Experience as a Sublime Aesthetic

Abstract: The psychedelic experience has been largely neglected by philosophical discourse. I attempt to bridge this gap in my presentation, which examines the psychedelic experience within the philosophy of art. Specifically, I argue that this experience evokes a sublime aesthetic. I show this by first presenting the lineage of the sublime, emphasizing Edmund Burke’s conception. Burke makes the important distinction of delightful horror as central to the sublime. Despite a handful of connections between the sublime and psychedelic experiences, they do not go far enough to critically evaluate whether the duality of terrifying and awe-inspired emotions create a truly sublime balance. I build on these frameworks by highlighting mild terror, arising from psychedelic-induced uncertainty and fear, as a central part of the psychedelic experience. This mild terror, coupled with feelings of self-preservation, caused by changes in the ego, demonstrate how we can view non-adverse psychedelic experiences as sublime. Through this understanding, I establish the importance of an aesthetic investigation as a complement to scientific knowledge, along with opening many doors to future philosophical investigations of the psychedelic experience.

Bio: Luke Strong is a recent graduate of Queen's University Belfast, earning his BA in philosophy. This fall, he is continuing his studies at the RAND School of Public Policy, intending to focus his research on policy pathways to ethical, legal psychedelic-assisted therapy. Outside of classes, Luke has worked for organizations like Unlimited Sciences and Drug Science, advocating for evidence-based drug policies and support.

The Case of Qualitative Data in Psychedelic Sciences

Abstract: Facing up to methodological questions regarding psychedelic treatments, we must address the issue of ‘psychedelic experience’ as a theoretical entity and weigh up how to deal with altered states of consciousness and their (trip-) reports, empirically, within the frameworks of scientific methods, and evidence-based methodologies. This presentation explores the case of qualitative data with regard to its utilities within the fields of psychedelic sciences, exemplified in one use case of a qualitative research design in an investigation into subcultural perceptions of psychedelics, and based on basic methodological considerations of the empirical social sciences: Why might we collect qualitative data, how (and what for) might we interpret them? What empirical fields and phenomena (mental, social, cultural, etc.) might reports of qualitative empirical work give insight into? How might one adequately and scientifically center a treatment on or around human experience, if that is the case in psychedelic-assisted therapy and psychedelic psychiatry? The main problem consists in a (historical, social, cultural) ‘relativity of experience’ that entails their ever-present different possible subjective interpretations, contingent on historical, social, cultural contexts, and results in the question of how we might adequately understand and interpret qualitative empirical data based on self-reports. How might phenomena of consciousness be observed, as one kind of empirical phenomenon? Qualitative methods require reflections of adequate and valid interpretive scopes. It is argued that in order to enable robust empirical observation for psychedelic science(s), via credible reports, qualitative methodologies must clarify such scopes, to gain insights into specific phenomena of consciousness, within the scope of all possible phenomena of consciousness. A broad differentiation is suggested into the disciplines of psychometrics, phenomenology and sociology, united in their scientific interest in and research on various phenomena of consciousness, such as psychedelic states of consciousness.

Bio: David Schwinn B.A. is currently studying in the master’s degree of sociology at RWTH Aachen University. Already during the interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree “Gesellschaftswissenschaften”, consisting of a basic curriculum in sociology, theology, political and historical sciences, they developed a strong interest in psychedelia and the science(s) and philosophy of consciousness, as well as their intersections in the psychedelic humanities and with the more broad fields of “natural sciences”, and transdisciplinary phenomena (e.g. neurotheology). The primary focus lies within a sociological systems theory approach, following Luhmann, as well as its theoretical inspirations in Husserlian thought, and more broadly theory of science discourses and their applications within the framework of ‘drug science’ and ‘psychedelic philosophies’. Other projects include a drug education program named “mündiger Stoff”, strengthening responsible/independent drug use and workshops as well as “affenkopf.info”, a text-based blog-project between philosophy, arts and sciences, dedicated to ‘evolutionary humanism’.

Reanimating History: Exploring the Memory of Place through Psychedelic Experience

Abstract: 

Bio:

No-Self, New Self: Psychedelics, Birth, and the Practice of Presence

Abstract: What do meditation, psychedelics, and childbirth have in common? Each invites us into a threshold experience—one that asks us to surrender control, soften into the unknown, and return transformed. In this talk, meditation teacher, former birth professional, and psychedelic science graduate student Megan McLaughlin explores the deep interconnections between contemplative practice, expanded states of consciousness, and neuroscience. Drawing on two decades of meditative experience, 15 years of teaching, and her current research in psychedelics, she weaves personal story with emerging science to offer a compelling case for meditation as a foundation for psychedelic preparation, navigation, and integration. Rather than relying solely on expensive retreats or clinical frameworks, this presentation centers meditation as a widely accessible, self-directed practice—one that fosters presence, autonomy, and inner authority. Through science, storytelling, and embodied practice, attendees will be invited to explore how healing begins not by outsourcing transformation, but by learning to stay. This talk is especially relevant for those seeking alternatives to dominant therapeutic models—and for anyone who believes that healing can begin from within. At its heart, this is also a call for advocacy: for more inclusive models of care, and for broader, more equitable access to the transformative potential of psychedelics.

Bio: Megan McLaughlin holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation at the UW–Madison. She has worn many hats across these fields—working in labs, on research vessels, and in tech—while maintaining a deep-rooted commitment to inner work and holistic healing. A Certified iRest® Meditation Instructor with over 20 years of contemplative practice, Megan has spent 15 years teaching meditation and serving as a birth professional, yoga teacher, and doula. Megan is a lifelong learner and speaker passionate about the intersection of science and mystery—where rigorous inquiry meets intuitive wisdom. Advocacy is woven into all that she does, from supporting access to psychedelic healing to empowering others through education and embodied practice. Her work blends evidence-based insight with deep presence to foster healing through agency, curiosity, and trust in inner knowing.

Reclaiming Softness: How Plant Medicine Can Illuminate the Path to Healing from the Strong Black Woman Schema

Abstract: Reclaiming Softness: How Plant Medicine Can Illuminate the Path to Healing from the Strong Black Woman Schema explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy may serve as a culturally relevant intervention to support Black women in shifting away from the internalized demands of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema and toward a more expansive model of psychological well-being. The SBW schema, shaped by historical and systemic adversity, is characterized by emotional suppression, excessive self-reliance, and the chronic minimization of personal needs. While this framework has functioned as a survival strategy, it often leads to cumulative psychological distress, including burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from emotional authenticity. The lead researcher of this presentation developed the Soft Girl Renaissance (SGR) as an alternative framework to conceptualize Black women’s shift toward rest, emotional expression, and intentional self-care. Psychedelic compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin have shown promise in facilitating emotional openness, reducing trauma-related reactivity, and enhancing self-compassion, which may collectively support the internal transition from self-protective constraint to emotional restoration. This presentation integrates clinical literature, personal narrative, and cultural critique to examine how plant medicine might assist Black women in re-evaluating rigid identity roles and fostering greater psychological flexibility. Additionally, it addresses barriers to access, including medical mistrust, structural inequities, and the lack of culturally affirming spaces in psychedelic research and practice. The talk concludes by proposing community-based, culturally grounded models of care as pathways for collective healing. In doing so, it repositions softness not as a deficit, but as a therapeutic and cultural imperative.

Bio: Angel Cox is a rising 4th year PhD student in counseling psychology at Purdue University. Her research and clinical work center on culturally responsive mental health care, with a focus on identity, trauma, and emotional healing in marginalized communities. Drawing from her lived experiences, including her military service, Angel brings a grounded, socially conscious approach to both therapy and research. Her current work explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy may support emotional restoration and dismantle internalized cultural narratives, such as the Strong Black Woman schema. She is dedicated to creating intentional healing spaces that affirm vulnerability, connection, and rest as acts of resistance.

A Story about The Third Magical Fungi

Abstract: This presentation shares the story of CPZ, a little-known ceremonial mushroom used by an Indigenous tribe in North America, proposed as the "Third Magical Fungi". Presented alongside Amanita muscaria and Psilocybin cubensis, it is clear we have something different. Through personal experience, spiritual inquiry, and early-stage research, we explore CPZ’s ceremonial use, potential entheogenic compounds, and its deep cultural significance. Drawing from over 15 years of experience with psychedelic medicine and indigenous ceremony, challenging the commodification of plant medicine and highlighting the importance of indigenous reciprocity, cultural preservation, and sober integration. CPZ is presented not as a product for mass consumption, but as a sacred mirror—reminding us that true healing doesn’t come from the mushroom alone, but from our willingness to remember who we are, where we come from, and the responsibility we carry in the evolution of this planet.

Bio: Robert (ErTah) Lombino is a researcher, speaker, and founder devoted to the intersection of ancestral wisdom, psychedelic science, and ethical innovation. He is a PhD candidate in Metaphysical Science at the University of Sedona, where his research explores Altered States of Consciousness and the transformative potential of entheogenic medicines. As the Founder of FØRAG3R, Robert is pioneering sacred reciprocity in the psychedelic space through partnerships with Indigenous communities, a line of Sober Ceremonial-Grade Mushroom Ritual Brews, and the development of Entheo-MTR, an AI-powered ethical rating platform for the psychedelic renaissance. With over 15 years of lived experience in traditional ceremonies across Turtle Island, the Amazon, Wirikuta, Hawaii, and beyond, Robert advocates for reverence & respect over existential recreation and resource extraction, integration over ingestion, community rather than capitalism, and evolution instead of escapism. His work bridges ancient traditions with future-forward technologies, all in service of healing the collective wounds of colonization, reconnecting people to their roots, and helping steward a more conscious, reciprocal, and enlightened reality for this planet, the earth, our home.

Spiritual Awakening the Musical: A Patient’s Lived Experience with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

🥉PsychedelX 2025 3rd Place Winner

Abstract: When combined with spiritual teachings & frameworks, psychedelic & psychoactive-assisted therapies provide the potential for patients to explore, understand & integrate all parts of their subconscious mind, leading to feelings of increased self-acceptance, awareness & interconnectedness; as demonstrated through the musical, Spiritual Awakening, by Cece Trezza. In this spiritual pop musical, Charlie Smith, a struggling non-binary college student, undergoes Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, to delve into the inner most parts of their psyche & find relief. Under the care of their humorous & inquisitive psychiatrist, Dr. Hudson, Charlie enters the Ketamine Dimension; a place of hope, wonder & all things subconscious. Here, Charlie meets their Ego, Higher Self & Spirit Guides who help guide them to recovery.

Bio: With a big laugh - and an even bigger heart - musical writer & performer, Cece Trezza, is putting humor, hope & happy endings back into creative media. Drawing upon their knowledge from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film & Television, Cece Trezza is paving the way for an entirely new film genre: Spiritual Comedies - which reveal life’s hilarious absurdity & cosmic grandeur—reminding viewers that the human experience is a gift, all things are possible & the universe always has our back. Utilizing their own lived experiences with psychedelic & psychoactive-assisted therapies, Cece Trezza presents her transcendent journeys & realizations in a lighthearted, fun & honest way, offering a positive & informative depiction of these alternate forms of therapy. Through delving into the protagonist’s inner mind & personifying all parts of their psyche, Cece Trezza helps audiences to understand, heal & reintegrate the fragmented parts of themselves, to transform inner turmoil into wholeness & self-acceptance. This unique & optimistic writing style is best exemplified in Cece Trezza’s pop musical, Spiritual Awakening, think Everything Everywhere All At Once meets Hamilton. In Spiritual Awakening, a struggling non-binary college student, Charlie Smith, decides to undergo Ketamine-Assisted therapy & journey to the inside of their mind, under the care of their humorous psychiatrist, Dr. Hudson. While in therapy, Charlie enters the Ketamine Dimension - a place of wonder, hope, fear & all things subconscious - where they meet their Ego, Higher Self & Spirit Guides who lead them to recovery.

Spiritual Awakening is accessible to watch on Cece Trezza’s YouTube & the Original Cast Recording can be accessed on all major music streaming platforms, under the artist profile: TREZZA.

Biophilia Psychedelia: Regenerative Psychedelic Settings

Abstract: Despite widespread recognition that "set and setting" influence psychedelic therapeutic outcomes, current clinical protocols treat environmental context as a static backdrop rather than active therapeutic component. This research proposes applying regenerative design principles to psychedelic settings, transforming therapeutic spaces into living scaffolds for both individual and ecological healing. The framework positions therapeutic environments as active participants in ecological restoration. The regenerative psychedelic setting operates through five principles: living systems integration using organic materials; bioregional attunement honoring local ecologies; multisensory restoration addressing sensory deficit; reciprocal stewardship where facilities contribute to ecosystem health; and relational technologies strengthening social-ecological coupling. Regenerative design thinking offers an essential framework for realising psychedelics' potential as catalysts for collective ecological transformation, recognising that human and planetary health are thoroughly entangled.

Bio: Lynsey is an interdisciplinary designer and researching exploring the entanglement between human and planetary health through psychedelic research. Her work investigates how therapeutic settings shape consciousness, altering experiences through regenerative design principles that honor living systems interconnectedness. Operating at the intersection of speculative design, critical inquiry, and ecological restoration, Lynsey employs a regenerative, living systems approach to reimagine design for expanded states of consciousness. Lynsey holds a Master's in Material Futures from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, and is pursuing an MSc in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture at the University of Exeter before beginning doctoral research in regenerative design for psychedelic settings. As a One Health advocate, she designs artifacts, therapeutic processes, and experiences that emerge from symbiotic social and material relations. Her work draws on "ancestral futures" and new animism to expand the definition of stakeholders in scientific research, including our "more than human" communitas in the design process. Through this integrative approach, she develops material innovations and therapeutic frameworks that recognize the agency of natural systems, positioning psychedelic healing as inherently ecological.

Advancing the understanding of naturalistic psychedelic use: What do we know and what do we need to know to establish a comprehensive health framework?

University of Michigan

University at Buffalo SUNY

Daniel J. Kruger, PhD earned his Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, where he received specialized training in survey research. He gained practical experience as a door-to-door interviewer in Chicago neighborhoods for a NIDA sponsored drug use surveillance project, then completed a NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship in Psychosocial Epidemiology at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. Following the State-level establishment of medical cannabis programs, Dr. Kruger and his collaborative team began a research program on the medicinal use of cannabis and its relationship with mainstream health care systems, including collaborations with medical cannabis dispensaries. Following the surge in general interest in psychedelics, including clinical trials suggesting the legal availability of psychedelic therapy in the near future, they launched a community-based collaborative research program to advance knowledge and provide data-driven guidance for appropriate public health policy.

Psychedelic Law Starts Here: How You Can Impact Every Level of Government

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)

North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition

Gina Giorgio, MA is a dedicated advocate for mental health care, drug policy reform, and psychedelic therapy and research, currently serving as the Director of Strategy and Development at Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). In this role, she helps lead federal and state efforts in psychedelic and cannabis policy reform, promotes evidence-based drug education, and fosters career-building opportunities for young professionals in advocacy and policy work. Gina is the Founder of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition, a coalition dedicated to expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapy and research for veterans and populations disproportionately impacted by trauma. She is also a board member at the Pearl Institute, one of few MDMA-Assisted Therapy Expanded Access sites, and the National Psychedelics Association, a professional association serving the licensees of state-regulated psychedelic service programs. She is a member of the Veterans Mental Health Leadership Coalition. She earned a Master’s in Communication from Wake Forest University, where she conducted the first content analysis of psychedelic portrayals in major U.S. newspapers, highlighting the interplay between media narratives, public perception, and policy efforts.

Psychedelic Care and Emotional Support

🎉PsychedelX 2025 Prize Sponsor

Ben Halper, LNMF

Zendo Project Inc., Event Services Manager

Mission: Zendo Project offers professional harm reduction education to communities and organizations, and provides peer support services at events to help transform difficult psychedelic experiences – and other complex emotions – into opportunities for learning and growth.

Psychedelic Care and Emotional Support at Events

We provide harm reduction and peer support services at more events around the world. Our skilled team provides compassionate, non-judgmental care for guests experiencing emotional & psychological distress— no matter the cause.

Education and Consultation

We are expanding our education program to reach more communities, offering trainings and workshops virtually and around the country. We provide consultation services to other organizations to ensure that harm reduction services are more accessible and available.

Support safer psychedelic use through policy and advocacy efforts

We advocate for the wide-spread adoption of harm reduction services at psychedelic events and festivals, demonstrating the need for harm reduction to be recognized as an essential, integral component of event safety for large gatherings — ultimately developing safety standards and expanding the demand for harm reduction services.

The Subjective Experience of a Classic Psychedelic Use and its Impact on Alcohol Consumption: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract: Introduction: Psychedelics have gained increasing attention for their potential to influence substance use behaviours, including alcohol consumption. While clinical trials have documented promising outcomes, research on naturalistic psychedelic use remains limited. Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how the naturalistic use of psychedelics impacts individuals’ relationships with alcohol. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants from Montreal (Canada), focusing on their experiences with psychedelics, alcohol, and the interplay between the two substances. Results: Four primary themes were identified: (1) the motives for psychedelic use, (2) the key factors in alcohol behaviour changes, (3) the co-use of alcohol and psychedelics, and (4) the therapeutic potential. Discussion: These results expand on prior large-scale surveys reporting reduced alcohol consumption following psychedelic use and offer insights into the subjective experiences driving these changes. Although limited by its geographic scope, this study underscores the potential of psychedelics to foster healthier behaviours regarding alcohol use. Future research should explore longitudinal outcomes, the role of specific substances, and the integration of psychedelic experiences into daily life. 

Bio: Léandre Sabourin is a master's student in psychology at the Université de Montréal, with a strong interest in psychedelic research. His current work explores how naturalistic psychedelic experiences, particularly with classic psychedelics, can influence alcohol use patterns. Using a qualitative approach, his research examines the psychological insights and transformative experiences reported by users, alongside quantitative changes in alcohol consumption. Léandre is particularly interested in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, the subjective dimensions of altered states of consciousness, and how these can be better understood through qualitative analysis, clinical research, and computational methods such as machine learning. His long-term goal is to contribute to psychedelic science through interdisciplinary research at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and data science.

The Field of Psychedelics: Gaps and Directions Forward

Abstract: Over the past several years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics. Given the rapidly growing interest in psychedelics, the industry is poised for policy reform, however, the field of psychedelics has yet to address emerging issues proactively. Using exploratory and qualitative research methods, Naomi presents an issue brief that concisely identifies gaps and areas of improvement to inform future actions in the field of psychedelics as it relates to equity, drug policy, and safety. The brief identifies and defines the issues within the field and their policy implications. These issues are divided into five interconnected gaps identified through thematic analysis. This includes: Legalization & Regulation, Equity & Access, Ethics & Oversight, Psychedelic Education, and the Psychedelic Community. Serving as a call to action, this issue brief explores the complexity of the psychedelic field to bring attention to pressing issues by highlighting the intersectionality of each gap and the possible unintended consequences of changes to the field.

Bio: Naomi has a bachelor's in Neuropsychology with a focus on public health and psychedelic medicine. They are interested in using public health to study psychedelics in the context of harm reduction, drug policy, and health disparities associated with drug use. They are particularly passionate about ensuring the integration of psychedelics into society is done ethically and equitably. They are a member of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, serving on the Science Policy Committee and Psychedelics Committee. In their free time, Naomi volunteers with harm reduction groups in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, PA. They plan to pursue a joint master's degree in public health and public policy. Naomi hopes to bring about effective policy changes in the field to create a psychedelic future that is accessible, ethical, safe, and equitable. 

Instagram: @naomi_shif

A Pragmatic Framework for Integration

Abstract: Psychoactive compounds and non-substance-induced altered states of consciousness (SOCs) are increasingly recognized as catalysts for personal and societal change, as seen in the rise of psychedelic-assisted therapy research over the past decade. These experiences often evoke profound feelings of unity, connection, and self-insight. Yet, both clinical trials and recreational use frequently reveal a lack of sustained behavioural change. Philosopher Thomas Metzinger proposes a shared “culture of consciousness” to cultivate valuable SOCs. This framework encourages societies to reduce suffering, accumulate collective knowledge, and increase the occurrence of meaningful SOCs. Crucially, it acknowledges the vastness of SOCs - including emotional states and contemplative practices - broadening cultural access and avoiding exclusivity. To add practical value, I propose integrating Erich Fromm’s distinction between “having” and “being.” While “having” involves accumulating objects, experiences, and status, “being” reflects presence, authenticity, and connection. Traits like ego-dissolution, belief flexibility, and openness - common in psychedelic experiences - align with the state of being. Sociologist Hartmut Rosa’s concept of “resonance” echoes this shift: individuals become both affected and affecting, moving from self-improvement to communal transformation. This distinction offers a non-dogmatic compass for integrating profound experiences into daily life - not as a rigid path but as a shared practice. Resonance becomes both method and outcome, enabling holistic change through collective reflection and engagement.

Bio: Cameron Hornung is a psychologist and student researcher at Humboldt University of Berlin. His current research explores the perspectives of mental health professionals on MDMA and MDMA-assisted therapy, aiming to support the medicalization of psychedelic-assisted treatments. He advocates for a more holistic and socially integrated approach to psychedelics, with the goal of fostering sustainable community transformation and to allow for broader societal impact.

Bridging the Gap for the Psychedelically-Naïve

Abstract: The psychedelics movement has made enormous strides. Despite growing interest, there remains a lack of open dialogue about psychedelics between those with lived experience and those without. This silence fuels misunderstanding, reinforces stigma, and leaves many feeling uncertain, isolated, or ashamed of their curiosity. Creating space for these dialogues is crucial, but comes with two notable challenges:

1) Psychedelics remain clouded by stigma and cultural baggage

2) Psychedelic experiences are ineffable – hard to capture in words

Together, these barriers create a communication gap that limits understanding, connection, and broader participation in the movement. This talk introduces the idea of Humble Translation: a framework for communicating about psychedelics in ways that others can understand, relate to, and comfortably explore. The aim is not to persuade or convert, but to invite curiosity and shared understanding. By practicing this across three key dimensions (language, outcomes, and empathy), we create more accessible entry points to engage with the psychedelics movement. In doing so, we help ensure the movement is shaped by a broader collective of perspectives and encourage more vulnerable, genuine connections with one another.

Bio: Liam Martin recently graduated from George Washington University with a double major in Economics and Philosophy. Over the past year he’s immersed himself in the psychedelics field, contributing to cost-effectiveness research with the Collaborative for the Economics of Psychedelics, supporting MAPS and other psychedelic-sector clients at KCSA Strategic Communications, and now helping Enthea expand insurance coverage for psychedelic-assisted therapy. His work centers on demystifying psychedelic experiences and creating conversations that welcome those who haven’t yet crossed that threshold. At PsychedelX, he’ll explore "humble translation" as a strategy for bridging the gap between those with and without psychedelic experience.

Beyond Empty Bliss: 
Exploring Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Existential Distress in Atypical Parkinsonism

Abstract: Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes (APS) present some of the greatest challenges in neuropsychiatry. These rare and rapidly progressing disorders lead to severe disability, early cognitive decline, and a high prevalence of depression and existential distress. Patients are often acutely aware of their own deterioration, while caregivers face a double burden of practical demands and ambiguous loss. Conventional treatments, including dopaminergic agents and antidepressants, provide limited benefit for both motor and psychological symptoms, leaving a significant gap in care, especially for the existential dimension of suffering. Recent years have seen renewed scientific interest in psychedelics, with psilocybin emerging as a promising candidate for addressing complex neuropsychiatric and existential issues. Like other classic psychedelics, psilocybin can increase neuroplasticity and modulate brain networks relevant for mood, cognitive flexibility, and self-perception. Early results from pilot studies in Parkinson’s disease point to improvements in depression, anxiety, and even some aspects of motor and cognitive function. This presentation outlines the rationale for psilocybin-assisted therapy in APS, reviews the mechanistic and clinical evidence, and discusses practical challenges. I will argue that psilocybin, when carefully integrated with multidisciplinary care, offers a unique and much-needed approach for alleviating the suffering of APS patients and their caregivers.

Bio: I am a psychiatry resident at the University Hospital of Genoa, Italy. Currently I am based in Lisbon, working at the Champalimaud Foundation, where I am involved in research at the intersection of neuroscience and innovative mental health care. My journey into psychedelic medicine is driven by a deep interest in exploring how these therapies can transform palliative care and support those facing advanced illness. Beyond my clinical and research roles, I serve as Secretary General of the Italian Society of Psychedelic Medicine (SIMEPSI) and sit on the scientific board of the Albert Hofmann Institute for Physiochemical Sustainability. I am also an active advocate for the PsychedeliCare initiative, which aims to expand access to evidence-based psychedelic therapies for patients in the EU. My broader interests include addiction, trauma/resilience, and the integration of holistic approaches in psychiatry. I am passionate about building bridges between clinical practice, research, and advocacy, and am committed to fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange. Looking ahead, I am working to lay the groundwork for the future establishment of a Mediterranean Psychedelic Forum, with the goal of connecting diverse cultures and fostering dialogue to advance psychedelic science and care in the region.

Reconnecting the Self: Convergently Healing Trauma, Addiction, and Spiritual Disconnection with Psychedelics

Abstract: Addiction is often framed as a chemical dependency or behavioral disorder, but what if it’s more than that? This presentation explores the idea that substance use is tied to deeper, unresolved trauma and spiritual disconnection. Drawing from a broad range of scientific literature, it examines the triadic relationship between trauma, addiction, and spirituality, proposing that truly effective treatments must address these three dimensions of the human experience in congruence. Psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) have re-emerged in clinical research as powerful tools for healing. Substances like psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and ibogaine can offer unique opportunities for emotional processing, spiritual insight, and renewed connection. These experiences often catalyze profound shifts in how individuals relate to their pain, their past, and their purpose. This talk highlights how trauma reshapes the brain and behavior in ways that increase vulnerability to addiction, how spiritual healing supports long-term recovery, and how psychedelic therapies may help realign the self where these wounds intersect. By integrating neuroscience, psychology, and lived human experience, the presentation offers a compelling case for a more holistic, trauma-informed approach to addiction treatment that emphasizes reconnection as the foundation for healing.

Bio: Aerik Kunju is an undergraduate biology major and public health minor at Nova Southeastern University. His academic focus centers on behavioral biology, neuroscience, and the social determinants of health, with a particular interest in trauma, addiction, and altered states of consciousness. Aerik is especially interested in how psychedelic-assisted therapies can support healing at the intersection of biology, psychology, and spirituality. He currently volunteers with Unlimited Sciences as an Infoline Navigator, helping individuals access evidence-based information on psychedelic substances. Aerik plans to pursue a career in medicine, where he can contribute to more integrative and trauma-informed approaches to mental health, addiction, and patient care.

This Is Your Brain on Headlines: The Framing of Psychedelic-Assisted-Therapy in the Media

✨PsychedelX 2025 Runner Up

Abstract: This talk explores the mass media's framing of the current psychedelic renaissance and the impact that might have for the psychedelic-therapeutic movement at large. It addresses some researchers' concerns about the psychedelic "hype bubble", and the current social media censorship of psychedelic-related content. Drawing on anecdotal evidence from the presenter’s documentary series Psychedelics in the Media—which features interviews with six professionals across the psychedelic space—the talk examines how media narratives shape public perception, policy, and practice. Ultimately, it makes the case for critically engaging with mainstream coverage and uplifting more nuanced, alternative forms of psychedelic journalism.

Bio: Joelle DelPrete is a documentary filmmaker and media producer based in Philadelphia, and holds a master’s degree in Media Studies and Production from Temple University. Joelle currently works as a freelance videographer and content creator, and is especially passionate about telling unconventional stories and uplifting thoughtful psychedelic media. Her six-part documentary series, Psychedelics in the Media, will be available to stream on YouTube starting June 13, 2025. You can check it out at joelledelp.wixsite.com/media and follow her work on Instagram at @visualsregardless.

Pneuma Science, iPATH, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Psychedelic Research Group

Anya Ragnhildstveit, PhD(c) is a Research Scientist with expertise in psychiatry and human behavior. She is the Founding CEO and Principal Investigator of Pneuma Science, a global research organization advancing innovation in psychedelic therapy, and the Founder and Clinical Director of iPATH, an evidence-based self-assessment tool for psychedelic evaluation and progress monitoring. Anya is also a PhD Candidate in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, where she helped launch the new Cambridge Psychedelic Research Group. Her work focuses on evaluating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for serious mental illnesses, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Beyond research, Anya has contributed to legislative efforts aimed at expanding access to psychedelics for scientific and medicinal use. Most recently, she led a 150-page technical report commissioned by the Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Medical Board on the safety and efficacy of psychedelics for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), under Texas House Bill 1802.

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

Founder & Lead Researcher, Inner Visions. Fellow International, The Explorers Club. Founder, Student Association of Psychedelic Investigation

Rebekah Senanayake, PhD(c) is a Cultural Psychologist, Psychedelic Researcher, and Fellow of The Explorers Club. Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, her work explores the intersection of traditional knowledge systems, altered states of consciousness, and human development. Since 2014, she has worked alongside rainforest societies in the Amazon, formally apprenticing in traditional knowledge systems since 2019. Her research includes field-based inquiry into plant medicine, ritual technologies, and inter-species transformation, as well as experimental studies on ego dissolution, classical psychedelics, and identity. With over 400 hours of sensory deprivation experience and a decade of practice-based research, she weaves embodied knowing with academic rigour. She is completing a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and has lectured internationally, including at Princeton University. Through her consultancy, Inner Visions, Rebekah advises institutions and public-facing leaders on cultural intelligence, ethics, and conscious systems design. She is the Founder of the Student Association of Psychedelic Investigation (SAPI), an initiative advancing cross-disciplinary research on altered states. 

Instagram: @bekplants

Research Director, Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines

Henrique Fernandes Antunes, Ph.D. is Research Director at the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of São Paulo (2019), where he also earned his M.A. in 2012. He completed his undergraduate and teaching degrees in social sciences at São Paulo State University (UNESP-FFC) in 2008. Dr. Antunes has been a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley and has held postdoctoral positions at the Centre d’Étude des Mouvements Sociaux (CEMS) at EHESS, the Department of Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa, and the International Postdoctoral Program at the Brazilian Center of Analysis and Planning (CEBRAP). He is a member of CEBRAP’s Religion in the Contemporary World research group and is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP). His research explores the regulation and global circulation of ayahuasca, with a particular focus on legal, political, and cultural frameworks in Brazil and beyond. He has also written about the mainstreaming of psychedelics, the DEA’s religious exemption for churches, and the psychedelic renaissance.

Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines: https://chacruna.net/

Mind Science Foundation, Stanford University, SUNY Buffalo

Ben Rein, Ph.D. is an award-winning neuroscientist, Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, and Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers on the neuroscience of social behavior, and is the author of Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection. In addition, Rein educates an audience of more than 1 million social media followers and has been featured on outlets including Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America and StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson. He has received awards for his science communication from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, the Society for Neuroscience, and elsewhere.