Episode 87 - Moving Beyond A Psychedelic Experience

Every other month it seems there is some news coming out regarding psychedelic assisted therapy. Just recently the FDA posted some draft guidelines for clinical trials. But the topic of today’s episode concerns psychedelics outside of a clinical setting. As some places move to decriminalize or even legalize the use of LSD, psylocibin and other psychedelics there is a looming question. How can a society with very little context or experience with these substances and states of mind incorporate them? If we agree there is the potential for positive outcomes from there use how best to achieve it? These are strange and powerful experiences and not easily explained or put into context especially when society as a whole has demonized them for a long time.

One group I’ve seen who is talking about these questions and attempting to offer answers with their Beyond Experience Workshop is the MIND Foundation. I’ve reported on and interviewed members of MIND before and was granted access to this workshop to see what it was all about and how it might help with the so-called integration or enculturation of psychedelics into a naïve society. Surprisingly this story turned out to be more difficult and personal to tell….

Music in the episode by Freak Motif, Brad van Paridon and Michael

Bandac

Extra Reading

On philosophy, theology and ‘psychedelic integration’ – Jules Evans

Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice – Bathje, et al.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Psychology Today

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Head to www.twobradforyou.wordpress.com to subscribe to, donate to and follow the show on social media. You can also leave a comment, send an email or voice message. We read/listen to them all and will put them on air. This is your show too so get involved and don't let Brad have all the fun.