Program

While interdisciplinary scientific research on psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and N,N-DMT) and psychedelic experiences is currently booming, there has hitherto been a significant lack of extensive and systematic research into what the characterizing features of ‘psychedelic experiences’ might be and whether there is intersubjective consistency in this regard. In this talk, I will introduce you to the methods of Husserlian phenomenology as a philosophical discipline and tradition for studying lived experience. I will then discuss how, by combining Husserlian phenomenological methods with qualitative research, it is possible to develop a detailed account of what characterizes psychedelic experiences as a distinctive type of subjectively lived experience. I will finally reflect upon how phenomenological concepts and analyses might be applied to informing research into the psychotherapeutic benefits and neural correlates of psychedelic experiences. 

As the therapeutic and transformative potential of psychedelics continues to gain recognition, preparing individuals for these profound experiences has become essential. In this talk, we will explore the concept of psychedelic preparedness - why it matters, how it can shape outcomes, and what approaches are most promising. By drawing on recent research and innovative interventions, we will discuss how fostering psychological readiness can enhance safety and efficacy. We will also consider the role of meditation and other contemplative practices in building the skills needed to navigate challenging psychedelic states. This talk aims to provide a thoughtful perspective on how intentional preparation can support more meaningful and beneficial psychedelic experiences.

In this talk, Camilla shares insights into eating disorders and the evolving role of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in their treatment. Grounded in research and clinical experience, she explores how psychedelics may offer new pathways to recovery for this complex and often hard-to-treat patient group - shedding light on both their promise and potential pitfalls. Blending scientific insight, philosophical reflection, and autoethnographic perspective, the talk addresses current research and clinical challenges, while also inviting deeper questions about what it means to heal, and how to stay whole.

In everyday language, the term “underground” is often used pejoratively, especially in psychedelic contexts. This presentation looks back at the circumstances of the mid-1990s and the first decade of the new millennium. It will examine what was publicly known about psychedelic substances at the time, how this particular context was approached and how the learned concepts of set and setting changed over time. It also examines the process of developing a therapeutic approach based on these experiences. The talk shows both the advantages and disadvantages of the underground context as well as the associated pitfalls and risks. The empirical example presented can serve as a basis for discussing the practical application and challenges of dealing with psychedelic substances in therapeutic contexts.

This presentation will explore integration in relation to language and its absence. The psychedelic experience is often described as indescribable, and this presentation will unpack the cultural history and implications of having – and integrating – such ineffable experiences, but we will also examine the stakes and possible approaches to putting words on them. Drawing on my expertise with literature, narrative theory, discourse analysis and counterculture history, as well as my own experience with psychedelic integration, I will offer some context and insights about the need for language, or for letting go of that need, in the integration process, along with some practical advice for how to navigate the post-session period.

This talk explores the integration of psychedelic experiences as an essential part of a continuous therapeutic process. Rather than viewing integration as a separate or final phase, we will examine how every stage of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—from initial intake and preparation to the experience itself and post-session reflection—embodies and models the principles of integration. Each step in the process serves not only to prepare and support the client but also to catalyze healing by creating conditions for insight, embodiment, and change. Through this lens, integration is not an afterthought, but a living thread woven throughout the therapeutic arc. By recognizing the continuity of integration, clinicians and facilitators can offer a more holistic and ethically grounded framework that honors the complexity of psychedelic healing. This talk will share clinical insights, case examples, and practical tools for fostering integration as an ongoing, relational, and dynamic process.