Beyond the Trip: A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast with Dr Esme Dark

Beyond the Trip is delighted to be collaborating with  Kyle Buller from Psychedelics Today for this episode, where we discuss many topics, includingPsychedelic policy in Australia vs the USChallenges and cost of Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapy in both countriesPsychedelics in end-of-life careIntegrating somatic therapy into psychedelic sessionsAdapting therapeutic frameworks for use in Psychedelic-Assisted therapyIn 2016, Kyle Buller and Joe Moore co-founded Psychedelics Today, one of the world’s leading psychedelic media and education companies. Kyle's interest in exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness began at the age of 16 when he suffered a traumatic snowboarding accident. After this near-death experience, Kyle’s life changed dramatically. Kyle subsequently earned his B.A. in Transpersonal Psychology from Burlington College, where he focused on studying the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness by exploring shamanism, Reiki, local medicinal plants and plant medicine, Holotropic Breathwork, and psychedelic psychotherapy.Kyle earned his M.S. in clinical mental health counseling with an emphasis in somatic psychology from Prescott College. Kyle’s clinical background in mental health consists of working with at-risk teenagers in crisis and with individuals experiencing an early episode of psychosis and providing counseling to undergraduate/graduate students in a university setting. Kyle also has experience offering psychotherapy services specializing in psychedelic integration, spiritual emergence, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.Find Kyle here :- https://www.psychedelicstoday.com/Keep in touch with me atBeyond the Trip Podcast available anywhere you listen to Podcasts:-https://open.spotify.com/show/5g1sms2EXq72NW64nVQhzC?si=ff3548af32e84bf6YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcastInsta: dresmedarkLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/

 In this episode of Beyond the Trip, we’re joined by Dr Marg Ross, clinical psychologist and Chief Principal Investigator of Australia’s first psychedelic-assisted therapy trial exploring the use of psilocybin for end-of-life distress.Marg has been at the forefront of developing psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia, helping to train therapists and medical professionals both nationally and internationally in the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy and in the psychosocial aspects of palliative care. Her work sits at the intersection of clinical science, existential psychology, and cultural approaches to death and dying.Together, we explore Marg’s groundbreaking research into psilocybin-assisted therapy for people facing life-limiting illness and what this work is revealing about the human experience of mortality. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, psychedelic therapy at the end of life often opens a deeper process of transformation—helping people reconnect with meaning, process fear, and approach death with greater peace.We also speak candidly about the personal and professional realities of working in this space. Marg reflects on how confronting mortality—both through research and through our own lives—can shape the way we understand healing, presence, and care.In this conversation we explore:· The story behind Australia’s first psychedelic-assisted therapy trial for end-of-life distress· What patients report after psilocybin therapy when facing life-limiting illness· Why psychedelic therapy in palliative care is often about transformation rather than symptom reduction· Cultural and ritual perspectives on death, dying, and altered states of consciousness· The intersection between Indigenous healing traditions and contemporary medical approaches· Therapist burnout and the importance of sustainable ways of working in emotionally demanding fields· How coming face to face with mortality helped shape both our personal lives and our professional workThis episode is part of our special series exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy in end-of-life care and grief, where we speak with researchers and clinicians working at the edges of medicine, psychology, and the human experience of dying.Keep in touch with me atBeyond the Trip Podcast available anywhere you listen to Podcasts:-https://open.spotify.com/show/5g1sms2EXq72NW64nVQhzC?si=ff3548af32e84bf6YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcastInsta: dresmedarkLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Dr Marg Ross at https://www.studioimmersivetherapy.com.au/Disclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

William A. Richards (Bill), Senior Advisor at Sunstone Therapies and a psychologist in the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has been involved in psychedelic research since 1963. He also is also associated with the Program in Psychedelic Therapiesand Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies. From 1967 to 1977, he implemented projects with LSD, DPT, MDA and psilocybin at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, including protocols designed to investigate the promise of psychedelics in the treatment of alcoholism, depression, narcotic addiction and the psychological distress associated with terminal cancer. His recent research at Johns Hopkins, in collaboration with colleagues at New York University, has focused on the potential value of psilocybin in the continuing education of professional religious leaders from different world religions. At Sunstone Therapies, he is focused on integrating psychedelic therapy into palliative care. His book, Sacred Knowledge:Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, published by Columbia University Press, now has been translated into multiple languages.We also explore: why psychedelic therapy is helpful in people with life limiting illnesses, what cancer clients report after psychedelic assisted therapy, the importance of involving the family in the healing process, how grief shows up in the body and how psychedelics can help us process this, societal views on death and dying and how psychedelics could help to shift these.Bill Richards – Bookhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Sacred-Knowledge-Psychedelics-Religious-Experiences/dp/0231174063Keep in touch with me atYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcastInsta: dresmedarkLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

 This mini-series explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy meets us at the edges of existence — in dying, in grief, and in the quiet question of what endures when life as we knew it changes or ends.

Simon Yugler is a depth psychotherapist, psychedelic educator, and author of Psychedelics and the Soul: A Mythic Guide to Psychedelic Healing, Depth Psychology, and Cultural Repair (North Atlantic Books, 2024). With a master’s in depth counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, he’s taught in leading psychedelic training programs including CIIS, Naropa University, and Inner Trek.Drawing from Jungian psychology, mythology, and Internal Family Systems, Simon helps facilitators, therapists, and healers reconnect to the liminal wilds of the soul. His work is shaped by years of anthropological research and learning from Indigenous traditions around the world, including the Shipibo ayahuasca lineage and the Native American Church.We explore:· Simon’s connection to Australia· Indigenous perspectives in psychedelics,· Psychedelic culture in Oregon· Depth psychology and psychedelics· Simons new book psychedelics and the soul·  Training in psychedelic therapy and its challenges· Therapist burnout· Cultural healing and psychedelicsReading listSimon Yugler: Psychedelics and the Soul  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204639597-psychedelics-and-the-soulJoseph Campbell : https://www.jcf.org/Michael Meade: https://www.mosaicvoices.org/Robert Bly: https://www.robertbly.com/https://www.amazon.com.au/Women-Who-Run-Wolves-Archetype/dp/0345409876https://www.bps.org.uk/member-networks/division-clinical-psychology/power-threat-meaning-frameworkKeep in touch with me atYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcastInsta: dresmedarkLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Simon at: https://www.simonyugler.com/aboutFind Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

  In this episode, I interview the team of Sacred Roots. They bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous therapists and healers to bridge Indigenous wisdom and embodied practice into the growing field of clinical Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT).Through two-way learning, they hope to stimulate critical discussion, embodied practice and further research into this important field – for right relationship, respect, and the greatest possibility for our collective healing and wellbeing.im joined by Dr. Carlie Atkinson – CEO of We Al-li, Associate Professor of Social Work (Melbourne University)Jem Stone – Co-founder of IPAT (Indigenous Psychedelic Assisted Therapies), We Al-li Facilitator & Wayapa Wuurrk Lead TrainerKirt Mallie – Co-founder of IPAT, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist, We Al-li Facilitator & Wayapa Wuurrk TrainerMei Lai Swan – Sacred Roots Co-ordinator, Embodied Nature Therapies & Yoga for Humankind, Social Worker, Somatic and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist & EducatorWe cover the following topics :The philosophy of Sacred RootsFounding and values of Sacred RootsIndigenous cultural exchange in peruTherapist TrainingImpact of cultural exchange of therapistsUpcoming trip plans – taking group of PAT therapists to PeruWhere to find out more about this triphttps://sacredroots.au/https://www.onaya.ioKeep in touch with me atYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcastInsta: dresmedarkLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Disclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

 In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Rosalind Watts — a clinical psychologist whose work as the Clinical Lead for Imperial College London’s psilocybin trial has made her one of the most influential voices in psychedelic research.Named among the 50 Most Influential People in Psychedelics and the Top 16 Women Shaping the Future of Psychedelics, Dr Watts stands out for her focus on integration, harm-reduction, and inclusion in the psychedelic space. Drawing inspiration from nature, she has developed tools and structures to foster connectedness after psychedelic experiences.One of her key insights from her time in the field has been that safe and effective use of psychedelics depends on robust integration support. This led her to co-found ACER — Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore — a global online integration community where participants embark on a 13-month journey to connect more deeply with themselves, others, and nature.We explore:· Her early work in psychedelic research· Sustainable practice in psychedelic therapy· Challenges facing the psychedelic field· The tension between medical models of distress and psychedelic work· Nature as a therapeutic ally· The ACER integration communityFind Dr Rosalind Watts at: https://www.drrosalindwatts.com/ACER Integration: https://acerintegration.com/Recommended Readingskeep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkCheck out our new YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcastLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/· Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsThe Hologram by Cassie Thornton: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53425744-the-hologramIf Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie: https://sharonblackie.net/if-women-rose-rooted/ Disclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode, I’m joined by Campbell Townsend, Clinical Psychologist and Senior Research Consultant at Monash University’s Clinical Psychedelic Research Lab. With experience as a trial therapist on the Psilocybin for GAD study and training through MAPS, Campbell brings a grounded yet imaginative approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy.Don’t miss our upcoming “Deepening Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Somatics and Metaphor”In this experiential training, you’ll learn how to use metaphor and somatic tools to enhance Psychedelic assisted Psychotherapy. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or new to this space, this workshop offers practical strategies you can apply immediately.Register now and bring more depth, embodiment, and imagination into your psychedelic practice https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/media-1In this episode we explore how metaphor is the language of psychedelic and how it can deepen therapeutic work across all stages of the psychedelic process. We also dive into somatic approaches, discussing how tuning into the body can enhance emotional integration and healing.Themes include:· The power of metaphor in psychedelic therapy· Embodied connection: working somatically with clients· Embracing curiosity and playfulness in clinical work· Practical tools to weave metaphor and body-based methods into sessionskeep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsFind Campbell Townsend at https://islandpsychology.com.au/campbell-townsendDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode Im joined by Lucine Eusani, Lucine is an Embodiment Facilitator, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist and Psychedelic Integration Specialist.We both draw on IFS a lot in our work and share our respective journeys with combining this approach with psychedelic work. We discuss our different pathways into this work, explore parallels between different somatic approaches such as 5 rhythms and psychedelic therapy, outline some key concept from internal family systems and share a little about how this work has impacted us personally.Lucine originally trained as a mediator, with an MA and Mphil in Conflict Resolution, Lucine spent a decade in South America working in mediation, facilitating of conflict resolution trainings, offering trauma informed yoga, and studying indigenous Amazonian shamanic traditions. With 2 decades as a trauma informed embodiment facilitator, she also became a 5Rhythms teacher in 2015. Lucine is trained in Internal Family Systems therapy (Level 1 and 2), as well as Somatic IFS for individuals and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples who want to work with their parts in relationship.Her 1:1 work is somatically guided and trauma informed, embedded in a deep respect for traditional plant medicines and embodied healing practices, and firmly grounded in the IFS therapeutic model. Lucine currently offers consultancy with training therapists for clinical trials in psychedelic therapy, as well as a 1:1 therapy practice specialising in Somatic IFS and IFS groupwork workshops.Find Lucine at : www.lucineeusani.comkeep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelics

Beyond the Trip: A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast Season 2 – Launching May 2025We’re back with monthly episodes featuring new guests and returning voices to deepen the conversation around the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.This season includes: Discussions on psychotherapy  techniques Therapy Demos Conversations on systemic and  ethical issues in psychedelic therapyThank you for being part of the journey so far, I am looking forward to sharing the next chapter with you

Welcome to Beyond the Trip  Podcast. In this episode I am joined by IPAT (indigenous psychedelic-assisted therapies). IPAT is dedicated to supporting the accessibility and therapeutic use of plant medicines for Indigenous peoples. Their vision is to create a culturally safe model of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) that honors the Indigenous wisdom which has guided the use of plant medicines for thousands of years.IPAT’s purpose is to develop a psychedelic-assisted therapy model that incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, emphasizing the importance of healing within community. By placing cultural safety at the forefront, IPAT aims to ensure this model is not only accessible to Indigenous peoples but also beneficial and accessible for all.Jem Stone is a First Nations Woman, Educator and Wellness Practitioner with mixed heritage from around the globe who is passionately integrating original knowledge into education and wellness spaces through connection and decolonised learning methods.Kirt Mallie is a proud Mualgal man, an Indigenous Therapist, Cultural Educator and Spiritual Teacher. Kirt is a co-founder of IPAT. He was one of the therapists on the Psilocybin-Assisted Supportive Therapy in the treatment of prolonged grief trial.Dr Bianca Sebben is a Clinical Psychologist based in Brisbane, Australia with a special interest in complex trauma, dissociative disorders including Dissociative Identity Disorder, and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.In this episode we talk about IPAT’s recently published paper, the importance of inclusion of indigenous voices in this emerging space, cultural safety in psychedelic therapy, challenges with the medical model of distress, and the importance of collaboration, to bring together different perspectives together in this field.IPAT website: https://ipat.au/Psychedelic Therapies and cultural responsiveness: A call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement in Australian clinical trials and practice https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020024000761Closing the Gap: https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/Power, Threat, Meaning Framework: https://www.bps.org.uk/member-networks/division-clinical-psychology/power-threat-meaning-framework

In this episode, I talk with Dr Paul Liknaitzky, Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University. 🌱We explore Paul’s journey into psychedelic science and therapy, challenges & opportunities in psychedelic rescheduling in Australia, The critical skills needed for psychedelic therapists, future directions for psychedelic research, and why collaboration is key in this spacePaul is Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab and a lSenior Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Monash University. He has played a central role in establishing the field of clinical psychedelic research in Australia and is the principal investigator on a program of psychedelic trials. He is involved in numerous psychedelic studies across the country and collaborates with many international experts and organisations in the field. He has led several world-first studies, including the first trial to use psilocybin in the treatment of a primary anxiety condition, the first study testing the utility of psilocybin as a therapist training tool, and the first trial testing a psychedelic-augmented virtual-reality treatment.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find  Paul and Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode I’ll be talking with Irene Ais, an Integrative Physiotherapist. Irene brings a truly unique perspective to healing, focusing on a holistic pathway to well-being that integrates both physical and mental health. Although we come from different fields, our work intersects in powerful ways, and today, we’ll dive deep into those connections. We’ll explore a range of topics, including mental health, embodiment, trauma-informed practices, and the challenges of traditional therapy approaches. We share valuable insights on therapist self-care, sustainable practices, and the importance of embodiment work—particularly for psychedelic therapists and other mental health professionals.Irene is an Integrative Physiotherapist specialising in chronic and mental health focused care. She has spent 18 years working in Physiotherapy and her clinical work focuses on the support of invisible chronic illness, chronic pain, hypermobility and providing body-based support for those living with trauma.Irene also draws from many years working as a yoga facilitator/therapist and mental health/clinical educator which has taken her across Australia and internationally.Irene’s approach is inclusive, respectful and compassionate. She promotes a ‘we can’t do it alone’ message which acknowledges the environmental, systemic and intersectional factors that impact an individuals health experiences. This leads her to co- create unique, person centred programs which support the individual needs and desires of people she works with.Her work is neuro affirming, weight and body inclusive, gender affirming, focuses on de-pathologising diversity and offers body based mental health and trauma support.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Irene at https://www.ireneais.comFind Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode I talk with Sean O'Carroll about the very important topic of bad trips. We get into some detail about what this actually means, we talk about Sean's journey into the psychedelic space and what defines a trip as bad versus challenging. We discuss the importance of seeking support for psychedelic experiences that have been traumatic, and explore the barriers to doing that. We discuss what therapists might do if someone comes to them for support after a bad trip and outline the importance of integration support.Sean O'Carroll is head of psychotherapy at one of Australia's first purpose-built psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy clinics. He is a lead trainer and therapist at the Monash University Psychedelic Lab in Melbourne, Australia. He does consulting work, including training and supervision for a number of other psychedelic assisted psychotherapy trials. Sean has been studying and exploring human consciousness for over 25 years. His BA honours in philosophy explored the relationship between science, subjectivity and the sacred. He trained as a gestalt Psychotherapist back in 2014 and has worked as a Psychotherapist and an academic lecturing in Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy, Eco-Psychotherapy and other but modalities for the last 10 years.He is the founder and director of the Wild Mind Institute, which delivers training in psychotherapy, eco psychotherapy, bad trip integration and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. He's also writing a book about bad trips. Once that's available, we'll put a link in the show notes.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsFind Sean at - www.wild-mind.comlink to Bad Trip work: https://www.wild-mind.com/stibtiLink to Bad Trip Integration Training: https://www.wild-mind.com/bad-trip-integrationDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode I’m joined by Marg Ryan, a colleague and fellow psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist. We explore the important and, at times, complex topic of non-verbal support in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. We talk about our practice as somatic therapists, our respective journeys into this work, somatic psychotherapy and psychedelic therapy, non-verbal support in psychedelic therapy, the Importance of the attachment lens in psychedelic work and consent and boundaries.Marg is a senior clinical psychotherapist with twenty years in mental health and private practice. She conducts therapy and supervises clinicians working with individuals, couples, and those developing psychedelic-assisted therapy skills. Marg has been involved in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research at Monash University’s Clinical Psychedelic Lab in Melbourne, Australia. She served as a core therapist in Australia’s largest psilocybin trial for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and in the MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD trial. She completed intensive psilocybin training and MDMA therapist training with MAPS in 2021. Marg co-facilitated a training program for psychedelic trial therapists at Curtin University, delivered by Monash, and assisted in the first Australian MAPS MDMA training at Monash. She is also a tutor for the MIND (Berlin) two-year psychedelic therapist training program.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/find Marg at https://www.counsellormelbourne.com/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

 In this episode I’m going to be zooming out from thinking about psychedelics from an individual therapeutic perspective and taking a more systemic lens. As a part of this I’m joined by Natalie Ginsberg who has worked at MAPS since 2014. We talk about the beginnings of her work in the social justice space, her work in drug policy reform and her role as global impact officer at MAPS. We discuss the promise and complexity of psychedelics in the conflict resolution space and the importance of psychedelics for collective as well as individual healing. We also dive into how important it is to find space to process our grief and feel our joy, love and playfulness.Natalie founded the Policy & Advocacy department at MAPS, and served as its director for 5 years.  She also initiated and co-developed MAPS’ Health Equity program. As Global Impact Officer, Natalie works for the responsible integration of psychedelics into mainstream culture, to help “set the setting” for an ethical global movement. Before joining MAPS, Natalie worked as a Policy Fellow at the Drug Policy Alliance, where she helped legalize medical cannabis in her home state of New York, and worked to end New York’s received her B.A. in history from Yale College, and her master’s of social work (M.S.W.) from Columbia University.  She is also a co-founder of the Jewish Psychedelic Summit.My website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.cm.au/MAPS: https://maps.org/people/natalie-lyla-ginsberg/Relational Processes in Ayahuasca Groups of Palestinians and Israelis (2021) -https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8170481/Ripples Alliance:-  https://www.ripplesalliance.com/Doctors without Borders: https://www.msf.org/

In this episode I talk with Marcella OT’Alora and Bruce Poulter, two people who have been instrumental in sharing knowledge of MDMA assisted Psychotherapy with 100’s of trainees all over the globe. They have also supported many participants through the process of MDMA Assisted Therapy as part of their work on trials in the USA and continue to provide supervision and consultation to many people engaged in this work all over the world. In this conversation we cover many topics, including: their respective journey’s into MDMA assisted therapy, what MDMA assisted therapy involves, healing through being witnessed, The importance of pacing and tailoring therapeutic approaches, the FDAs decision and how they feel about it and the importance of doing your own work as a therapist.Marcella OT’Alora has an MA in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and an MFA in Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Marcela is an Installation artist, researcher, teacher, and supervisor. For 25 years she has been in private practice working primarily with trauma and specifically with PTSD. Her interest and focus on trauma led her to understand the healing journey as an intimate re-connection with one’s innate essence through love, integrity, compassion, and honoring of the human spirit.  In addition to private practice, she has dedicated her professional life to training and research.  Beginning in 1999, she has worked on various studies sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) as a Principal Investigator and investogator using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. Additionally, she is a lead educator and supervisor for MAPS’ MDMA-assisted therapy training program.Bruce Poulter has worked much of his career with people in altered states. He was initiated into health care as an ICU nurse at UC San Francisco Moffitt Hospital when the AIDS pandemic first emerged and began devastating our communities. Later he received a MPH from UC Berkeley in Health Planning and Policy. He went on to develop public health programs including one of the first certified nurse-midwife based perinatal programs serving low income women, and a program that identified and provided care for families at risk for abuse and neglect of their children. He has worked extensively somatically with people in chronic pain and was an intimate observer of the first government approved MDMA for PTSD MAPS study in Madrid, Spain in 1999. He has offered harm reduction services thru Zendo and other organizations, was an investigator in the MAPS Boulder MDMA for PTSD Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials, is currently a Lead Educator and Mentor Supervisor for therapists working on studies for MDMA-Assisted Therapy.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsFind MAPS at https://maps.orgPower threat meaning framework:- https://www.bps.org.uk/member-networks/division-clinical-psychology/power-threat-meaning-frameworkDisclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode, I’m going to be speaking with Dr Simon Ruffell. He is a friend and a close collaborator.I’m working alongside Simon as one of the teachers on the psychedelic mentorship training organised by Onaya Health.In this conversation, we discuss Simon’s journey into his work researching Ayahuasca, our shared history in refugee mental health, the importance of including indigenous perspectives in research and the challenges of this, integrating indigenous wisdom into clinical practice and our approaches to supporting clients following psychedelic experiences.Dr Simon Ruffell is a medical doctor, a psychiatrist and research psychologist with a PhD in Ayahuasca and mental health and he’s also a student of Shipibo shamanism, Simon has worked on several major psychedelic trials at leading universities worldwide including as a senior research associate at Kings College London on their trial looking at psilocybin assisted therapy for treatment resistant depression. Since 2016 his work has been primarily been dedicated to exploring the traditional psychedelic brew Ayahuasca. He is the CEO of Onaya Health where I also serve as advisor. He co-founded the not for profit Onaya Science which researches the effect of Ayahuasca in naturalistic Amazonian settings. Simon’s work seeks to understand plants such as Ayahuasca from both indigenous and western viewpoints with a goal of generating a richer understanding of healing modalities involved.I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find Simon at https://www.onaya.io/https://www.iceers.org/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode, I talk with Dr David Spektor , who worked alongside me as my dyad partner on a two year clinical trial looking at Psilocybin assisted Psychotherapy to treat generalised anxiety disorder.We discuss the challenges with the medical model of human distress, psychedelic research,  the importance of the dyad model in psychedelic assisted therapy, the self experience study we were lucky enough to be a part of and the importance of vulnerability in therapy.David is a Senior Clinical Psychologist having worked in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. He has  20 years of experience working in mental health as a clinical psychologist and much of that was spent in the public sector working with severe and enduring mental health issues. He currently runs a private practice based in Melbourne(www.psychologycare.com.au).  He worked as a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne as a part of the Clinical Psychology Program. He is trained in a type of emotion-focused and psychodynamic psychotherapy known as Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). Nowadays David works in psychedelic psychotherapy research through the Monash University Clinical Psychedelic Research Lab in Melbourne, Australia.  He worked as a core therapist on the psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder trial and currently works as a supervisor for the MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD trial.keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedarkLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Find David’s practice at: https://psychologycare.com.au/Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelicsDisclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

In this episode I will be talking to Sarah Pant,  a fellow psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist.  We discuss - The importance of psychotherapy techniques in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the sacredness of therapy, how vital human connection is for healing, therapeutic approaches used in preparation, dosing and integration, the wider cultural context of psychedelics and Indigenous practices, longer-term integration groups and the challenges of the dominant medical model of distress. Sarah is a Clinical Psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience in mental health across Australia and the UK. At Monash University’s Clinical Psychedelic Lab, she was a core therapist and trainer in the world’s first trial looking at Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy for Generalised Anxiety trial and now serves as a clinical supervisor and therapist on the trial exploring MDMA -assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.Sarah’s therapeutic approach weaves together somatic practices, creative arts, ecopsychotherapy, systems thinking, and process-oriented psychology. Her holistic perspective of health and well-being is deeply rooted in fostering human connection, exploring altered states of consciousness, enhancing our connection with the living world and navigating the unique challenges of our time.Stay in touch with me atinsta: dresmedarkwebsite: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/Fiind Sarah at:- https://beingfound.com.au/psychedelic-integrationfind Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at - www.monash.edu/psychedelics Book recommendationshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53121631-underlandhttps://www.aamindell.net/books-by-amy-and-arnoldhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55384168-no-bad-parts?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hM0AaWUrgS&rank=1This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

Listen to find out more about Beyond the Trip, A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast with Dr Esme Dark

In this episode I interview Dr Bill Richards, who is a true pioneer in the psychedelic research space and has been involved in this work from the original research that took place in the 60s up until the present day.  He is someone who I deeply respect and whose work has been very influential on me. His combination of rigorous research skills and deep reverence for the sacredness of these medicines is something that I feel is extremely important for this field.William A. Richards (Bill) is a Senior Advisor at Sunstone Therapies and a psychologist in the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, he has been involved in psychedelic research since 1963. From 1967 to 1977, he implemented projects with LSD, DPT, MDA and psilocybin at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, including protocols designed to investigate the promise of psychedelics in the treatment of alcoholism, depression, narcotic addiction and the psychological distress associated with terminal cancer. He is one of the leaders in the field at training mental health professionals to work in this space. His book, Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, published by Columbia University Press has been translated into multiple languages. We discuss the beginnings of his work in psychedelic therapy research, key components of psychedelic therapy, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the BEING of the therapist, therapeutic intuition, mystical experiences, coming to terms with death and the importance of presence in life.You can find his book here:- https://www.amazon.com.au/Sacred-Knowledge-Psychedelics-Religious-Experiences/dp/0231174063Follow this link to listen to the podcast I mentioned with Roland Griffiths https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/641-roland-griffiths-phd-lifes-ultimate-glide-path/id863897795?i=1000589513556I really hope you enjoy this episode, if you do please subscribe and leave a review to help get this important conversation out to more people.Find out more about my upcoming offerings by joining my mailing list at https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/and stay in touch on Instagram @dresmedarkfind out more about the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University on the link belowwww.monash.edu/medicine/scs/clinical-psychedelic-labThis podcast is for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.