The Enhanced Therapy team just got back from the historic Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference in Denver, the coming together of over 12,000 people, all passionate about the emerging science and practice of new and promising psychedelic-assisted therapies.
One of the most powerful aspects of the gathering was the integrity and humility of the movement’s leaders, including the legendary and colorful Rick Doblin (the founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), who has been working for almost 40 years to make MDMA-Assisted Therapy legal, as well as Roland Griffiths (the founder of Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research) who pioneered psilocybin research in the main-stream academic context. During the opening and closing ceremonies, Rick stubbornly and infectiously insisted on being himself, modeling to the rest of us that one can be authentic despite social pressures and expectations. And Roland, who is currently facing an advanced cancer diagnosis, displayed wisdom and humility that was greeted with standing ovations and tears by a crowd of thousands. Anyone looking for a real feeling of hope, unity, humility, purpose, and love could certainly find all of that at the PS2023 Conference.
The conference was a scientific exploration of the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies in mental health treatment. Many presentations were full to the brim, with people spilling over into the halls, and organizers setting up ad-hoc screens and sound systems. Beyond the scientific sessions, the conference served as a hub for connection and collaboration. People from diverse disciplines—psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and artists—converged to share ideas and experiences. Conversations flowed and so did many tears, igniting a collective drive to expand the boundaries of healing. I myself was in tears on and off throughout the conference, both due to awe and a deep sense of connection, and because of the compassion I felt for myself and others who are deprived of adequate love, care, and connection.
The Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference was a very meaningful experience for our team, and possibly also a transformative moment in human history.
For a glimpse of the PS2023 conference, listen to the interviews I conducted with conference participants, including Rick Doblin, where I asked about people’s personal experiences with MDMA. Enhanced Therapy Podcast is available everywhere. Or you can listen and subscribe @ https://enhancedtherapy.ca/personal-accounts-of-the-mdma-experience-podcast-11-stories-from-the-psychedelic-science-2023-conference-part-1/
· As a note of caution, psychedelics are currently illegal, and psychedelic-assisted therapies are only available in research context and through special access applications. Psychedelics carry risks, occasionally serious risks, and in no way do we recommend that anyone uses psychedelics before they become available in a safe context.
