Symposium: Psychedelics and Spiritualities - A Journey to Therapy and Beyond (2)

INSIGHT 2023 Replay from the Symposium Track: (PART 2)

Symposium – Psychedelic Spiritualities: Clinical, Existential, and Ethical Perspectives
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Roland Griffiths, Prof. Dr. David B. Yaden, Dr. Andreas Weber, Dr. sc. hum. Henrik Jungaberle, Prof. Dr. Timo Storck, Henry Harder, Hannah Dressler, Christopher Schmidt, Luca Färber, Marvin Däumichen

This two-part symposium explores the many dimensions of spirituality within psychedelic experiences—from their historical and cultural foundations to their clinical implications and ethical challenges today.

The first part opens with pioneering perspectives from Johns Hopkins researchers Prof. Dr. Roland Griffiths and Prof. Dr. David Yaden, who explore the place of spirituality in psychedelic research and human flourishing. Philosopher and biologist Dr. Andreas Weber offers an ecological-humanist view of embodiment and love as living processes, while a panel discussion delves into the distinctive qualities of psychedelic spiritualities and how they might differ from traditional or institutional religious experiences.

The second part centers on first-hand patient accounts from the EPIsoDE trial, which is exploring psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Presenters Henry Harder, Hannah Dressler, Christopher Schmidt, and Luca Färber analyze qualitative interview data using frameworks from Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Irvin Yalom’s existential psychotherapy, addressing how spiritual and existential themes emerge in a clinical setting and how patients engage with meaning, mortality, freedom, and isolation.

The symposium concludes with a keynote by Dr. Henrik Jungaberle, titled “Sweet Blasphemy”, which critically examines the rise of psychedelic-inspired spiritualities in modern contexts. He argues for an ecological humanism that balances scientific understanding, ethical practice, and existential integration—while warning against escapism and spiritual naïveté.

Together, the presentations invite a deeper reflection on the role of psychedelics in reshaping spiritual life, therapeutic practice, and collective worldviews—and ask how we can guide this process with integrity.

This is only one of dozens of excellent contributions to the INSIGHT 2023 conference. Get full access to over 50 recordings of the latest discoveries in psychedelic science and therapy – from talks to panel discussions and whole symposia – with the INSIGHT 2023 Replays bundle for only 29 EUR:
https://mind-foundation.org/product/i...

Each purchase supports the MIND Foundation's mission to promote human development by bridging science and experience, and to make psychedelic therapies a reality in the public health care system.