Psykedeelinäkymiä 2019 – Psychedelics and integration

Thursday May 16th 2019: Lectures
Psykedeelinäkymiä 2019 – Psychedelics and integration

In May, the spotlight will again be on psychedelics, as the Finnish Association for Psychedelic Research (Psykedeelitutkimusyhdistys ry, Psyty) organizes a lecture event in Helsinki on the theme of integrating psychedelic experiences. Psychologist and psychotherapist Marc Aixalà from Barcelona and psychologist Riikka Ajantaival will speak at the event.

The event is free of charge and will be held in lecture hall 12 of the main building of the University of Helsinki on Thursday, May 16, at 17:00.

According to recent research, one mechanism accounting for the possible therapeutic effects of psychedelics may be their ability to loosen up rigidified ways of thinking and acting, which might be considered an important goal for any therapeutic process. However, new points of view and insights that might emerge during sessions of psychedelic therapy will only be of long-lasting benefit if they reach the level of our everyday lives.

In integrating psychedelic experiences, the aim is to implement insights received under the influence in practice, for them to become part of one’s view of the world and daily habits. In light of this, it is important to allocate time not just for the experience itself, but also for preparation and for processing the experience afterwards. Integration may guide one to necessary life changes and help upkeep the positive momentum supporting such changes that many report receiving from sessions of psychedelic therapy. Integration may also help one deal with possible frightening or confusing aspects of their experience.

The event consists of two lectures.

Psychologist and psychotherapist Marc Aixalà:

Although integrating psychedelic experiences is often thought to be important, there are different interpretations of the nature, objectives, and scope of integration. Aixalà will draw on his experience of working in the ICEERS Integration and Support Service project, offering integration services in relation to psychedelic experiences. He will present the most important foundations and future directions of integration work. He will also shine a light on different scenarios that one may face in integration work as well as on emergency situations where a person has taken psychedelics and ended up in a psychological or spiritual crisis.

Psychologist Riikka Ajantaival:

Working as trainer for therapists and coordinator in an on-going international clinical trial on psilocybin-assisted therapy, Riikka Ajantaival will chart the importance of integration in a research context.

Time is reserved for questions from the audience after the lectures.

Schedule:

17:00 Doors
17:30 Marc Aixalà: Integrating psychedelic experiences: a psychotherapeutic approach
18:30 Riikka Ajantaival: Psychedelic integration in a research context
19:00 Q&A with speakers