As psychedelics as medicines move toward more legalization and widespread cultural acceptance, questions regarding equity and access for people from diverse backgrounds remain an important focus. In this panel, we will be discussing how personal experiences with intersectional identity have informed our work as psychedelic-assisted therapists and researchers. Through sharing personal narratives as well as examples from clinical and research settings involving therapy with MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, we will explore the role of the therapist in holding space for individuals from non-dominant groups, such as those who may identify as queer or BIPOC. We invite reflection on how, in the transformative crucible of psychedelic-assisted therapy, representation by therapists who share aspects of intersectional identities with clients can help to foster an atmosphere of safety, support, understanding, and trust in the healing and recovery process.
Presentation by Joseph McCowan (he/him), Andrea Rosati (she, they), Chris Stauffer (he/they), Jennifer C. Jones (she/her) at Queering Psychedelics II (San Francisco, April 22nd 2023)