Pacifica Graduate Institute is proud to present a two-day virtual symposium centered around the screening of two films – PSYCHEDELIA: The History and Science of Mystical Experience and The Way of the Psychonaut: Stanislav Grof’s Journey of Consciousness. This unique event features a variety of panel discussions and presentations from leading figures in the field, focused on cutting-edge topics in areas of psychedelic research, including: therapeutic application and integration; issues of diversity, equity, and access; women in psychedelic and healing spaces; and psychedelics, spirituality, and the future of religion. A number of panels and discussions additionally serve as a reunion of many of the key subjects from the films as well as a diverse gathering of luminaries and practitioners from a variety of backgrounds.
PSYCHEDELIA: The History and Science of Mystical Experience is an award-winning film that takes viewers on a journey through the origins and resurgence of psychedelic research. Featuring rare archival footage, interviews with leading experts, and first-hand accounts from a psilocybin study on end-of-life anxiety, the film explores the profound, life-altering effects of these compounds in both the therapeutic setting and the world at large. This one-of-a-kind documentary is in a sense a time capsule for the story of psychedelic research and lays the historical and contextual foundation for today’s “Psychedelic Renaissance.”
The Way of the Psychonaut explores the life and work of Dr. Stanislav Grof, Czech-born psychiatrist and psychedelic psychotherapy pioneer. Stan’s quest for knowledge and insights into the healing power of non-ordinary states of consciousness deeply influenced the emerging discipline of transpersonal psychology and profoundly changed many lives. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the filmmaker and notable figures from the film, including a special guest appearance by Stan Grof, as well as keynote address by Richard Tarnas.
The two-day conference will expand upon the themes and topics of both films, with further discussion and exploration into the complex and rapidly expanding field of psychedelic science, medicine, and mystical experience.
Conference Learning Objectives
- Describe various theoretical approaches to psychedelic medicines, including implications for diverse therapeutic outcomes.
- Differentiate multiple perspectives regarding psychedelic therapies, including medical, psychiatric, and psychotherapeutic perspectives.
- Assess implications for psychedelic integration as related to therapeutic practice.