The Psychology of the Psychedelic

From ancient rituals involving sacred plant medicines to the cutting-edge research in modern neuroscience, altered states of consciousness have captivated thinkers, healers, and spiritual seekers for centuries. Today, a growing body of evidence suggests that these experiences hold the potential to unlock new dimensions of mental health, creativity, and personal transformation. What happens in the brain during a mystical experience? How do psychedelics catalyse profound feelings of interconnectedness, awe, and self-discovery? And what does this mean for how we approach consciousness, meaning and knowledge? This event will take you on a thought-provoking journey through the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, offering a deeper understanding of these extraordinary states of consciousness and their implications on human life.

To help us untangle this web of questions, we have three distinguished guests:

•⁠ Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes is a philosopher specialising in metaphysics and consciousness, with a focus on altered states and psychedelic experiences. A lecturer at the University of Exeter, he leads their MSc in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture and is the author of Noumenautics and Modes of Sentience. Peter’s work bridges philosophy, science, and psychedelics, exploring the nature of mind and reality.

•⁠ Dr Christopher Timmermann is a neuroscientist at Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research, where he leads studies on DMT and its effects on consciousness. His work examines the neuroscience and psychology of psychedelic experiences, with a focus on their ethical and therapeutic implications. Christopher is a leading voice in the scientific exploration of psychedelics.

•⁠ Dr Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner is a clinical psychologist and mindfulness practitioner with expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is a researcher at Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research, focusing on psilocybin treatment for depression and trauma. Ashleigh also works as a therapist and integration specialist, helping individuals process and benefit from psychedelic experiences.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Medical Sciences Building UCL, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom