Beyond the Trip: A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast with Dr Esme Dark

Esme Dark
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 Beyond the Trip: A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast will be exploring themes relating to the therapy part of psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy as well as discussing some important ethical, cultural and systemic considerations to hold in mind when working in this space. You can expect wide ranging conversations with thought leaders and other inspiring humans working in this field and beyond. Your host, Dr Esme Dark is a clinical psychologist, somatic therapist and a psychedelic -assisted psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health space in Australia, UK and Thailand. She hopes to dispel some myths about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and bring a greater understanding to the community about the process, and the beauty, complexities and challenges that go along with it. Keep in touch at Insta dresmedark https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/about Find out more about the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University below:- www.monash.edu/psychedelics This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

  1. Dr Bill Richards: Living until you die: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy at the end of life

    FEB 5 · VIDEO

    Dr Bill Richards: Living until you die: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy at the end of life

    William A. Richards (Bill), Senior Advisor at Sunstone Therapies and a psychologist in the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has been involved in psychedelic research since 1963. He also is also associated with the Program in Psychedelic Therapiesand Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies. From 1967 to 1977, he implemented projects with LSD, DPT, MDA and psilocybin at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, including protocols designed to investigate the promise of psychedelics in the treatment of alcoholism, depression, narcotic addiction and the psychological distress associated with terminal cancer. His recent research at Johns Hopkins, in collaboration with colleagues at New York University, has focused on the potential value of psilocybin in the continuing education of professional religious leaders from different world religions. At Sunstone Therapies, he is focused on integrating psychedelic therapy into palliative care. His book, Sacred Knowledge:Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, published by Columbia University Press, now has been translated into multiple languages. We also explore: why psychedelic therapy is helpful in people with life limiting illnesses, what cancer clients report after psychedelic assisted therapy, the importance of involving the family in the healing process, how grief shows up in the body and how psychedelics can help us process this, societal views on death and dying and how psychedelics could help to shift these. Bill Richards – Book https://www.amazon.com.au/Sacred-Knowledge-Psychedelics-Religious-Experiences/dp/0231174063 Keep in touch with me at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast Insta: dresmedark Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/ Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/ Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelics Disclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

    1h 21m
  2. Beyond the Trip Mini Series: Life, Death and What Remains

    FEB 4 · VIDEO

    Beyond the Trip Mini Series: Life, Death and What Remains

    This mini-series explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy meets us at the edges of existence — in dying, in grief, and in the quiet question of what endures when life as we knew it changes or ends.

    2 min
  3. Simon Yugler: Psychedelics and the Soul

    10/29/2025 · VIDEO

    Simon Yugler: Psychedelics and the Soul

    Simon Yugler is a depth psychotherapist, psychedelic educator, and author of Psychedelics and the Soul: A Mythic Guide to Psychedelic Healing, Depth Psychology, and Cultural Repair (North Atlantic Books, 2024). With a master’s in depth counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, he’s taught in leading psychedelic training programs including CIIS, Naropa University, and Inner Trek. Drawing from Jungian psychology, mythology, and Internal Family Systems, Simon helps facilitators, therapists, and healers reconnect to the liminal wilds of the soul. His work is shaped by years of anthropological research and learning from Indigenous traditions around the world, including the Shipibo ayahuasca lineage and the Native American Church. We explore: · Simon’s connection to Australia · Indigenous perspectives in psychedelics, · Psychedelic culture in Oregon · Depth psychology and psychedelics · Simons new book psychedelics and the soul ·  Training in psychedelic therapy and its challenges · Therapist burnout · Cultural healing and psychedelics Reading list Simon Yugler: Psychedelics and the Soul  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204639597-psychedelics-and-the-soul Joseph Campbell : https://www.jcf.org/ Michael Meade: https://www.mosaicvoices.org/ Robert Bly: https://www.robertbly.com/ https://www.amazon.com.au/Women-Who-Run-Wolves-Archetype/dp/0345409876 https://www.bps.org.uk/member-networks/division-clinical-psychology/power-threat-meaning-framework Keep in touch with me at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast Insta: dresmedark Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/ Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/ Find Simon at: https://www.simonyugler.com/about Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelics Disclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

    1h 21m
  4. Sacred Roots: Right Relationship, Respect, and Psychedelic Healing

    09/07/2025 · VIDEO

    Sacred Roots: Right Relationship, Respect, and Psychedelic Healing

    In this episode, I interview the team of Sacred Roots. They bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous therapists and healers to bridge Indigenous wisdom and embodied practice into the growing field of clinical Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT). Through two-way learning, they hope to stimulate critical discussion, embodied practice and further research into this important field – for right relationship, respect, and the greatest possibility for our collective healing and wellbeing. im joined by Dr. Carlie Atkinson – CEO of We Al-li, Associate Professor of Social Work (Melbourne University) Jem Stone – Co-founder of IPAT (Indigenous Psychedelic Assisted Therapies), We Al-li Facilitator & Wayapa Wuurrk Lead Trainer Kirt Mallie – Co-founder of IPAT, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist, We Al-li Facilitator & Wayapa Wuurrk Trainer Mei Lai Swan – Sacred Roots Co-ordinator, Embodied Nature Therapies & Yoga for Humankind, Social Worker, Somatic and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist & Educator We cover the following topics : The philosophy of Sacred Roots Founding and values of Sacred Roots Indigenous cultural exchange in peru Therapist Training Impact of cultural exchange of therapists Upcoming trip plans – taking group of PAT therapists to Peru Where to find out more about this trip https://sacredroots.au/ https://www.onaya.io Keep in touch with me at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast Insta: dresmedark Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/ Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/ Disclaimer: This Podcast is for general information only and does noy constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy

    58 min
  5. Dr Rosalind Watts: Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore

    08/10/2025 · VIDEO

    Dr Rosalind Watts: Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Rosalind Watts — a clinical psychologist whose work as the Clinical Lead for Imperial College London’s psilocybin trial has made her one of the most influential voices in psychedelic research. Named among the 50 Most Influential People in Psychedelics and the Top 16 Women Shaping the Future of Psychedelics, Dr Watts stands out for her focus on integration, harm-reduction, and inclusion in the psychedelic space. Drawing inspiration from nature, she has developed tools and structures to foster connectedness after psychedelic experiences. One of her key insights from her time in the field has been that safe and effective use of psychedelics depends on robust integration support. This led her to co-found ACER — Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore — a global online integration community where participants embark on a 13-month journey to connect more deeply with themselves, others, and nature. We explore: · Her early work in psychedelic research · Sustainable practice in psychedelic therapy · Challenges facing the psychedelic field · The tension between medical models of distress and psychedelic work · Nature as a therapeutic ally · The ACER integration community Find Dr Rosalind Watts at: https://www.drrosalindwatts.com/ ACER Integration: https://acerintegration.com/ Recommended Readings keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedark Check out our new YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/ Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/ · Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelics The Hologram by Cassie Thornton: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53425744-the-hologram If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie: https://sharonblackie.net/if-women-rose-rooted/  Disclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

    1h 30m
  6. Campbell Townsend: Deepening Psychedelic assisted Psychotherapy with Somatics and Metaphor

    06/15/2025 · VIDEO

    Campbell Townsend: Deepening Psychedelic assisted Psychotherapy with Somatics and Metaphor

    In this episode, I’m joined by Campbell Townsend, Clinical Psychologist and Senior Research Consultant at Monash University’s Clinical Psychedelic Research Lab. With experience as a trial therapist on the Psilocybin for GAD study and training through MAPS, Campbell brings a grounded yet imaginative approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Don’t miss our upcoming “Deepening Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Somatics and Metaphor” In this experiential training, you’ll learn how to use metaphor and somatic tools to enhance Psychedelic assisted Psychotherapy. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or new to this space, this workshop offers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Register now and bring more depth, embodiment, and imagination into your psychedelic practice https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/media-1 In this episode we explore how metaphor is the language of psychedelic and how it can deepen therapeutic work across all stages of the psychedelic process. We also dive into somatic approaches, discussing how tuning into the body can enhance emotional integration and healing. Themes include: · The power of metaphor in psychedelic therapy · Embodied connection: working somatically with clients · Embracing curiosity and playfulness in clinical work · Practical tools to weave metaphor and body-based methods into sessions keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedark Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/ website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/ Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelics Find Campbell Townsend at https://islandpsychology.com.au/campbell-townsend Disclaimer: This podcast if for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy.

    1h 6m
  7. Lucine Eusani: Internal Family Systems and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy

    05/18/2025 · VIDEO

    Lucine Eusani: Internal Family Systems and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy

    In this episode Im joined by Lucine Eusani, Lucine is an Embodiment Facilitator, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist and Psychedelic Integration Specialist. We both draw on IFS a lot in our work and share our respective journeys with combining this approach with psychedelic work. We discuss our different pathways into this work, explore parallels between different somatic approaches such as 5 rhythms and psychedelic therapy, outline some key concept from internal family systems and share a little about how this work has impacted us personally. Lucine originally trained as a mediator, with an MA and Mphil in Conflict Resolution, Lucine spent a decade in South America working in mediation, facilitating of conflict resolution trainings, offering trauma informed yoga, and studying indigenous Amazonian shamanic traditions. With 2 decades as a trauma informed embodiment facilitator, she also became a 5Rhythms teacher in 2015. Lucine is trained in Internal Family Systems therapy (Level 1 and 2), as well as Somatic IFS for individuals and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples who want to work with their parts in relationship. Her 1:1 work is somatically guided and trauma informed, embedded in a deep respect for traditional plant medicines and embodied healing practices, and firmly grounded in the IFS therapeutic model. Lucine currently offers consultancy with training therapists for clinical trials in psychedelic therapy, as well as a 1:1 therapy practice specialising in Somatic IFS and IFS groupwork workshops. Find Lucine at : www.lucineeusani.com keep in touch with me at Insta: dresmedark Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/ website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/ Find Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab at www.monash.edu/psychedelics

    1h 46m
  8. Season 2 coming May 2025

    05/08/2025 · VIDEO

    Season 2 coming May 2025

    Beyond the Trip: A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast Season 2 – Launching May 2025 We’re back with monthly episodes featuring new guests and returning voices to deepen the conversation around the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. This season includes: Discussions on psychotherapy  techniques Therapy Demos Conversations on systemic and  ethical issues in psychedelic therapyThank you for being part of the journey so far, I am looking forward to sharing the next chapter with you

    1 min
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 Beyond the Trip: A Psychedelic Therapy Podcast will be exploring themes relating to the therapy part of psychedelic- assisted psychotherapy as well as discussing some important ethical, cultural and systemic considerations to hold in mind when working in this space. You can expect wide ranging conversations with thought leaders and other inspiring humans working in this field and beyond. Your host, Dr Esme Dark is a clinical psychologist, somatic therapist and a psychedelic -assisted psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health space in Australia, UK and Thailand. She hopes to dispel some myths about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and bring a greater understanding to the community about the process, and the beauty, complexities and challenges that go along with it. Keep in touch at Insta dresmedark https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/about Find out more about the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University below:- www.monash.edu/psychedelics This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

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