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ONLINE EVENT: Nov 21-23, 2025
Be Part of the Inaugural Psychedelic Lived Experiences Summit
Get nuanced perspectives on psychedelic treatments.
Join 30+ patients, trial participants, therapists, and researchers as they share firsthand stories and expert insights, providing a deeper, more balanced understanding of psychedelic treatments, their potential and limitations.
In collaboration with our partners:
Finally, a summit focused on lived experience
Psychedelic treatments are often framed as revolutionary breakthroughs, yet patient experiences and outcomes vary widely. While many report profound benefits, others experience little benefit, or even harm.
As the field matures, integrating firsthand perspectives is essential to refining treatments, improving safety, and setting realistic expectations.
Lived experience voices are often overlooked in leading conferences, research publications, training programs, regulatory reviews, and key decision-making processes.
Until now, where for the first time, the voices of patients and trial participants take center stage. This isn’t just another psychedelic conference, it’s a necessary shift in the conversation.
This summit moves beyond "miracle cure" narratives. Through critical yet balanced discussions, it presents the full spectrum of treatment experiences, including breakthroughs, challenges, and everything in between.
This summit isn’t about "protecting the movement", it’s about fostering open, honest dialogue and amplifying nuanced firsthand insights to advance the field responsibly.
By embracing the full complexity of psychedelic care, we can improve patient outcomes and shape a more ethical, effective future for psychedelic treatments.
Featuring speakers from top academic institutions
Hear from leading international experts across Canada, the United States, Australia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
Bridging lived experience with research and practice
This first-of-its-kind summit unites firsthand wisdom, scientific insights, and clinical expertise to explore the real-world impact of psychedelic treatments. Discover how to navigate risks, optimize health outcomes, and foster safe, inclusive healing experiences.
3 DAYS
30+ SPEAKERS
3K+ ATTENDEES
Imagine a world where psychedelic treatments are shaped not just by data but by those who’ve lived them. That future starts here.
Discover firsthand wisdom on psychedelic healing from those who’ve been there
Understanding psychedelic treatments can be complex. While research shows promise, lived experiences often provide the best insights.
You may have explored studies, courses, webinars, conferences, or discussions only to find conflicting perspectives or missing the deeply personal side of the story.
This groundbreaking summit unites experts in lived experience, clinical care, and research to share key insights, challenges, and lessons that shape the future of psychedelic healing.
Amplifying balance, nuanced, and lived experiences
✓ Listen to diverse perspectives from patients with mixed outcomes.
✓ Gain a nuanced understanding of psychedelic treatment experiences.
✓ Learn from firsthand accounts of breakthroughs and challenges.
✓ Understand the complexities of healing through psychedelics.
✓ Explore the need for post-treatment support in psychedelic care.
✓ Discover key insights for informed psychedelic therapy decisions.
✓ Access cutting-edge knowledge and practical advice.
Why join and what's unique?
Lived experience is a vital yet often overlooked form of expertise in healthcare, and psychedelic research and treatment are no exception.
Patient voices are often reduced to extremes—either miraculous cures or cautionary tales—while the depth, complexity, and richness of their experiences go unrecognized.
Even when included, they are overshadowed by the dominant focus on clinical and scientific expertise, limiting their influence on research and treatment.
Firsthand insights from those who’ve undergone psychedelic treatments offer invaluable wisdom, often revealing nuances that standard clinical measurements fail to capture. Yet, lived experience remains largely underrepresented.
This summit bridges that gap. More than just a discussion, this is a movement to redefine expertise in psychedelic care. By elevating lived experience in research, treatment, and policy, we can create a more patient-centered future.
Whether you're a therapist, researcher, or someone with personal experience, your voice belongs in this conversation. Join us.
In a divided world, let’s unite, bridge gaps, and harness the wisdom of lived experience
As a patient-led initiative, we collaborate and coordinate to advance the field of psychedelic research and therapies in a meaningful and constructive way.
Real stories, real wisdom: Gain firsthand insights from those who’ve undergone treatments and clinical trials with psychedelics.
Beyond hype and fear: Authentic stories and honest, nuanced discussions beyond the narratives of "miracle cure" or "therapy cult".
Community and connection: Engage with a like-minded audience of patients, therapists, researchers, and advocates.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in mental health innovation and seeking to deepen their understanding of psychedelic research and therapies through the richness of firsthand wisdom and nuanced perspectives of lived experience.
Whether you're a therapist, researcher, clinician, healthcare professional, journalist, policymaker, member of a nonprofit or research organization, or most importantly, a patient or trial participant, you’ll gain invaluable insights from those with both lived and professional experience in psychedelic treatments.
"The greatest resource we have for making progress in healthcare is the lived experience of those who are affected." – Dr. Lisa Sanders
November 21-23, 2025
Explore the intersection of science, therapy, and lived experience
Join us online for this strategic 3-day summit. Watch all interviews free during the event or upgrade to an All Access Pass for recordings, live panel, toolkits, and community!
Lived experience experts
Join former patients and trial participants sharing valuable lessons to enhance psychedelic research experience and treatment outcomes.
Pedram Dara
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, Phase 2 open label clinical trial, Canada (2019).
Becca Kacanda
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, Phase 3 randomized clinical trial, U.S. (2022).
Daniel Friedrich
U.S. Veteran, peer support specialist and facilitator for Psilocybin and MDMA studies at the Portland VA.
Lauren Macdonald, MD
Psilocybin group retreat particiapnt, psychiatrist, clinical trial physician, UK (2018).
Cedric Codron
Esketamine (Spravato), clinical treatment for Depression, Belgium (2022).
Leonie Schneider
Psilocybin treatment for Depression clinical trial (2019) and DMT for Depression trial (2022).
Ian Roullier
Psilocybin treatment for Depression pilot study (2015) and Psilocybin clinical trial (2019).
Patty Birkhoff
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, Phase 2 open label clinical trial, Netherlands (2023).
Ian Cook
Ketamine-assisted therapy clinical treatment for Bipolar 1, Depression, and Anxiety, U.S. (2022).
Florence Moureaux
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for terminal cancer, special access program, Canada (2021).
Brad Gagnon
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, special access program, Canada (2024).
Maryam Jabir
Psilocybin treatment for Treatment-resistant Depression, Phase 2 clinical trial, UK (2021).
Ron Bowman
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, Phase 3 randomized clinical trial, U.S. (2020).
Leonie McCoy
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, clinical trial, Australia (2022).
Andrea Siclari
LSD-assisted therapy for anxiety in life-threatening illness, compassionate use, Switzerland (2020).
Clinical and scientific experts
Join experienced leaders in psychedelic research as they share insights on integrating lived experience to design better clinical trials and treatments.
Michael Mithoefer, MD
Psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and medical monitor for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD trials in the U.S.
Rosalind Watts, PhD
Clinical psychologist, founder and creator of ACER Integration, and former clinical lead for psilocybin trials in the UK.
Bruce Poulter, RN, MPH
Clinical trial therapist, trainer supervisor, and sub-investigator for MDMA therapy for PTSD trials in the U.S.
Sara Reed, MS
Marriage and family therapist, lead psychedelic research therapist at Imperial College London in the UK.
Chris Stauffer, MD
Psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, investigator for MDMA group therapy for PTSD at the VA in the U.S.
Chloé Pronovost-Morgan, MSc
Researcher, author of study on setting in psychedelic clinical trials, psychiatry resident in Canada.
Janis Phelps, PhD
Clinical psychologist, founder and director of the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research in the U.S.
Sandeep Nayak, MD
Psychiatrist, clinical researcher with psilocybin, and associate professor at Johns Hopkins University in the U.S.
Marcela Ot’alora, MFA
Clinical trial therapist, trainer and principal investigator for MDMA therapy for PTSD trials in the U.S.
Simon Amar, MD
Psychiatrist, investigator for MDMA therapy for PTSD trials in Canada and psilocybin therapy for GAD in Australia.
Julia King Olivier, MD
Psychiatrist, psychedelic therapist, founder of the Compassionate Care Center in Geneva, in Switzerland.
Tijmen Bostoen, MD
Psychiatrist, researcher, and study therapist for phase 2 MDMA therapy for PTSD trials in the Netherlands.
Joost Breeksema, PhD
Qualitative researcher in psychedelic trials and executive director of the OPEN Foundation in the Netherlands.
Monnica Williams, PhD
Clinical psychologist and professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
Paul Liknaitzky, PhD
Psychologist, clinical researcher, and head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University in Australia.
Pamela Kryskow, MD
Physician, board member of the Psychedelic Association of Canada, and medical lead for Roots to Thrive.
Houman Farzin, MD
Palliative care physician and psychedelic therapist specializing in psilocybin therapy for terminal illness in Canada.
Bill Brennan, PhD
Psychologist, clinical researcher, psychedelic educator, and co-founder of GuideSite Consulting in the U.S.
Meet your host
I’m Pedram Dara, a former MDMA therapy clinical trial participant and director of Psychedelic Lived Experiences, a patient-led initiative dedicated to advancing lived experience expertise in psychedelic research, treatment, and policy.
Since 2019, I’ve advocated for patient safety and treatment efficacy, speaking at major forums such as the FDA and the European Parliament, and at conferences like ICPR and Breaking Convention. My story and insights have been featured in research publications, documentaries, news, and training programs.
Although gaining recognition, lived experience is still underrepresented and undervalued. Meaningful progress in psychedelics requires all perspectives working together, beyond hype and fear, to embrace the nuanced insights of those who have lived it.
Summit themes and topics
Explore the impact of lived experience in psychedelic care. Sessions cover the practical, ethical, and clinical dimensions of MDMA, DMT, psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD.
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Treatment safety and efficacy: How patient insights can reduce harm and enhance research protocols and treatment outcomes.
🔥
Risks and challenges: Strategies to reduce harm and manage difficult experiences or adverse outcomes.
📜
Ethics and best practices: Ensuring integrity in psychedelic care, patient safety, informed consent, and safe touch.
⚕️
Comorbidity and mind-body: Navigating mental and physical conditions, chronic pain, and the impact of physiological effects.
💊
Therapy vs. the drug alone: Evaluating the quality of various psychotherapy models and their impact on psychedelic treatments beyond drug effects.
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Preparation and integration: Discovering key differences across drugs and therapies, plus aftercare and therapeutic support.
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Set, setting, and support: Exploring the role of expectations, biological, mental, social aspects in psychedelic healing.
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Improving quality of life: Going beyond clinical outcome tracking and providing holistic, whole person care.
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Psychedelic vs. traditional care: Comparing uniqueness of psychedelic therapies with conventional mental health treatments.
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Media and patient education: How to responsibly communicate balanced, accurate information on psychedelic risks and benefits.
November 21-23, 2025
Event details and schedule
Join us online for this strategic 3-day summit. Watch all interviews free during the event or upgrade to an All Access Pass for recordings, live panel, toolkits, and community!
What you'll learn and gain
Engage in critical discussions shaping the future of psychedelics. Gain insights into patient-centered care, ethical best practices, and the latest research to improve mental health outcomes.
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Integrating personal insights into healing practices: How leveraging lived experience expertise can shape therapeutic approaches and enhance the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic treatments.
👁️
Best practices through the lens of lived experience: Exploring the real-world impact of preparation and integration methods from those with diverse psychedelic treatment experiences and outcomes.
🌀
Transforming mental healthcare: How can psychedelic experiences deepen our sense of mind-body-soul connection, foster interconnectedness, and redefine healing modalities through the lens of firsthand experience.
⚖️
Balancing hype and hope: Finding equilibrium between excitement and realism. How lived experience expertise helps in identifying emerging clinical breakthroughs while staying critical and grounded.
🧬
Biopsychosocial model in psychedelic therapy: Understanding the importance of lived experience and how personal history, mental state, and social environment shape treatment experiences and outcomes.
🌍
Cultural competency, diversity, and accessibility: Addressing the unique challenges in psychedelic research and treatment for underrepresented communities, ensuring inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive care.
What makes this summit special?
✓ Hear directly from patients, clinical trial participants, therapists, and researchers as they share raw, unfiltered insights into psychedelic treatment experiences.
✓ Gain a nuanced understanding of psychedelic healing that goes beyond research papers and clinical trials.
✓ Learn from experts in lived experience, clinical care, and research as they break down key insights in clear, accessible language.
✓ Discover perspectives and lessons rarely discussed in mainstream psychedelic conferences or training programs.
✓ Understand both the breakthroughs and challenges of psychedelic therapy through firsthand accounts.
✓ Walk away with deeper knowledge, practical insights, and a more informed perspective on psychedelic treatments.
Join patients, therapists, and researchers shaping the future of psychedelic care
Psychedelic Lived Experiences Summit is for you if…
✓ You want to grasp the real-world impact of psychedelic treatments beyond quantitative results.
✓ You’re a patient, therapist, researcher, or curious about lived experience expertise in psychedelics.
✓ You're curious about nuanced perspectives on both the benefits and challenges of psychedelic healing.
✓ You’re exploring psychedelic therapy and want to make informed decisions.
✓ You believe in the power of firsthand stories to shape the future of psychedelic research and care.
Join the summit and get answers to these critical questions:
✓ What is it really like to undergo a psychedelic-assisted therapy session?
✓ How do people process and integrate their experiences after treatment?
✓ How do treatments with psychedelics impact mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety?
✓ What role do therapists play in ensuring safe and effective psychedelic experiences?
✓ What are the most overlooked aspects of treatment that patients wish they knew beforehand?
Leave the summit feeling...
✓ Informed, with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
✓ Empowered, to make confident, well-informed decisions about psychedelic treatments.
✓ Inspired, by the resilience, breakthroughs of those who’ve experienced them firsthand.
Invite your colleagues and friends
Share this event with your network and join together in shaping the future of patient-centered psychedelic care.
November 21-23, 2025
Attend the Psychedelic Lived Experiences Summit
Learn from seasoned experts in lived experience, clinical practice, and scientific research. Discover firsthand insights and lessons to improve clinical outcomes and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Psychedelic Lived Experiences Summit starts on November 21st and runs for 3 days, ending on November 23rd. This is a virtual summit and you’ll be able to watch online with a Free Live Pass.
Click the REGISTER NOW FOR FREE button on this page to claim your Free Live Pass, giving you live access to all summit sessions. If you can’t attend live or want ongoing access to recordings, you'll be prompted to upgrade to an All Access Pass after registering for your Free Live Pass.
Yes, all expert interviews are recorded. However, with your Free Live Pass, you can only watch them live online during the summit streaming days. If you know you won’t be able to watch the sessions live and want access to the recordings later, you can upgrade to an All Access Pass. This gives you unlimited 1-year access to all the recordings, plus other exclusive perks such as 3 live panels, audio downloads & transcripts, resource library, networking sessions, community platform, and exclusive partner perks. Professional All Access Pass also includes access to a hands-on group workshop and early access to our new training: Lived Experience in MDMA Therapy for PTSD .
The Psychedelic Lived Experiences Summit runs like a live event, with your host providing context before and after each session. However, expert interviews are pre-recorded and released back-to-back each day during the 3 streaming days. A detailed schedule will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event. Get your Free Live Pass now!
The All Access Pass gives you exclusive perks, allowing you to access the content on your own time, listen on the go, and access live panels where you can ask questions and connect with the experts. When you upgrade to an All Access Pass, you'll get: unlimited on-demand access, 3 live panel discussions, audio downloads, transcripts & summaries, implementation guide, curated resource library, networking sessions, community platform access, and exclusive partner perks! Professional All Access Pass also includes access to a hands-on group workshop and early access to our new training: Lived Experience in MDMA Therapy for PTSD .
If you’ve checked all your inbox folders (including spam, junk, and promotions) and still don’t see the email, please reach out to us. We’re happy to help! >>> contact@psychedeliclivedexperiences.com