Journal of Psychedelic Studies
July 1, 2019
Jamilah R. George, Timothy I. Michaels, Jae Sevelius et al.
222 citations
The resurgence of psychedelic science for treating psychiatric conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction owes much to indigenous healing practices, yet the contributions of indigenous people, ethnic and racial minorities, women, and other disenfranchised groups are often overlooked in the mainstream narrative. This review first highlights the traditional role of psychedelic plants and summarizes the history of psychedelic medicine, then explores historical and sociocultural factors that have led to unequal research participation and treatment. It recommends broadening the Western medical framework to include a cultural focus and inclusive approaches for future treatment development and dissemination.
Journal of Evolutionary Psychology
September 21, 2020
Monnica T. Williams, Sara Reed, Jamilah R. George
62 citations
African American women have been largely absent from psychedelic research as both participants and researchers, and little attention has been paid to how psychedelics might address traumas caused by racialization. In an FDA-approved clinical trial and training exercise, three African American female therapists each used MDMA once. The primary themes that emerged from their varied experiences were strength, safety, connection, and managing oppression/racialization. These experiences were personally meaningful and instructive for how Western models of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be more effective and accessible to the Black community. The paper discusses the importance of facilitator training that incorporates cultural, racial, and spiritual themes, and considers Functional Analytic Psychotherapy as an adjunct to current psychedelic-therapy approaches.
Journal of Evolutionary Psychology
September 21, 2020
Monnica T. Williams, Amy Bartlett, Tim Michaels et al.
7 citations
Equity and diversity are essential for inclusive psychedelic research, yet oversights and misattributions of key figures persist. Dr. Valentina Pavlovna Wasson, an important early contributor to Western psychedelic science, remains under-recognized. Researchers must critically examine the foundations of psychedelic studies with an intersectional lens to avoid replicating social and cultural inequalities in the field's research and history.