BRISTOL: Psychedelics & Existential Crises - Navigating Psychedelic Aftershock (Talk & Discussion)

talk psychedelics harm reduction psychedelic integration social south west psychedelic science and mental health bristol psycare ontological shock
Hosted by The Psychedelic Society
Activity Psychedelic Socials
Local group South West
Enquiries to martha@symbiota.coop
Attending
+ 20 people
Add to calendar Google · ICS
Share
QR code

Navigating existential challenges after ground-shaking psychedelic experiences 

Standing back up: Navigating post-trip existential challenges 

Psychedelics can offer profound, mind-opening experiences, but they can also shake our foundational ground, our sense of reality and sense of self, to its core. In a recent study we explored the experiences of people who faced deep existential distress after a psychedelic journey—confusion about the meaning of life, identity, and their place in the world. These experiences affected their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and their physical well-being.

Participants shared the difficulties they encountered as well as what helped them navigate their challenges, including practices that anchored them back in their bodies, conversations that made their experiences feel ‘normal’, and support from understanding communities. Integration after a challenging psychedelic experience isn’t just about “getting back to normal”—it’s about finding a new, stable way to make sense of the world.

This talk will explore how psychedelic-induced ‘ontological shock’ can shake our foundational understanding of reality, and how integration practices and support systems can help rebuild a sense of stability and meaning.

Drawing from both research and personal experience, we will reflect on the complexities of this process and share insights on how care, curiosity, and connection can support the journey of integration. 

Speaker - Eirini Ketzitzidou Argyri 

Eirini Ketzitzidou Argyri is a researcher and writer with a background spanning psychology, education, and philosophy. Her PhD explores the double-edged sword inherent in the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences. She has conducted research on the challenges of post-trip distress, effective integration practices and meaning-making after challenging psychedelic experiences.

Beyond academia, she’s passionate about weaving creative expression, therapeutic insight, and community connection into her work.- Her creative projects delve into themes of identity, fate, and meaning. Committed to fostering community spaces for transformative learning and personal growth, she has been coordinating transdisciplinary psychedelic colloquia at the University of Exeter, volunteers with PsyCare UK, and co-founded a local ‘Holistic Integration’ group for those seeking to make sense of altered states and share integration practices with others.

Evening Schedule

  • 7pm: Doors open
  • 7.30pm: Talk begins
  • 8.15pm: Q&A

Arrive early to grab a drink and connect with fellow consciousness explorers!

 

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website

Our facilitators have agreed to our code of conduct. Learn about our procedure for raising concerns

MEMBERS of the Psychedelic Society get a discount off almost all of our events.
Join from £5 a month and become part of this amazing community with invites to special events and more.

Select tickets

This event started 12 days ago

Supporter £20

Your support allows us to create low-cost and free tickets for those in financial difficulty

Standard £15
Low Income £10
Add a donation to The Psychedelic Society
£

Become a member for discounts to almost all our events

Total
£

Your details

By proceeding you agree to the terms and conditions of Dandelion and The Psychedelic Society and understand this event is organised by Martha Allitt, who takes financial and legal responsibility for the event.

Add Direct Debit info to become a member of The Psychedelic Society (UK only)

Feedback on Psychedelic Socials events

4.6/5 from 264 ratings
Attendees describe the events as wonderful, inspiring, and insightful, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters meaningful connections. Participants appreciate the skilled facilitation, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunity to share personal experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. Many express gratitude for the chance to meet like-minded individuals and build community around the shared interest in psychedelics. Across the various socials, from sharing circles to speed-friending to storytelling, attendees consistently report leaving the events feeling nourished, open-hearted, and eager to return.
8 days ago
12 days ago
12 days ago
3 months ago
A fabulous event with excellent organization and so many like-minded people! There wasn’t a single moment or program I didn’t enjoy—in fact, I loved all of them. I’d like to give a special shoutout to Carly B, who was everywhere and has put in so much effort to hold the space and ensure everything ran smoothly.
3 months ago
3 months ago
Fantastic day very well organised lots of fun lots of connection with like-minded people had an amazing journey. Thank you for the great event.
3 months ago
Great event, loved the music, sound bath, and the talks on psychedelics. The venue was excellent, very comfortable seating, great cappuccino at the bar.
3 months ago
3 months ago
Fabulous event (only attended the evening but it was much needed and food for my soul)
3 months ago