Beyond the Trip: The Science of Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelics are everywhere right now. In the news, in Silicon Valley, in your podcast feed. MDMA for treating PTSD. Psilocybin for treating depression. But behind those headlines is a decade of serious clinical research that most people know almost nothing about.
What do the trials actually show? What happens inside a therapy session? And why are the results making mainstream psychiatry uncomfortable? Most coverage never gets close to answering any of that — this talk does.
As a psychotherapist and clinical researcher based in Barcelona, Marc Aixala has worked on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, participated in the first-ever psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression, and spent years running harm reduction at Boom Festival's Kosmicare programme. He has sat with people through some of the most intense psychological experiences a human being can have and built one of the most rigorous practical frameworks for what comes next.
That "what comes next" is called integration. And it turns out it might be the most important part of the whole process.
In this talk Marc breaks down what psychedelic-assisted therapy actually looks like in clinical practice, why the results are forcing mainstream psychiatry to rethink its entire model of trauma and depression, and what the science is teaching us about the mind's capacity to change.
What we'll cover:
What happens inside a psychedelic therapy session — from preparation to integration
Why the clinical results for PTSD and depression are unlike anything psychiatry has seen before
What integration therapy is, why most people skip it, and why that matters
What the Boom Festival harm reduction work taught Marc about the human side of these experiences
Where the field is heading and what it means for mental health treatment as we know it
About the speaker
Marc Aixalà is a Telecommunications Engineer and Psychologist with a Master's degree in Integrative Therapy and Strategic Brief Therapy. He is a senior Holotropic Breathwork facilitator and trainer, certified with Grof Transpersonal Training, and the author of Psychedelic Integration: Psychotherapy for Non-Ordinary States.
With extensive experience in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, Marc has worked in clinical applications of psilocybin for depression at Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and trained with MAPS in the therapeutic use of MDMA. He served as an integration psychotherapy specialist with ICEERS and co-founded the ICEERS Integration and Support Service. Marc has also contributed to psychological emergency services through Kosmicare, working as a volunteer, team leader, and trainer.
Currently, he is actively involved in clinical trials with psilocybin and is deeply committed to mentoring and training the next generation of psychedelic therapists. As a teacher, he created the ICEERS Integration Training and collaborates with various training programs for psychedelic therapy and integration, sharing his expertise with professionals who support those navigating non-ordinary states.
Agenda:
1915h - Doors open
1930h - Talk starts
2030h - Q&A
2100h - Drinks & Networking (on the terrace)
--
Growth Lab: Unlock Your Potential
Join us at Growth Lab, where ambitious minds gather to explore ideas that fuel personal and professional growth. Each session dives into powerful strategies and insights across psychology, philosophy, longevity, economics, and cutting-edge tech — designed to help you unlock your best self.
Expect thought-provoking talks, interactive discussions, and a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to bettering themselves. Whether you're seeking inspiration, new skills, or meaningful connections, Growth Lab is your space to grow.
Follow us on Instagram: @Growthlablive
Join our Meetup Group: Growth Lab | Barcelona Talks & Events