On Psychedelics and Spirituality

As psychedelics continue to move into the mainstream, more people are exploring their use for healing through spiritual transformation. Throughout human history the primary use of psychedelics has been for spiritual practices. Indigenous cultures continue to use plant medicines to connect with their cultural and spiritual beliefs. Yet today’s society tends to devalue or deny the spiritual impact of psychedelics, focusing instead on neurological and other medically related health benefits.
Studies have shown that the mystical experiences psychedelics provide are the main source of their therapeutic benefits. Many believe psychedelics can connect us to the innate spiritual aspects of our humanity, enabling us to access non-ordinary states of consciousness in everyday life. They can connect us with our true nature, life purpose, and other intelligences in nature.
Join CIIS Professor Francoise Bourzat and religious trauma healer Andrew Jasko for a conversation exploring the interconnection of spirituality and psychedelics. They examine common psychedelic experiences that can lead to spiritual transformation such as the dissolution of self and a sense of non-duality. They discuss psychedelics as a tool for spiritual healing and transformation while also touching on the cultural appropriation of indigenous practices and traditions within psychedelic spirituality.
Explore how psychedelics can be used to expand human consciousness and deepen our relationship to ourselves and the universe.
Francoise Bourzat holds a MA in Somatic Psychology from New College of California. She is a certified Hakomi Therapist. She is an adjunct faculty in the East West Psychology Program at CIIS. Since 1987, Francoise has apprenticed with shamans and healers in the US and Mexico. In the last 20 years, she has traveled with groups to Mexico, incorporating her counseling practice experience with her knowledge of expanded states of consciousness where she partners with Mazatec healers in Sacred Mushrooms ceremonies. She lectures internationally and she leads trainings in the US, France, Lebanon, and Israel.
Andrew Jasko, Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) in progress, is a former Christian minister turned spiritual activist and religious trauma healer who teaches about the integration of psychology, spirituality, and sacred and secular traditions. Andrew was born the son of a minister and became a preacher and missionary to India, after studying theology at Wheaton College and Princeton Seminary. As a Christian, Andrew’s relationship with God was his passion, but unhealthy religious teachings caused him an anxiety disorder, sexual repression, and spiritual disillusionment. After an agonizing crisis of faith, Andrew rejected religion and spirituality. Then, he had an unexpected awakening to nondual spirituality through psychedelics and spiritual practices. Andrew coaches spiritual and religious leaders to identify and heal from religious trauma and to re-interpret Scriptures through a mystical, nondual lens. Andrew’s writings and talks can be found at https://lifeafterdogma.org/
This conversation does not promote, facilitate, or require the use of entheogens. This event and the views expressed by the presenter(s) are not a reflection of the views of California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), its Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research, or the individuals employed by CIIS.
CIIS students, staff, and faculty receive discounts on all events. CIIS Public Programs Members receive a 20% discount on all events. Contact us for more information at
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Please note that we will check your ID for proof of eligibility on arrival at event.
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