The Interface of Wisdom Traditions and Modern Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
In Australia, we are at a pivotal moment in the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Geopolitics aside, recent administrative and logistical shifts have positioned us as a global leader in mainstreaming these powerful, mind-manifesting medicines. The TGA reclassifications, while groundbreaking, have in some ways leapfrogged essential societal and professional discussions about the appropriate containers for these substances—issues such as set, setting, and support, cross-disciplinary apprenticeships, and best-practice protocols for preparation and integration are all pressing concerns.
Beyond the regulatory landscape, Australia has its own First Nations perspectives, as well as broader cultural and national challenges in navigating the intersection of modernity and ancient wisdom traditions. On a global scale, there’s an ongoing debate about how best to honour the cultural origins and custodians of these medicines while also embracing the enormous value brought by technological, scientific, and medical advancements. However, pitfalls exist in all directions.
In this salon, we will explore:
What an optimal cultural container for psychedelics in Australia might look like.
Whether multiple, stratified models are needed.
How to draw from wisdom traditions without fetishising them.
The role of materialist science, which often dismisses anything beyond its conceptual framework.
This, perhaps, is the ultimate integration—our collective container reflecting a fractal version of how these substances can either support or hinder personal and societal wholeness.
Key questions include:
How do we respectfully incorporate both our deep European heritage and First Nations perspectives?
To what extent should we let the cultural superpower of America dictate terms?
How do we ensure these medicines are not reduced solely to ‘mental health’ treatments, when their historical and existential significance is far broader?
By engaging with these complexities, we can begin to shape an Australian approach that is both grounded in tradition and open to innovation.
About the Salon
This is an informal, invite-only gathering for like-minded clinicians exploring the intersection of neuroscience, therapy, and altered states of consciousness. We foster deep, candid discussions in a space that values intellectual rigour, humility, and curiosity.
Our goal is to create a supportive community where practitioners can challenge, consult, and collaborate—without pretence or dogma. Conversations often begin with psychedelics but evolve into broader, more enriching discussions.
This isn’t a clinical case conference, nor is it an esoteric free-for-all. We strike a balance between evidence-based practice and the ineffable, between rigorous thought and open-hearted exploration.
Event Details
📍 Location: West Perth office – 1121 Hay Street
🚗 Parking: Plenty of on-street parking available at this time
⏳ Time: 6 pm - 7.30 pm. Please aim to arrive on time. We have a hard stop at 7:30 PM, but late arrivals are welcome.
🥂 Food & Drinks: Feel free to bring a small plate or non-alcoholic drinks to share.
We want you to feel at home—because the best conversations happen when people feel safe, comfortable, and free to be themselves.
Invitation & Community
While invite-only, we welcome trusted attendees to vouch for new members who might bring a unique perspective. There’s no requirement to be a mental health professional—our discussions span diverse experiences, backgrounds, and skill sets. What matters is an ability to think independently and engage in nuanced, meaningful dialogue.
To stay in the loop, text 0493 081 616 to join our WhatsApp group, where we share meeting notes.
A Note on Responsible Discussion
We do not condone or support illicit or irresponsible substance use. Psychedelics may be a jumping-off point for discussion, but our focus is on thoughtful, professional, and personally enriching conversations.
Join us for an evening of insight, camaraderie, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of this space.
About Us
Niall Campbell is a psychotherapist specialising in clinical hypnosis and psychedelic integration therapy. He has worked with high-functioning adults and children with complex behavioural presentations, volunteered at Synthesis (a leading legal psychedelic retreat), and hosted The Mind Manifest podcast, interviewing international experts on consciousness and personal growth. He now focusses on executive and creative coaching, working with clients to support them to live their most rich, full and meaningful lives.
Hannah Courtauld is a clinical psychologist with experience as a chief triage psychologist at a major European psychedelic retreat. Trained in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, she integrates Jungian, somatic, and mindfulness approaches, focusing on deep emotional healing.