Calibrating the Inner Compass: The Science and Practice of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy - Elena Riedel & Dr. de Vries

From Ritual to Renaissance: The Clinical Science of Psychedelic Therapy

This talk examines the trajectory of psychedelic-assisted therapy—from its roots in historic healing rituals, through the underground research of the 1950s and 60s, to its current global renaissance in clinical science.

We will review the current research on compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD, which are showing significant potential for various mental health conditions. The data suggests these modalities can sometimes achieve in months what traditional therapy might take years to accomplish. This session will offer a balanced look at both the therapeutic promise and the necessary scientific cautions.

The discussion will focus on the critical relationship between set, setting, and substance. We will explore how careful preparation and a trusted therapeutic space are fundamental to the process, and why the therapist's presence is as critical as the medicine itself. We will also cover integration—the structured process that transforms the insights from a profound experience into lasting behavioral change.

This is a session for those interested in consciousness, the future of mental healthcare, and how psychedelics are reshaping our understanding of healing and human potential.

About the speakers

Guiding our conversation into the science and practice of psychedelic-assisted therapy is Elena.

Her unique approach is built on a deep foundation of clinical expertise, holding a Research Master's in Clinical Psychopathology and being a registered member of the Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP).

While her experience spans a wide range of mental healthcare, Elena specializes in guiding individuals through the complex process of integrating psychedelic experiences. Se has completed specialized training in Psychedelic Psychotherapy with the Mind Foundation in Berlin. She employs a trauma-informed framework that thoughtfully blends established methods like CBT and EMDR with holistic practices such as breathwork and hypnotherapy.

At the heart of her work is the conviction that an innate healing wisdom exists within us all. This talk will explore how these revolutionary treatments can help us connect with and calibrate that inner compass.

Field of Study: Clinical & Developmental Psychopathology (M.Sc.)Thematic Focus: Psychedelic Integration & Somatic Addiction ScienceCore Modalities: Trauma-Informed Therapies (NET, BEPP, EMDR)Academic Affiliate: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (M.Sc.)Professional Registry: NIP (Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen)

Joining Elena to provide a comprehensive medical perspective is Dr. de Vries. With a decade of experience as a medical doctor, his work is grounded in a deep understanding of human physiology, holding a medical degree and a residency in General Practice from VUMC Amsterdam.

Dr. de Vries’s interest in the field is long-standing, having contributed to foundational MAPS research on the cardiovascular effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy back in 2009. He has since completed specialized training in Psychedelic Psychotherapy with the Mind Foundation in Berlin.

At the core of his practice is a focus on addressing the root cause of an issue, rather than just managing symptoms. His expertise on the convergence of the physical and psychological will bring a crucial dimension to our conversation.

The bar is open from 17:00 – Arrive early, grab a seat, and settle in.

Talk starts at 19:30 and runs until around 21:00.

Stick around afterward —good conversations don’t have closing times.