EXCLUSIVE: Bringing Decolonization, Trauma And Inclusion To The Fore Of Psychedelics Therapy

The following article is part three of three. See prior stories:

• EXCLUSIVE: The Importance Of Attaining A Decolonized Perspective Of Psychedelics Therapy
• EXCLUSIVE: Kambo And Sacred Medicines To Help Work Through Internalized Oppression

Charlotte James, a mentor of transpersonal psychology and psychedelic medicine, spoke with Benzinga spoke about the novel Psychedelic Liberation Training (PLT) program and what it means for the potential transformation of the space toward more comprehensive practices.

BIPOC communities have been, and still are, “definitely” underrepresented in clinical trials since the 60’s, James says. Approximately 85% of participants are white. 

The long history of medical abuse within these communities is likely the reason (though not the only reason) why BIPOC folks are reluctant to participate in clinical trials, even if they are approached, she explains.

“There’s a lot of mistrust in the medical industrial complex," James says, citing the historical implications that are only beginning to be discussed.

“Since BIPOC folks are technically the global majority, this idea that we’re a minority is a very North American, U.S.-Western concept, a narrative that’s extended and accepted,” James told Benzinga. “I see us in ceremonial spaces; it’s just that historically, when we look at the intersection of wealth and access to travel and training, and how stigma about drugs in our communities and how that impacted the perception of ideas like traveling to Peru. Ten years ago, I was the only Black person.”

An Open Program Toward End-To-End Decolonization

The PLT program’s design takes topics such as decolonization, diversity, equity and inclusion not as an afterthought but as central, James says.

The course is open to all clinicians, facilitators, and space holders “committed to decolonizing themselves and their practice,” yet no requirements (i.e. clinical designation or specific certifications) are set to enter. 

The program is not a facilitators’ training but rather can be taken as a “first step,” supportive supplement to engage in a facilitator training. “So that when you are going into these more Westernized training programs, having this as your foundation allows you to come in with a bit more of a critical ends about what we’re really supporting and replicating in our systems and our relationships.” 

This, according to James, is what it really aims to help dismantle and rebirth in the space.

“White-presenting people will be challenged by the material, but so will BIPOC people. We’re not just talking about decolonization as it relates to racism, but how it relates to oppression in general,” she says.

In the same way that all people have experienced trauma regardless of their identity, all people at one point in time came from an indigenous lineage, James adds.

"It’s also a look at really understanding that no one has escaped the process of colonization throughout history,” though in the present day some communities and identities continue to be directly impacted by its legacy.

Discussions will include how to work with neurodivergent people and those on the autism spectrum as well as those from the LGBTQ community to better support them with their preparation and integration process, and understanding how the history of race, neurodivergence, queer identity, have been impacted by colonization.

Photo: Benzinga edit; photo by Miha Creative and nfsstudi0 on Shutterstock; Benjah-bmm27 and Ben Mills on Wikimedia Commons.