Rosalind completed her BA in Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, followed by her MRes in Developmental Neuroscience at UCL/Yale. She is currently completing her PhD in Mental Health Science at UCL, where her research focusses on investigating the neural and subjective effects of various psychedelic substances (5-MeO-DMT, psilocybin), in both research and retreat settings. She has a particular interest in psychedelic preparedness and the crossover between psychedelic science and contemplative practice.

Colloquium Presentation: 15 October 2023 (WS 105 3.30-5pm)

Quantifying and Cultivating Psychedelic Preparedness: A systematic approach to meditation-based interventions

Abstract

The concept of psychedelic preparedness has emerged as a critical factor in shaping the safety, quality, and therapeutic potential of psychedelic experiences. However, the lack of a clear definition and validated measures has hindered systematic investigation of this potentially important construct. This talk will present findings from a series of studies aimed at addressing these gaps and improving our understanding of psychedelic preparedness. We will discuss the development and validation of the psychedelic preparedness scale (PPS), providing a standardised tool for assessing readiness for psychedelic experiences. We will also explore insights from a study involving experienced meditators, which investigated the most effective meditation techniques for enhancing psychedelic preparedness, and our work on developing a meditation-based digital intervention for psychedelic preparedness (DIPP). Finally, we will outline plans for an upcoming study at UCL that will pilot the DIPP, offering practical applications of our research findings. These studies collectively contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of psychedelic preparedness and its potential applications in clinical and research settings.