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A New Trip: towards a path of representation, inclusion and safety in the psychedelic movement

Psychedelics have moved to the forefront of global mainstream consciousness, and research continues to show their efficacy and promise in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other conditions. However, despite this focus and excitement, psychedelic research – and the movement more broadly - has a long history of excluding marginalised communities and dismissing instances of sexual abuse and coercion. Black and non-White communities have been historically over-policed and heavily incarcerated for possession or sales of some of these substances, and psychedelic therapy is likely to remain out of reach for these communities and those who experience socioeconomic disadvantage.

This presentation aims to unpack the issues of abuse, lack of safety, and continued exclusion for marginalised communities within the psychedelic movement in Australia and, more broadly, as well as highlighting the steps we all need to take to ensure equal representation, inclusion, and cultural safety.

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Meredith Hartley (she/her) is a musician, vocalist, music therapist, psychotherapist, and community engagement facilitator currently residing on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples - Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations (Vancouver, Canada). She has extensive experience working in early childhood, disability, community health, Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD), and mental health sectors. Meredith works with a holistic approach to address the needs of her clients, and special interests include LGBTQIA+ issues, relationships, psychedelic integration, spirituality, and transpersonal work. She received her Master of Music Therapy & Graduate Diploma in Guided Imagery and Music Therapy (GIM) from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Adelaide. 

Meredith began volunteering for Australian Psychedelic Society in mid-2018 and shortly afterward started co-facilitating integration circles. This led to a position on the committee in 2019 and taking over as President in 2020, leading the committee to develop a strategic plan in early 2021. 

Meredith is passionate about intersectionality, ethics & safety within psychedelic spaces and is keen to further this work within a Canadian context.

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