MH Conversations and Connections Series – Lunchtime Seminar

Title: Psychedelic Psychiatry: Navigating Emotional Labor and Affective Atmospheres at Johns Hopkins

Co-organisers:

Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, HKUMed
Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, HKU

Registration Link: For HKU members / For non-HKU members   

Abstract:
Despite the growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, the practice of psychedelic facilitation — the guidance, support, or monitoring provided during psychedelic sessions — remains largely understudied. This presentation investigates the emotional labor and affective atmospheres navigated by clinicians and investigators at Johns Hopkins University’s psychedelic research center. Through situated, semi-structured interviews conducted at the center, we explore the emotional demands and relational challenges of facilitation work. In addition, we analyze atmospheric dimensions of psychedelic facilitation through perspectives on the role of setting design and debates over religious symbolism. Exploring the emotional and ethical complexities inherent in psychedelic facilitation work, we provide insights for clinicians, patients, scientific investigators, and others interested in this experimental treatment.

Speaker:
Prof Alex Gearin
Assistant Professor & Deputy Director, Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, School of Clinical Medicine
Research Fellow, Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, HKU

Prof Alex K. Gearin is a medical anthropologist with research interests in psychedelic psychiatry, wellness tourism, and narrative medicine. His latest book, Global Ayahuasca: Wondrous Visions and Modern Worlds (Stanford University Press, 2024) examines the globalization of an Indigenous Amazonian psychoactive medicine.

Discussant:
Prof Albert Chung
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine
Honorary Associate Consultant, Queen Mary Hospital

Welcome to join us!

Enquiry: Please contact Mr Edison Cheng (mehu@hku.hk).