Speaker Bio
Licensed Health Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, Author, and a member of the staff for Grof Transpersonal Training. Marc Aixalà is a Telecommunication Engineer, a Licensed Health Psychologist and Psychotherapist with post degree studies in Integrative Psychotherapy, and Strategic Therapy, and is trained in the therapeutic use of Non Ordinary States of Consciousness, and in MDMA assisted-psychotherapy for PTSD. He coordinates support services at the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS) where he provided integration psychotherapy sessions for people in challenging situations after experiences with non-ordinary states of consciousness since 2013. Marc works as a psychotherapist in Barcelona, a Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, and a member of the staff for Grof Transpersonal Training. He has facilitated Holotropic Breathwork workshops in Barcelona, Switzerland, Romania, Israel and Slovenia and is conducting research into its therapeutic applications. He has also been a Team Leader and Trainer at the Kosmicare psychedelic harm reduction service at the Boom Festival. Marc also offers talks, lectures and trainings about integration and psychedelic psychotherapy.
ICPR 2024 Abstract
Navigating the Psychedelic Integration Landscape: Adapting Practices in Response to Expanding Horizons
In recent years, the concept of psychedelic integration has surged in popularity within therapeutic and spiritual communities alike. However, amidst this surge, the precise definition of psychedelic integration remains elusive. Various practices have emerged under the umbrella of integration, leading to a landscape where the term is used broadly but lacks clear parameters. This ambiguity prompts critical questions about the nature of integration across different contexts. Is the integration process following a clinical trial comparable to that within a shamanic framework? How do cultural, spiritual, and therapeutic perspectives intersect in shaping integration practices?
This presentation aims to tackle these significant questions by delving into insights derived from clinical practice. We'll explore the various contexts in which integration occurs, aiming to uncover the inherent complexities and nuances of the process. A key focus of our discussion will be on the training necessary for professionals involved in integration work. We'll examine the essential skills, knowledge, and ethical considerations required to offer effective integration support.
Moreover, with the increasing availability of psychedelics worldwide, there's a growing need to adapt psychedelic and integration practices to this escalating trend. As access to psychedelic substances expands through various means, such as decriminalization, clinical trials, and shamanic explorations, the demand for integration support rises. This prompts crucial considerations regarding scalability, standardization, and ethical guidelines.