Ritualistic and ceremonial ethnomedicine + the mystical experience

An online study group suitable for students, the general public and professionals wishing to expand their knowledge on diverse conceptions of ethnomedicine. Dr Lani Roy and Violet Cordwell will explore the cultural and spiritual nuances of ceremonial and ritual ethnomedicine across the global community.  

Topics:  

• Diverse conceptions of ceremonial and ritual ethnomedicine 
• The function and purpose of plant medicine use across diverse cultural understandings 
• Ceremonial use of Ayahuasca, Peyote, San Pedro and Ibogaine  
• Set and setting across the global plant medicine community 
• Cultural considerations in the use of traditional plant medicines 
• The mystical experience of psychedelics  

Cost: $10 

Additional services: The Signs of Life Psychology will hold monthly study groups for students, professionals and members of the public. The topics will include: 

• Ethnomedicine  
• Scientific papers 
• Mental health interventions 
• Psychological interventions &theoretical frameworks

The Powerpoint presentation and journal articles will be available to attendees after the session. 

About the facilitators:

Dr Lani Roy
Ph. D Psychology, B. A Social Work (MHSW)

Dr Roy is a Psychologist, Social Worker and the Founder of The Signs of Life Psychology. Dr Roy is involved in emerging clinical trials and research projects in the area of MDMA, psilocybin and Ayahuasca in addition to being the co-ordinator of the psychedelic and plant medicine mental health professional network supported by the Department of Health.

Lani specialises in complex trauma, disabilities and dual diagnosis and working with the Deaf community by providing therapy in Auslan sign language.

She is a Board Approved Psychology and Social Work supervisor and works with a range of Australian universities as a sessional academic. Lani provides field education and supervision services across a range of mental health services, including PRISM (Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine) in partnership with Melissa Warner and EGA (Entheogenesis Australis).

She has over 15 years of experience working with suicide prevention and at various Rape Crisis Centres and Sexual Assault Crisis Lines and has provided social work services on various human trafficking projects in Kamapthipura Mumbai and the Philippines.

Alana specialises in preparation and integration in the field of psychedelic and sexual abuse survivors, particularly with Ayahuasca and the vegetelista dieta process.

Alana is passionate about co-creating a psychedelic ecology which values connection, safety and integrity, integrating science and the sacred.

Violet Cordwell

B. A Social Work (on-going) 

Violet is a third-year bachelor of social work student studying at Deakin University who recently completed their social work placement at The Signs of Life Psychology. Violet works as a learning and education advisor for The Signs of Life in addition to working in the space of institutional child sexual abuse where she has spent the first three years of her social work career. Violet has experience in case coordination and management; complex stakeholder liaison and high-risk case management; complex mediation and conflict resolution and training and facilitation. 

Violet is fascinated by the transpersonal, body-centered practices (including yoga) and the healing power of the natural world. Violet values integrity and compassion as the foundations of her work and seeks to reignite the relevance of creative expression, movement, connection, community and mindfulness to the social work field.