From public policy to psychedelics

There would be four years between my first, life-transforming psychedelic experience and my transition to working professionally in the psychedelic space. But in those years, the call to this work was ever-present, even as I received my Master of Public Policy from Oxford and pursued a career in local government and public sector consulting. There was something about the flame that psychedelics had ignited that I couldn’t ignore. I had personally experienced the benefits touted by the modern scientific research on psychedelics, and a passion was ignited to share this with others. 

This was not what I’d expected. I’d always been open to trying psychedelics, drawn to the idea of exploring my consciousness and sceptical of the unscientific War on Drugs claims that presented them as dangerous. Yet, I wasn’t fully prepared for their life-transforming power.  It was clear that, when used carefully and intentionally, these were powerful medicines.  

Over the years, as I dove into the flourishing scientific research, learned more about the cultures that have used plant medicines for millenia, and embarked on further psychedelic journeys of my own, I felt increasingly called to learn the skills that make a consciousness-expanding journey safe and transformational, rather than disconcerting and distressing. 

In 2023, I finally followed the call to dive fully into this work. I travelled to Mexico and trained under a wonderful teacher in Oaxaca, an intensive immersion into the best practices for supporting people to prepare for and integrate a psilocybin (magic mushroom) experience. I also went on to train as a herbalist and in other alternative modalities, such as Reiki, broadening my set of holistic health skills.

Psychedelics are still illegal in many parts of the world — one of the many detrimental remnants of the War on Drugs — but the reality is millions of people are using these substances. And some are doing so in ways that are unsupported and unsafe. 

As a holistic plant medicine practitioner, I specialise in supporting people to prepare for and integrate psychedelic experiences, but my practice also includes herbal consultations and intentional cannabis coaching. In preparation sessions, I support people to lay the groundwork for a transformative, enriching, and safe journey. In integration, I work with them to make sense of the insights that emerge from their psychedelic journey, providing support and direction for these insights to influence their daily lives.

I have worked with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences. Clients have included freelancers, artists, public servants, and tech workers. Our work together has centred on themes including: support with depression, anxiety and trauma, navigating career transitions, sparking creativity, and exploring spirituality.

Learn more about my current offerings here.

Image by Andrew Charney via Unsplash.