It’s time for another Journal Club! We will be discussing the complex social dynamics involved in psychedelic spaces by reading the book chapter “Guruism and Cultic Social Dynamics in Psychedelic Practices and Organisations” by Jules Evans and Joseph Holcomb Adams (2025).
Abstract
This chapter explores the risks of guruism and cultic social dynamics in organisations that work with psychedelic drugs, which include therapist offices, clinics, research departments, retreat centres, training programmes, NGOs, underground ceremonies and new religious movements. It has been hypothesised, and argued by experienced practitioners, that psychedelics can increase suggestibility, amplify transference and facilitate an intense form of projective mechanisms in the recipients. They may thereby lead to ego-inflation and feelings of grandiosity and omnipotence in those giving the drugs and intensify cultic social dynamics in psychedelic communities – all of which can create conditions that make cases of harm and misconduct more likely to occur and go unreported. This chapter briefly introduces the terms ‘guruism’ and ‘cultic social dynamics’ and how these dynamics can lead to harm and abuse and then discusses how psychedelic drugs might amplify these processes, before outlining possible safeguards.
Why attend a Journal Club?
During Journal Clubs we discuss scientific publications related to psychedelics, dissect their contents and have an in-depth discussion about the methodology and implications of the research. Not only is it very insightful (and fun!) to do this in group form; it also helps improve your literacy of scientific publications. All levels of knowledge are welcome. You do not need to be an expert in the topics that are discussed – “no stupid questions” is the motto!
Location
CREA Amsterdam (Nieuwe Achtergracht 170)
Entry
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.