Palliative Care and Psychedelics - Lauren Macdonald & Rosanna Ellis

Palliative care and its intersection with psychedelic-assisted therapy are explored through the shared experiences of a nurse and a patient advocate. The current medical framework for end-of-life care is described as lacking a deep, psycho-spiritual container to support people facing death, often defaulting to sedation rather than addressing deep existential distress. Personal narratives illustrate the profound impact of terminal illness, where patients grapple with loss of meaning, purpose, and connection. Psychedelic-assisted therapies are presented not as a panacea, but as tools that can facilitate psycho-spiritual healing. The discourse emphasizes that a good death is achievable, and that reframing the cultural narrative around dying, alongside collaborative, multi-disciplinary support, is essential to providing holistic care for patients and their families.