Ciara Reynolds - How Psychedelics and Music create connection for Peacebuilding.

Psychedelics and music function as catalysts for social connection in post-conflict societies, fostering healing through collective movement and altered states. The Irish experience, particularly in the context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, serves as a focal point for exploring how shared cultural expressions and rhythmic synchronization can bridge long-standing societal divides. By promoting empathy and a broader sense of perspective, these modalities support the reduction of trauma-related symptoms like PTSD. The research indicates that music-based interventions and regulated psychedelic-assisted therapy provide critical pathways for reconciliation. Participants reported substantial improvements in their sense of connectedness to self, the community, and the global human experience, underscoring the therapeutic potential of these mediums in conflict-affected regions.