Welcome to Part 2 of my interview series with Dr Marg Ross, clinical psychologist and Chief Principal Investigator of Australia’s first psychedelic-assisted therapy trial exploring psilocybin for end-of-life distress.

Marg has trained therapists and medical professionals around the world in psychedelic-assisted therapy and palliative care, bringing a deep interest in cultural rituals, altered states of consciousness, and the meaning-making processes that arise at the end of life. Her work is also informed by learning from Indigenous medicine practitioners, shaping a more expansive understanding of healing and human distress.

In our conversation, we explore psychedelic therapy as a profoundly existential experience—one that invites awe, perspective shifts, and deep personal growth. We talk about the importance of preparation, the cultural and relational dimensions of suffering, and what her research reveals about how people can transform their relationship to death and dying.

We also reflect on the role of documentary in capturing these intimate journeys, and what it means to witness this kind of care in practice.

Find Marg at 

https://www.studioimmersivetherapy.com.au/

Edge of Life Documentary – out on Apple TV

Paper on Trial results - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40858059/

Keep in touch with me at

Beyond the Trip Podcast available anywhere you listen to Podcasts:-

https://open.spotify.com/show/5g1sms2EXq72NW64nVQhzC?si=ff3548af32e84bf6

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheTrippodcast

Insta: dresmedark

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-esme-dark-627156a0/

Website: https://www.esmedarkpsychology.com.au/