Throughout human history, experiences of death and rebirth have appeared at the heart of many spiritual traditions, rites of passage, and healing practices. In psychedelic states, similar themes often emerge: encounters with ego dissolution, surrender, transformation, and the possibility of beginning again.
In this free online Intimacy Lab conversation, psychedelic-assisted relationship therapist Sarah Tilley is joined by Tree Carr, author, transpersonal psychologist and death doula, whose work explores the liminal spaces between dreaming, dying and altered states of consciousness.
Together, they will explore how experiences of 'death' and 'rebirth' in psychedelic and altered states unfold, what they can reveal about the psyche and the endless human quest for transformation, and how we can safely work with these experiences in a meaningful and psychologically informed way.
Drawing from transpersonal psychology, dreamwork, and the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, this conversation will consider how encounters with symbolic death and rebirth can reshape our understanding of identity and healing, and how psychedelic integration can support these experiences to become lasting sources of insight and change.
Together, we will explore:
Why themes of ''death'' and ''rebirth'' often appear in psychedelic and mystical experiences
The parallels between dreaming, dying, and psychedelic states
How these experiences may influence our sense of self, meaning, and transformation
Why ego dissolution in psychedelic states is experienced as a form of symbolic death
How psychedelic integration can support how we understand and work with these experiences over time
How experiences of ''death'' and ''rebirth'' can be opportunities for healing and self-development
The talk will be recorded with a live audience Q&A at the end.