Why integration matters more than the ceremony with Marc Aixala

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Marc Aixalà, a Barcelona-based psychologist, psychotherapist, and former engineer who has become a leading figure in psychedelic integration. Marc is trained in integrative and strategic therapy, is a certified holotropic breathwork facilitator, has worked on MDMA and psilocybin clinical trials, collaborates with ICEERS, and authored Psychedelic Integration (Synergetic Press). We touch upon topics of: Marc’s path from engineer to psychologist (01:01–02:57) How he defines integration & why definitions fall short (03:25–05:40) Marc’s metaphors for integration (puzzle pieces, astronaut, developing photos) (05:40–08:40) Sam’s grocery-shopping metaphor & Marc’s response (08:45–10:49) Two types of integration: crisis vs. growth (10:49–13:55) Seven categories of difficult experiences (13:55–17:10) Preventing harm through preparation & facilitation quality (17:10–18:46) Dose management and psycholytic vs. high-dose models (21:26–26:23) Self-inflicted overdosing & patient expectations (26:23–27:51) Positive/growth integration & the importance of immediate rest (27:51–30:33) Long-term integration: outer behavior vs. inner insight (30:33–32:13) Seven dimensions of integration (spiritual, cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioral, social, time) (32:13–35:33) Avoiding extremes: materialism vs. magical thinking (35:33–36:52) Why people resist integration & who should be concerned (36:52–39:53) Overuse of psychedelics and the risks of “more is better” (45:01–48:33) Spiritual bypassing & misunderstanding ‘light only’ approaches (48:33–52:10) Indigenous approaches vs. Western integration culture (53:08–56:25) If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com Find more about Marc Aixalà at: Instagram: @marcaixala ICEERS Training & Integration Programs: https://www.iceers.org Book: Psychedelic Integration (Synergetic Press)

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