We Haven't Discovered Another Planet, It Was Already Inhabited: (Re)considering Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy as Indigenously Informed Spiritual Care.
J Palliat Med December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/10966218251403848 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe paper argues that psychedelic-assisted therapy should be understood as a form of spiritual care rooted in Indigenous knowledge, rather than a novel biomedical discovery. It critiques the dominant narrative that frames psychedelics as a new frontier in mental health treatment, asserting that Indigenous peoples have long used these substances in ceremonial and healing contexts. The author calls for a re-centering of Indigenous perspectives, ethics, and practices in the development and implementation of psychedelic therapies, warning against cultural appropriation and the erasure of Indigenous contributions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelic-assisted therapy is not a new discovery but an Indigenous-informed spiritual practice that requires recognition and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems. |
Abstract
We Haven't Discovered Another Planet, It Was Already Inhabited: (Re)considering Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy as Indigenously Informed Spiritual Care.