Gender Challenges in Psychedelic Retreats and Clinical Settings

Alexandra Plesner
3 min readMar 30, 2024

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Are women’s experiences with psychedelics distinct from those of men? The question arises amid a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of these powerful substances.

Yet, research remains limited in elucidating the potential gender-specific nuances of the psychedelic experience. Understanding these differences is important in designing thoughtful retreats, clinical settings, and psychedelic products and services. How might considering the gender question reshape the landscape of psychedelic exploration and support?

Once more drawing on my background in brand, communication, and design, I explored the current state of the psychedelic space, both visually and conceptually, with Jessika Lagarde, therapist and co-founder of Women on Psychedelics. We also spoke with Jemma Campbell, Head of Creative US, Moving Brands and put together some insights as to designing for something as personal as mental health.

Gender Challenges in Psychedelic Retreats and Clinical Settings

Do women respond differently to psychedelics than men? And, if so, how are their needs different when approaching these powerful substances?

While crucial research is still limited to help us understand how and why the psychedelic experience might vary vastly among genders, the rise of female-only retreats, clinical settings, and thoughtfully designed psychedelic products and services, are helping provide women with safer, more inclusive, and empowering psychedelic experiences.

Read the article — written by Alexandra Plesner and Jessika Lagarde — including key considerations in psychedelic design for women — as discussed with Jemma Campbell, on Psychedelics Today.

“It is very easy to think that design is aesthetics and aesthetics alone. Design is about much more than aesthetics — it’s about solving real-world problems and improving lives. When done right, it gives brands the ability to build connections with people much like human relationships.

So, when it comes to creating women-only spaces for psychedelic treatment, when patients may feel vulnerable and exposed, we need to fully understand and reflect on their unique needs and experiences. And that means women designers must not only be involved — they must be leading the vision.” — Jemma Campbell

Read the article — written by Alexandra Plesner and Jessika Lagarde — including key considerations in psychedelic design for women — as discussed with Jemma Campbell, on Psychedelics Today.

Jemma Campbell, Head of Creative US, Moving Brands speaking at Psychedelics Design Conference

Suppose we take a holistic perspective and acknowledge the significance of designing across disciplines, scales, and environments to achieve meaningful and far-reaching results. What role would psychedelics play in fostering our reconnection with ourselves and nature, enhancing our capacity to create with greater insight and purpose?

Jemma Campbell will be speaking at the first Psychedelics Design Conference on April 11th, 2024. The conference is online only and attendees will have access to recordings.

With a rich portfolio spanning major projects for global giants like GM, Microsoft, and Mastercard, Jemma specializes in crafting impactful brand identities and fostering deep connections with audiences. Her empathetic approach to leadership ensures collaborative partnerships with brand managers and CMOs, resulting in solutions that resonate emotionally and drive long-term brand success.

With a passion for sustainability, Jemma advocates for eco-conscious design practices, underscoring her commitment to creating brands that endure while minimizing environmental impact. Join her as she delves into crafting enduring brands and discovering the unique voice that sets your brand apart in the ever-evolving landscape of design.

Key Takeaways:

• The principles of branding
• Authentic storytelling
• A case study in branding
• Designing the future

Get Your Ticket Now

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