The resurgence of psychedelic medicine as a promising therapeutic approach has sparked significant debate regarding its clinical, ethical, and professional dimensions. A central point of discussion is whether psychedelic therapists should have firsthand experience with the substances they administer. Unlike traditional psychiatry, where clinicians are not expected to personally use the medications they prescribe, the distinctive nature of psychedelic-assisted therapy raises important questions about the therapist’s role, empathy, and understanding of the patient’s journey.

This panel discussion will explore these questions through an academic lens, examining the ethical, practical, and professional implications of requiring self-experience for therapists working in this field. With a particular focus on the Dutch and European context—where developments such as the recommendations of the Dutch State Committee on MDMA signal shifting perspectives on the regulation and use of psychedelic medicines—the conversation will also address the broader societal and cultural factors shaping the adoption of these treatments.