our research

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

– Albert Einstein

We are committed to enriching understanding of psilocybin ceremonies and ancestral approaches to healing individual, collective and ecological landscapes. Through our own endorsed research, collaborations with leading universities and our contributions to kindred research projects, we explore Earth-Centred Consciousness, animism, deep ecology, ceremony and ritual adaptations, integration and long-term impacts beyond individual therapeutic models. This work seeks to inspire new approaches to mental health, spirituality and ecological awareness, enriching psychedelic research with meaningful cultural context.

Learn more about our research…

Endorsed Research

  • Veronica, the founder of Rooted Healing, is currently conducting research with Alef Trust of Liverpool John Moores University into the role of ceremony and ritual within psilocybin use. We are currently seeking participants - see below for details.

  • Using a mixed methods approach, we have explored transformational encounters with wild animals with the Alef Trust of Liverpool John Moores University as part of the Transpersonal Psychology department. Inspired by Dr Matthew Zylstra’s research into Meaningful Nature Experiences, we wanted to apply a transpersonal lens to such experiences.

Contributions

  • Naia Trust is dedicated to fostering a worldview of interbeing, recognising humans as an integral part of nature and advancing initiatives that reconnect people with the more-than-human world. Through their investment philosophy, they seek to channel resources into projects that inspire meaningful and engaged relationships with the living Earth, addressing the profound disconnection at the heart of today’s ecological and social crises.

    Rooted Healing is proud to be part of this vision, recognised by Naia Trust for our work in advancing ecological and human kinship through transformative programmes and gatherings. You can find our contribution echoed throughout their beautiful research overview.

  • We are currently contrubuting to a heuristic inquiry into the translation and integration of Indigenous Earth-based practices into multicultural modern life with Christiane Fulalove via Alef Trust of Liverpool John Moores University.

Partnerships

  • We have partnered with leading universities including Imperial College London and Lisbon University, examining long term beneficial health effects of psychedelic use.

  • We have formed ongoing collaborations with renowned independent researchers and are open to hearing from others.

CALL OUT: Ceremonial Participants + Facilitators

Take Part in a Research Study on Psilocybin Ceremonies

We are looking for participants to join a qualitative research study exploring the role of ceremonial practices in psilocybin use within contemporary society.  While existing research often emphasises the neuropharmacological aspects of psilocybin (and psychedelics in general), this project seeks to highlight the importance of context, focusing on the relational, symbolic and cultural frameworks that underpin these transformative experiences. 

In the absence of an intact lineage to provide a broader relational container for these experiences, the research will explore both the transformative impacts and potential challenges of group ceremonial elements as they are innovated and adapted outside of traditional frameworks. Your insights will help shape a more culturally and holistically aware understanding of psilocybin’s transformative potential.

Who Can Participate?

Experienced ceremony participants, who:

  • Are 18+ years of age.

  • Have participated in multiple psilocybin ceremonies in a structured, ceremonial setting.

  • Are comfortable discussing their personal experiences and reflections related to psilocybin use.

  • Are fluent in English.

  • Are psychologically stable enough to discuss sensitive topics in a study setting.

Please note, we are unable to involve participants who have partaken in Rooted Healing ceremonies.

Experienced ceremony facilitators who:

  • Are 18+ years of age

  • Have a minimum of three years of active experience facilitating psilocybin ceremonies, with a significant number of ceremonies (e.g. 20+)

  • Have undergone formal or traditional training, mentorship or apprenticeship under established ceremonial lineages or experienced guides, and/or they may be widely known and respected within the field through recommendations or endorsements.

  • Demonstrate ethical practice, including informed consent and participant safety.

Please note, we welcome recommendations from our community.

Study Details

Study Type: Qualitative interview-based study

Interview Length: 60–90 minutes

Location: Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom

How to Participate

If you are interested in participating, please reach out with a little information about your experience.  If you seem to meet the criteria, we will ask you to complete a brief screening sruvey. Once reviewed, eligible participants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Confidentiality and Ethics

Your participation will remain confidential, and all data will be anonymised.  Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without consequence.  If you feel distressed at any point during the study, support resources will be provided.

Contact Information

For more information or to sign up, please contact:

Researcher: Veronica Stanwell: V.L.Stanwell@2022.ljmu.ac.uk

We look forward to hearing your insights and thank you for considering participation in this study.