Related Articles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Psychedelic Medicine and Spirituality Conference Returns to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA – SOAP exists to ignite a regional conversation about the globally-emergent “psychedelic renaissance” and to unite locals in promoting the responsible employment of psychedelic substances. Cutting-edge research has demonstrated that compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin may offer healing from PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other clinical conditions. More studies promise to emerge, especially now that Johns Hopkins University has received $17 million to establish a Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. SOAP provides an inviting space for organic discussion about how our society can responsibly and safely benefit from such findings.
“We’re trying to be part of an international, academically-informed conversation, but we also want it to be personal and to unite people so we hold SOAP in a warm and intimate setting that facilitates individual conversations and connection,” explains Conference Poseidon (Director) and Speaker Coordinator Bryan McCarthy.
“At a time of healing in Pittsburgh after some terrible traumatic events, the SOAP conference is focusing on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy,” says MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. “In particular, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD is timely for the people in Pittsburgh and for the people who will come from around the world to attend the conference.”
The event will be eclectic, with separate tickets for each component and discounted packages. SOAP includes talks by scientists, business leaders, healers, and thinkers from various disciplines and perspectives as well as an art exhibition, comedians, and live music. The program will kick off Friday night with MAPS’ Zendo Project immersive training in psychedelic peer support and harm reduction, followed by a mixer for all event ticket holders. Saturday will be an all-day affair, beginning with science and therapy talks by Rick Doblin, Ph.D.; Gül Dölen, M.D., Ph.D.; David Rabin, M.D., Ph.D.; Shannon Clare Carlin M.A., A.M.F.T.; and others. The day will then culminate with live R&B piano music by Tom Roberts, live Jamtronica by Sweet Earth, live painting with visionary artists John Shook and Seth Leibowitz, and a stand-up comedy and variety show act with Sarah Rose Siskind. For Sunday, we will have talks about the philosophical and cultural aspects of the psychedelic renaissance: psychedelic policy reform, Burning Man culture, indigenous use of psychedelics, and more. Speakers include Mitchell Gomez, Sheri and Tom Eckert, and Kilindi Iyi.
In partnership with the psychedelic feminism advocacy group @CosmicSister, SOAP will be offering ten complimentary tickets through the Emerging Voices Educational Award, a new merit-based scholarship initiative.
Katlyn D’Aurora, Amphitrite (Director) of Awards and Operations for the event, explains the motivation: “By furthering their education and networking reach in this field, this opportunity helps people who demonstrate great passion for psychedelic science, medicine, policy, culture, or spirituality to come closer to realizing their dreams within the psychedelic renaissance.”
“Accessibility and inclusion is important to the greater conversation,” says Cosmic Sister’s founder, Zoe Helene, “Supporting talented newcomers who demonstrate potential in the field of psychedelics strengthens their visibility and enriches the movement.”
The location is a historic mansion, newly renovated and designed by professionals in the city and affectionately dubbed “The Sleeping Octopus” (@OctopusSleeping). The warm and inviting atmosphere it lends is essential to the intimacy our event strives to achieve.
Pontos (Director) of Facilities and Community and owner of the location, Brian Sieffert, describes its purpose: “Part of the intent behind The Sleeping Octopus is to support the community through inclusion and diversity, people coming together to celebrate this life and make it #GoodAllOver. SOAP continues the psychedelic discussion which unfolds the final frontier of our existence; emphasizing the things one can learn from psychedelics: wellness and kindness through education.”
We are very excited about this event and are working hard to make it special; we hope you will join us and help raise awareness about this unique opportunity for Pittsburgh!
For more information, contact Tyler McCloskey, Triton (Director) of Press and Public Relations for the event, at: (814) 660-3147 or tyler.mccloskey@gmail.com.
Website: pittsburghSOAP.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pittsburghSOAP
Instagram: @pittsburghSOAP
Twitter: @pittsburghSOAP
Tickets: soap2.eventbrite.com
Linktree: linktr.ee/pittsburghSOAP
###
From: Tyler McCloskey
Subject: The Sleeping Octopus Assembly on Psychedelics (SOAP) II, September 27-29, 2019
Who: The Pittsburgh Psychedelic Society (PPS), Inc., in support of fiscal sponsor, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
What: An invitation to attend the Sleeping Octopus Assembly on Psychedelics II, an intimate, three-day event that asks how psychedelics might help heal trauma, addiction, and other psychological struggles as well as provide opportunities for personal growth and spirituality.
Where: The Sleeping Octopus (mansion), 1300 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
When: 6:00 PM, Friday, September, 27—7:00 PM, Sunday, September, 29, 2019