Welfare for Psychedelic Crises

Karin will reflect on Basil Beaumont’s experience in the mescaline experiments in the light of her welfare work with PsyCare.

Karin born in Buenos Aires in 1965. Her avid interest in plants medicines and psychedelics has been always an important part of her path. Karin began practising shamanism in a pure spontaneous way in the Brazilian jungle at a very young age. Her journey through dance led her to investigate the relationship between movement and intention, connection with other species, and the perception and transmission of information through movement and chanting.

In 1991 she travelled to India with her young family where she recognised early trance parties in Goa as a multicultural fusion of a tribal phenomenon, full of potential for the transformation and evolution of the planet. Since then she has been an active part of celebrations, gatherings and festivals in many countries around the world for 30 years. Karin believes that the work of the dancers is essential to reverberate positive energy and balance the agony that so many sentient beings are suffering.

Through her travels and participation on festivals and music events Karin seen many cases of people in heightened states of consciousness but also many cases of people struggling through the process. She realized that there was a need of pragmatic information and open conversation about psychoactives substances. With support from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and Boom Festival, Karin formed Psycare UK, a charity dedicated to helping people who are undergoing difficult drug related experiences at festivals for the last ten years. Karin continues to work as a harm reduction activist giving talks, workshops and trainings.

Her vision is a world where people understand and respect mental health and consciousness; where individuals have easily access to the information and support they require to navigate challenging drug-related psychological experiences; and where such experiences can be viewed as opportunities for growth.

Image: LDBTH189- Basil Beaumount, "Mescaline Drawing with Snake" (1936)