The study is positioned at the intersection of psychedelics and psychanalysis. The aim is to develop a psychoanalytically-grounded theory of how MDMA achieves its therapeutic effects. The study will explore how the compound affects self-experience, emotional processing, reflective functioning, and broader relational patterns. The full title of the study is "Advancing understanding of MDMA’s psychological mechanisms of action: A phenomenological exploration of psychotherapists’ experiences".

If you are eligible and decide to participate, you will to take part in two medically supervised MDMA administration sessions at the UCL Psychopharmacology Unit, alongside a series of interviews, questionnaires, and reflective journaling (conducted mostly online). More details on the study sessions are provided in the FAQs.

We are recruiting psychoanalysts and psychodynamic psychotherapists, aged 25-65, preferably with 5 years of experience post qualification, and registered to BPC or UKCP. We are looking for individuals with very limited or no past experience of MDMA.

We have several other strict criteria, beyond those mentioned here, to ensure participants' comfort and safety during the study. To access the initial online screening, please click here.