| This research explores the experience of participants in rituals organized by the Santo Daime, a Brazilian religious organization. These rituals involve the use of Ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychoactive brew traditionally used as a healing medicine in South America.The study used semi-structured interviews to explore the thoughts and attitudes of six participants of Santo Daime rituals in the UK.The findings highlight a number of themes addressed in the discussion as follows: 1) increased awareness; 2) beneficial and negative effects; 3) modification of values and behaviour; 4) Ayahuasca as a teacher and as a discipline. Recommendations and considerations about the psychotherapeutic potential of Ayahuasca rituals will be offered to support the integration of this traditional healing medicine in Western psychotherapy practice. |
