Importance of women in the psychedelic space: A conversation-with the co-founder of Women on Psychedelics, Jessika Lagarde
It’s Women’s History Month and Women’s day. Today, we celebrate by mentioning the eternal importance of women in the Psychedelic world. To do so, we spoke to Jessika Lagarde, a Trauma-informed Psychedelic Practitioner, Educator, and co-founder of Women on Psychedelics (WOOP). Join us in a conversation about adversities entering the space as a South American BIPOC woman. Her admiration and inspiration for other women in the field, the reasoning and the goals behind WOOP, how you support and become a part of this project. We discuss the F.E.M. approach the group uses in retreats to help people connect with themselves and others. How might Women’s unique experiences with trauma, mental health, and resilience shape their perspectives on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and advice to women who want to make a difference in this field? What kind of legacy she hopes women in the psychedelic space leave for future generations and much more!
Read the full interview below!
How did psychedelics enter your life, and what drove you to work with these substances?
Psychedelics entered my life during a season of profound darkness, a time thick with unknowing and ache. Before then, they had only been companions for fleeting moments of joy, a backdrop to late-night conversations and music. But life has a way of demanding deeper encounters. After leaving a relationship that fractured something in me, I stood at a crossroads, heavy with the weight of depression and anxiety, a stranger even to myself.
Living far from the landscapes I once called home (I was living in Thailand back then), I tried the usual paths—therapy, self-help—but they skimmed the surface, leaving the deeper wounds untouched: grief, abandonment, the chaotic echoes of an unsettled upbringing. That relationship had stirred them all into a storm, and I no longer recognized the face that met me in the mirror. (read a bit more about it in this article)
Psychedelics became one of many tools I reached for, but they were the ones that turned everything inside out. They didn’t erase the pain; instead, they guided me toward it, insisting that I sit with it until it softened into understanding. These medicines became mirrors, reflecting truths I had long buried. They helped me shed the heavy garments of conditioning—the whispers that said I wasn’t enough, that I didn’t belong. Slowly, with the guidance of psilocybin, I began to remember an inner strength, a purpose I hadn’t known was waiting for me.
This work of becoming—it’s still unfolding.
It was that transformation, raw and undeniable, that led me to this path of working with psychedelics. They didn’t just help me heal; they rewrote the story I was living and handed me a new way of seeing—both the world and myself.
My journey with education, though, began long before that. I was raised by my grandparents after losing both my parents. My father died when I was nine from pneumonia linked to HIV. My mother, a fleeting presence in my life, passed ten years later, her life shaped by addiction. Grief carved itself into my childhood, and I learned early how stigma and ignorance could erode lives and silence stories.
Perhaps that’s why I felt called to shift the narrative. I co-founded Women on Psychedelics to create a space where women’s voices are heard and respected—where their journeys are seen as sacred and worthy of honor.
To me, this work isn’t just about the medicines but what they reveal to us. It’s about connection, courage, and reclaiming what was always ours: healing as a birthright. Psychedelics have been profound teachers, and I remain a student, learning as I guide others on their journeys of remembering.
When growing up, did you ever think you would be working in the realm of psychedelics?
Not at all. Growing up, I carried a deeply negative view of drugs. My mother struggled with addiction, and that left an indelible mark on how I saw substances of any kind. Drugs were something that brought chaos and loss—not healing. I never imagined I would even try them, let alone dedicate my life to working in the realm of psychedelics.
Psychedelics completely rewrote my understanding of what these substances could be when approached with intention, respect, and reverence.
Have you ever faced any challenges entering the world of psychedelics?
Absolutely. As a South American BIPOC woman, stepping into the psychedelic space has come with unique challenges. This field, like many others, has historically been dominated by Western, white, male perspectives, which can make it difficult for voices like mine—and the communities I represent—to be fully seen and valued. There’s often a lack of cultural understanding or acknowledgement of the ancestral and Indigenous knowledge from which many of these medicines originate.
The challenges go beyond representation. Stability within psychedelic facilitation work is a constant struggle. The legal grey areas surrounding these substances create barriers to access for both practitioners and those seeking healing. There’s also ongoing censorship—Google ads, social media algorithms, and online platforms are quick to flag or suppress educational content about psychedelics, even when it’s harm-reduction-focused or entirely legal.
Despite these hurdles, I remain committed to this work. It’s about more than the medicines themselves—it’s about fostering safe, inclusive, and informed spaces for healing. And it’s about advocating for a future where these tools are accessible to all who need them, without fear or stigma.
Is there any specific research that you have been interested in recently?
Yes, I’ve been particularly interested in the work being done by Hystelica, which is focused on researching, advocating for, and educating about safe and effective psychedelic use for women. Their mission resonates deeply with the work I do and the gaps I see in this space.
They’re doing critical work to better understand the unique needs and experiences of women using psychedelics. This includes identifying potential female-specific applications for these substances, as well as highlighting gender-based disparities in how psychedelics are accessed, experienced, and integrated.
What I find especially important is their commitment to developing evidence-based recommendations for supporting women in psychedelic spaces. Too often, the gender-specific needs of women are overlooked in conversations about psychedelics, so research like this is essential for shaping a more inclusive, informed, and supportive future for psychedelic healing.
Who are some women in the psychedelic field that you admire the most?
Micah Stover – a dear friend, mentor and colleague of mine at WOOP, Micah is a trauma therapist and writer, read more about her story here.
Tabat Gerk – a dear friend, and colleague and we also share Brazilian roots. Tabata is doing beautiful work in my home country bringing education and bridging western and indigenous knowledge also in facilitation. We are currently working together in a collaboration to bring education around microdosing mushrooms (in portuguese).
Mikaela de la Myco – Mikaela’s work has been inspiring to me for about 4 years. I love how she shares her voice in this space, her educational resources and her deep knowledge. Every time I watch an event in which she is a speaker, I learn something new.
Laura Dawn – Lara’s work has been a reference and inspiration for me to her views on psychedelics and how to use them beyond the current paradigm science tries to fit them into. Laura’s work is also very much focused on the collective and how we can create a better world together and many of her views of the world are very aligned with my own.
Importance of Women in the psychedelic space
When examining the traditional use of psychedelics, such as Peyote, it is clear that women play a significant role in these ceremonies. They not only complete specific tasks but also embody a deep connection with Mother Nature and the spirit of Mother Peyote. Coming from Brazil, does the same happen in the Indigenous communities working with sacred plants like Ayahuasca?
In Indigenous communities across Brazil, women hold profound and multifaceted roles as healers in ceremonies involving sacred plants. I see their contributions often extending beyond ceremonial leadership to encompass the nurturing and spiritual care that sustains both individuals and the collective and varies according to the community where they come from.
As curandeiras (healers), women use their knowledge of medicinal plants, often working alongside Ayahuasca and other plant teachers, to treat physical ailments and restore balance to the body. They prepare plant-based remedies and offer guidance on how to live harmoniously with the natural world.
Many women are also rezadeiras (prayer leaders) who lead prayers and chants during ceremonies, invoking the spirits of the plants and ancestors to guide the healing process. Their prayers are seen as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds.
As guardians of sacred songs (cantoras), they use icaros (sacred songs) to direct the flow of energy during ceremonies. These songs are not just melodies but tools for invoking healing, guiding visions, and providing protection.
Women often also act as spiritual guides, offering emotional and psychological support to participants throughout their journeys. Women are frequently involved in the preparation and blessing of the Ayahuasca brew (outside of the indigenous context, see Santo Daime), infusing it with prayerful intentions and reverence for the spirit of the plant. Their care and intention are seen as essential to the potency and integrity of the brew.
One theory that amused me when reading it a few years ago was the fact that everyone creates ties with their mother, whether man or woman. We have our first memories and release the first neurochemicals besides our mothers. Additionally, women have a more nurturing, intuitive and compassionate nature. Do you think this plays a role in healing and psychedelic therapy? If so, how?
The mother is the first landscape we ever inhabit, the rhythm and warmth that cradle us long before we know ourselves. Whether through the literal mother or the archetype she represents, we are shaped by that primal connection (or lack of), imprinted by the tender alchemy of nurture, intuition, and compassion.
To me, these qualities are active medicines, forces that mend what has been broken and soften what has been hardened. And when talking about healing and psychedelic therapy, they are profound guides.
As a woman guiding others through psychedelic journeys, you often find yourself embodying a reparative mother figure—sometimes without even intending to. Many who come to this work carry wounds born in their earliest relationships, particularly with their mothers. They aren’t just seeking relief from present struggles but a reweaving of those older threads.
I view sitting with someone through the rawness and wonder that psychedelics reveal as an offering of unconditional love—a reminder that they are enough, that their pain isn’t too much, and that they can be seen fully, without shame.
But beyond the personal, there are other ways I see the archetype of the mother move through this work. There’s an almost sacred impulse to care for those you sit with as if they were your own children—not in a possessive way, but with a fierce tenderness that meets whatever arises: joy, terror, rage, grief. You cradle their experiences, trusting that, like all living things, they will find their way toward growth and wholeness if nurtured and accepted.
This is the gift and the responsibility of this work. It’s about creating a container where people can re-experience what it means to be truly held—not just by you, but by the larger, cosmic mother that resides in all things. Through this connection, they remember how to mother themselves, and how to meet their own inner child with love and care. And isn’t that the deepest form of healing?
What other unique perspectives do you think women bring to the psychedelic space?
I believe that women’s presence in the psychedelic space is an invitation to feel the subtle rhythms of the soul. The unspoken, the unseen, the energies that flutter between us all. This is not the kind of knowing that can be found in books or theory; it is a wisdom that emerges through lived experience, through being held by the Earth, through the ebb and flow of cycles—of birth, death, and rebirth.
Women are often deeply attuned to the energetic undercurrents that run through the psyche, able to offer guidance not from a place of attunement. We can sit with the chaos of a journey and cradle it, knowing that healing is not about solving or fixing, but about holding, witnessing, and allowing.
And in the spirit of this deep attunement, women in the psychedelic space are challenging the very structures that have long dictated who gets to access these medicines and how they are used. They are rewriting the narratives of healing, ensuring that these sacred medicines are used with reverence, justice, and care: acknowledging the trauma of colonization, patriarchy, and oppression that has shadowed the plant world for centuries. We are creating spaces where safety, inclusivity, and trust are the very foundation of the work.
The archetype of the mother, the nurturer, and the guide are the roles that the medicine itself calls forth. There is a tenderness in this work, a willingness to meet others in their pain with unconditional love and compassion, but there is also an unshakable strength. Women are not simply holding space; they are catalyzing growth, holding the tension between what is and what could be, inviting each person to remember their own agency, their own wisdom, and their own capacity for transformation.
So, to me, women bring to this space not just a perspective but a presence—a way of knowing that embraces the complexity, the paradox, and the beauty of the journey.
How might women’s unique experiences with trauma, mental health, and resilience shape their perspectives on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics?
Many women have lived through layers of personal and collective struggles—whether related to gender, race, family dynamics, or societal expectations. These lived experiences give us a nuanced understanding of the healing journey, one that isn’t simply about fixing or numbing, but about unravelling and reconnecting.
For example, many women have experienced trauma—whether from childhood neglect, abuse, or the weight of systemic oppression— and they carry deep scars that shape how they approach healing. Psychedelics offer a pathway to confront these wounds not through avoidance or suppression but through integration.
Women often approach this work with the understanding that healing requires time, patience, and deep emotional work. They know firsthand the importance of being met with compassion in their vulnerability, and they bring that same gentleness to their work with others.
This perspective is also shaped by women’s often-lived experience of mental health challenges—whether it’s depression, anxiety, or the invisible weight of stress. For many women, the pressure to hold everything together, to perform, to be “strong” in the face of adversity can lead to feelings of isolation.
Psychedelics allow women to release the tight grip on these emotions, giving us the space to soften, breathe, and reconnect to our bodies. In this sense, we see psychedelics as tools for self-compassion—an opportunity to hold ourselves in the same nurturing way they might hold a child or a loved one.
This is how resilience emerges: not from “pushing through,” but from allowing oneself to be held by the medicine and by the process of healing itself.
Women’s resilience is often born from our capacity to relate—to our children, our communities, and the larger world. This makes us uniquely positioned to guide others in psychedelic spaces, where deep emotional and psychological work takes place.
More than that, the psychedelic experience offers us the chance to reclaim parts of ourselves that have been silenced or dismissed. Whether it’s the power of our intuition, our bodies, or emotions, psychedelics allow us to connect to the parts of ourselves that society has often told us to suppress or ignore. This is a reclamation of agency—an embodied recognition of our own strength and worth.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a woman in the psychedelic space? What advice would you give to women who want to make a difference in this field?
I feel that the most rewarding part of my journey as a woman in this space has been witnessing the transformation, not just in individuals, but in the way we collectively approach healing, spirituality, and power. For so long, these spaces have been dominated by certain narratives, often leaving out the voices and wisdom of women. To be a part of shifting that narrative, to create spaces where women can show up fully, reclaim their power, and connect with the deep ancestral wisdom within them has been profoundly fulfilling.
What I find most rewarding is knowing that the work I’m doing is part of a larger movement toward healing and collective regeneration. Women, especially those who have experienced trauma or marginalization, have unique insights into the ways healing can be relational, interconnected, and rooted in compassion and resilience.
In my work, I’ve come to understand that when women are empowered, they don’t just heal for themselves—they heal for their families, their communities, and the collective. It’s a ripple effect. Psychedelics, in this way, become more than a tool for self-discovery; they become a pathway to social change, rooted in love, truth, and self-compassion.
To the women who want to make a difference in this field, my advice is simple: trust your intuition and stay committed to your authenticity. The psychedelic space is rich with potential, but it’s also filled with pitfalls—both external and internal. There will be pressure to fit into certain molds, to conform to a particular idea of what it means to be a “good facilitator” or “healer.” Resist that. Know that your unique voice, your lived experience, and your own healing journey are what will allow you to truly make a difference while remaining in integrity with yourself.
Don’t be afraid to bring all of yourself to the work. Your sensitivity, your emotional depth, and your capacity for empathy are not weaknesses; they are your strengths. Let your story be part of the healing story you help others uncover.
Also, remember that this work is not a linear path. Healing isn’t just about understanding the medicine or the protocols. It’s about understanding the process of transformation itself, which includes the messiness, the vulnerability, and the challenges that come with it. Be patient with yourself. Your growth as a guide, as a practitioner, is a process of unfolding—just like the journeys of those you’ll sit with.
And lastly, know that you are not alone. There is a growing community of women in this space, and together, we are creating something radically different—a space where our voices are honored, where healing is not transactional but relational, and where we are all empowered to bring our full selves to the work. Keep showing up. Keep trusting. Keep breaking the boundaries of what this space can be. The world needs your wisdom now more than ever.
What kind of legacy do you hope women in the psychedelic space leave for future generations?
The legacy I hope women in the psychedelic space leave is one rooted in deep connection, authenticity, and reverence for all life. I envision a future where women’s work is seen as a radical reclamation of power, agency, and wisdom. A world where women show up as their whole, unbroken selves, free from societal expectations and historical trauma.
I also hope this legacy challenges patriarchal, capitalist, and colonial frameworks, creating an inclusive space where healing is a birthright and plant medicines are respected. I want future generations to inherit a space where marginalized voices are valued, and indigenous wisdom is woven into our approach to healing and growth.
Lastly, I hope women in the psychedelic space leave a legacy of deep integration—where psychedelics are seen as part of a larger tradition of healing that shapes compassionate, resilient, and just societies. It’s not just about the experience, but how we use it to transform the world around us.
Founding WOOP
You are the co-founder of Women on Psychedelics (WOOP). What made you start this page and movement to promote women in the world of psychedelics?
I co-founded Women on Psychedelics (WOOP) because, after my own journey of healing through psychedelics, I realized how deeply women’s voices were missing from this space. During the pandemic in 2020, I connected with Tian, and we saw an opportunity to create a platform that centered women in the psychedelic world. We were inspired by the need for safe, supportive spaces where women could explore the mindful use of psychedelics without fear of judgment or stigma.
For me, this mission is deeply personal. Having grown up with the loss of both my parents and experiencing firsthand how stigma and ignorance can silence people, especially women, I felt called to help shift the narrative. Women on Psychedelics became a way to amplify these voices, offering education, harm reduction, and a sense of community to women worldwide. We wanted to create a platform that not only supported personal healing journeys but also empowered women to navigate their experiences with autonomy and integrity.
The movement grew organically, and women from all over the world started to join, share, and contribute to this collective journey. The strength of this community has reinforced the importance of what we are doing: creating a space where women can express themselves authentically and embrace the healing potential of psychedelics on their terms.
What is the goal of WOOP, and what do you plan to achieve with the project?
Our mission keeps evolving as the years pass by and we grow in our own personal journeys. Today, through our platform, we aim to provide essential education, harm-reduction tools, and resources to help women navigate their psychedelic journeys with confidence and autonomy. We want to ensure that women of diverse backgrounds have access to the knowledge and support they need to engage with these powerful tools in a responsible and transformative way.
We also hope to foster a global community where women can come together, share their stories, and learn from one another, creating a culture of holistic healing, authentic self-expression, and collective empowerment.
We plan to continue expanding our reach, collaborating with like-minded organizations, and advocating for inclusive, trauma-informed, and accessible psychedelic education for women everywhere.
Which services does WOOP provide? And how can people reach out to find more?
We provide a variety of services designed to support women on their healing journeys with the guidance of psychedelics. These services include:
- Psychedelic Facilitation: We offer private sessions, group ceremonies, and retreats where women can engage with psychedelics in a safe, supported trauma-informed environment.
- Educational Events: We host both in-person and online events that focus on educating women about the mindful, intentional use of psychedelics. These events provide tools for safe and responsible engagement with psychedelics, as well as harm reduction strategies.
- Conscious Tripping Program: This online program offers women a comprehensive guide to preparing for and integrating psychedelic experiences. It is designed to empower women by providing the knowledge and support necessary to navigate their journeys with confidence.
- Retreats: We organize immersive retreats, like our upcoming one in Costa Rica this April, that provide a holistic environment for women to heal, connect, and explore psychedelics in nature.
At WOOP, our F.E.M. approach—Feel, Move, and Express—forms the foundation for all our services. It empowers women to connect deeply with their bodies, minds, and spirits, and embrace their journey of self-expression, self-acceptance, and heightened self-awareness.
To learn more or reach out, you can visit our website, follow us on social media, or contact us directly through our platform. We are here to support women worldwide in creating a safe, transformative space for their psychedelic journeys.
One thing that caught my eye when exploring the WOOP page was that you integrate an F.E.M. approach to help people connect with themselves and others. Can you explain more about what F.E.M. is and the processes behind its importance?
The F.E.M. approach at Women on Psychedelics (WOOP) is a unique framework that we designed to honor the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, providing a holistic path for personal growth and healing. It’s built around three core principles: Feel, Move, and Express—all of which support women in cultivating deeper self-awareness, personal transformation, and a more authentic connection to themselves and others.
Here’s a closer look at each element:
Feel:
At the foundation of the F.E.M. approach is the importance of connecting with our emotions. We believe that our emotions are a wellspring of wisdom and insight, providing the keys to unlock deeper truths about who we are. When we allow ourselves to feel fully, we build greater self-awareness and cultivate a more profound connection to our inner selves. This emotional engagement becomes the starting point for understanding and healing, helping us release what no longer serves us and embrace what aligns with our authentic selves.
Move:
The second element, Move, emphasizes the role of the body in the healing journey. Our bodies are repositories of experiences, both traumatic and transformative. Movement—whether through dance, yoga, or somatic practices—helps release stored emotions and energy, promoting a sense of safety and ease. Moving allows us to step into our bodies and embrace the wisdom held within them. It’s a reminder that healing is not just a mental or emotional process, but one that requires full embodiment and physical expression.
Express:
Finally, Express focuses on communication—first and foremost with ourselves, and then with the world around us. Expression is a vital tool for processing our experiences and sharing our truths. Through words, art, music, or any other medium, we empower ourselves to communicate what we feel, what we’ve learned, and who we are becoming. This openness fosters connection, allowing us to engage in deeper relationships with others and show up authentically in our communities.
Together, we believe that these three components work synergistically to create a balanced, holistic approach to healing. They provide women with the tools to better navigate their psychedelic journeys, encourage deep integration, and empower them to live more fully in alignment with their true selves.
In the context of WOOP, this approach is key in creating safe spaces for women to explore their personal growth and healing that goes beyond psychedelic use, while also helping them integrate their experiences with psychedelics in a way that honors all dimensions of their being. Our goal is to support women in becoming more grounded, empowered, and connected.
Are there any volunteering projects or ways people can support the project or be a part of it?
Yes, there are several ways people can get involved and support WOOP. We’re always looking for folks who want to contribute to our mission and help expand the impact of our community.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Guest Authors or Content Creators
If you have experience, insights, or a unique perspective to share, we invite you to contribute as a guest author or content creator. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing your personal journey, or creating educational materials, your voice can help amplify the knowledge and support we offer to women navigating their psychedelic journeys. - Co-organizing Events
We host both online and in-person events, and we’d love to collaborate with those who have event planning or facilitation experience. Whether it’s an online workshop, a group ceremony, or an educational retreat, you can be a part of co-organizing and bringing these opportunities to our community. - Collaborate on Projects
If you have ideas for initiatives, collaborations, or creative projects that align with WOOP’s mission, we’d love to explore how we can work together. Whether it’s helping us with new programming, creating resources, or amplifying our cause through your own platform, there’s always room for collaboration.
Reach out to: he***@wo*****************.com
Lastly, where can people connect with you, find out more about your retreats, and keep updated with WOOP?
https://www.instagram.com/jessika.lagarde/
