PT 632 - Megan Portnoy MS - Ontological Design, Psychedelic Spaces, and Integrating Rigor

Psychedelics Today

In this episode, Joe Moore talks with Megan Portnoy, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Antioch University New England, about how ontological design can reshape the environments used in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Megan explains how physical space is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the therapeutic process, influencing emotion, cognition, and healing.

She recently won an award for her presentation on this topic at PsychedelX.

They explore how design principles that foster awe, play, and flexibility can deepen integration and expand what’s possible in clinical settings. The conversation also examines how psychedelic communities can balance openness with discernment, apply more psychological rigor, and avoid falling into ungrounded or high-demand group dynamics.

This rich discussion bridges psychology, philosophy, design, and culture—inviting us to think critically about not only how we use psychedelics, but the spaces, systems, and stories that shape our collective evolution.