Chasing the Numinous:

As psychedelic medicines gain renewed scientific, public, and commercial attention, this presentation examines the shadow side of this global renaissance. Drawing from depth psychology and the archetypal image of the Hungry Ghost, Dr. Osterhold explores whether the West’s intense fascination with psychedelics—from personal healing to entheogenic tourism and corporate commodification—reflects a deeper cultural and spiritual malaise. Inspired by C.G. Jung’s insights, this talk invites critical reflection on the psychological undercurrents and ethical implications of our collective pursuit of the numinous, while acknowledging the therapeutic and spiritual promise of psychedelics.

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Chasing the Numinous:

Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance

with Helge Michael Osterhold, PhD

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Thursday Jan 22, 2026

4-6pm pacific / 7-9pm eastern
Live via Zoom + Video recording will be available to all guests

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Dr. Helge Osterhold

Dr. Helge Osterhold is a psychotherapist, purpose guide, and a member of CIIS’ East-West Psychology’s core faculty. For 10 years, Dr. Osterhold served at the University of California San Francisco, in pediatric palliative care and as an educator and program director on mindful caregiving and clinician resiliency at UCSF Children's Hospital and faculty at UCSF School of Medicine. Originally from Germany, he pursued higher education in California, earning a B.A. in Human Relations, M.A. in Integral Counseling Psychology, and Ph.D. in East-West Psychology. He is a licensed psychotherapist and maintains a depth-oriented private psychotherapy practice with a focus on life transitions.