In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene podcast, host Dr. Matthew W. Gamble interviews Bénédicte Mannix—who goes by Ben—a psychedelic facilitator based in Kingston, Jamaica. Ben shares her remarkable life journey, beginning with her French upbringing and early use of psychedelics at age 13 as a form of self-medication. Describing herself as the “psychedelic sheep” of her family, Ben recounts a troubled adolescence marked by depression and a suicide attempt, which eventually led her to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

Ben discusses her involvement in the trance psychedelic scene, which helped her find a sense of belonging. Over time, her focus shifted from personal exploration to harm reduction and facilitation. She describes her transition to helping others navigate challenging psychedelic experiences, drawing on her own history of difficult journeys. She emphasizes that having proper support is what differentiates a transformative experience from a traumatic one, citing examples of clients who found healing in the midst of intense emotional processes like re-experiencing past trauma.

A key theme in the conversation is the importance of set and setting, support, and integration. Ben critiques the misconception that psychedelics are magic bullets for mental health, noting that true healing requires work, intention, and preparation. She stresses that psilocybin, her medicine of choice, is a powerful but gentle ally when approached with care and respect. Her legal work in Jamaica enables her to provide a safe, structured environment for clients, often involving five-day protocols that include preparation, two psilocybin sessions, and integration.

Ben also introduces the concepts of “sophrodelic” and the “happyverse.” The former is her integration of sophrology—a mindfulness-based method for harmonizing body and mind—with psychedelic therapy. The “happyverse” is the state of alignment between body, mind, and soul that she helps clients achieve. Her passion for this work is palpable, and she views herself not as a healer but as a teacher who provides the tools for others to heal themselves.