Dr Simon Ruffell
he/him • English
I believe in meeting people where they’re at and working holistically to fully embody their deepest values. For me, this happens best when you work across paradigms, bringing together Indigenous wisdom and Western science in synergy.
Credentials
Medical Doctor (MBChB)
MRCPsych (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists)
PhD in Ayahuasca and Mental Health
Foundation in Psychoanalysis
Human Potential Coach
Modalities
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems
Integration Coaching
Shipibo Cosmology
Human Potential Optimization
Biography
My work draws from training in three modalities: Western medicine (medical doctor specialising in psychiatry), research psychology (with a PhD in ayahuasca and mental health), and traditional plant medicine (student of curanderismo).
I worked on a major trial at King’s College London investigating the effects of psilocybin on treatment-resistant depression, though since 2016 my work has been primarily dedicated to exploring the traditional psychedelic brew ayahuasca.
I am CEO of Onaya Health and co-founder of the not-for-profit Onaya Science, researching the effects of ayahuasca in naturalistic Amazonian settings in collaboration with universities, charities, and Indigenous-led think tanks worldwide.
My work seeks to understand plants such as ayahuasca from both an Indigenous and a Western viewpoint, with the goal of generating a richer understanding of healing modalities. I am currently training under Keyo Sui Rono and Don Rono Lopez.
Depression & Anxiety
Trauma
Relational Difficulties
Psychedelic Preparation & Integration
Master Plant Dietas
Spiritual Exploration
Specialities
Hourly Rate
£200 per hour
Note: These sessions are not considered medical advice or psychotherapy.