Picturing the Ineffable: A Visual Story Tool to Support Spiritual Meaning-Making in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Palliative COPD Patients

Psilocybin-assisted therapy can be profoundly transformative for palliative patients — yet the experiences it evokes are often difficult to put into words. This applies in particular to COPD patients with varying levels of health literacy and literacy in general, for whom it is difficult to talk about the spiritual and existential dimensions of the psilocybin experience with their loved ones and healthcare professionals. 

This project develops and pilot-tests an arts-based visual story (6–8 panels) that translates key moments in the patient journey — specifically those involving spiritual and existential meaning-making — into accessible, visual form. Drawing on audio recordings from the EU PsyPal trial and co-created with patients, caregivers, and clinicians, the tool aims to bridge the gap between the ineffable and the communicable. This work builds directly on Work Package 3.5 of the PsyPal trial, which focuses on the spiritual and existential dimensions of profound experiences that can occur during psilocybin-assisted therapy.

The result is a proof-of-concept communication tool that can be embedded in patient information, therapy preparation, and professional training — with potential to strengthen therapeutic effects by making meaning-making more accessible and inclusive. The project contributes directly to reducing health inequalities in palliative and experimental care contexts.

The project team

Ruth Koops van 't Jagt (postdoctoral researcher, Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society, RUG — lead researcher) brings expertise in qualitative research, spiritual care, and health communication.

Stephan Tap (PhD researcher, UMCG) contributes clinical and trial expertise within EU PsyPal.

Hanneke Muthert (Professor of Psychology of Religion with special attention for Spiritual Care and Wellbeing, RUG) provides theoretical grounding and senior experience in spiritual care and the existential exchange.

Els Verschuur (PhD and senior project manager Palliative care for COPD/advisor, Long Alliantie Nederland) contributes patient network expertise and links to the COPD community.

The team combines academic, clinical, and patient-centred perspectives, and will collaborate with a professional graphic design artist for the visual production.