Purple Haze

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Debbie Akerman chats with Deena, a licensed clinical social worker and certified yoga trained therapist, about her journey into medical assisted psychotherapy, particularly focusing on psychedelic therapy.

They discuss Deena's training with MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), the use of MDMA and other psychedelics in therapy, the process of therapy sessions, and Deena's involvement with MAPS Israel.

Key Takeaways

• Psychedelic therapy involves entering altered states of consciousness, allowing individuals to explore different perspectives and parts of themselves.MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) has been instrumental in researching and advocating for the therapeutic use of psychedelics since 1986.

• Therapeutic sessions involving psychedelics like MDMA often include preparation sessions, the administration of the drug, a journeying period, and integration sessions for processing the experience.

• Psychedelic therapy can be beneficial for individuals with various types of trauma, and the therapy process involves deep emotional experiences that require a high level of therapist presence and sensitivity.

• MAPS Israel is conducting a large-scale study using group MDMA therapy to address trauma in soldiers and other individuals in Israel, showcasing the potential for widespread therapeutic applications.

Notable Quotes

"Psychedelic therapy involves helping people go into altered states of consciousness, expanding the mind and allowing them to see things differently."

"MAPS has been pivotal in pushing for the therapeutic use of psychedelics, with research dating back to 1986."

"The therapeutic process with psychedelics includes preparation, the journey itself, and integration sessions to process the experience."

"Therapeutic sessions with psychedelics require a high level of therapist presence and sensitivity to support individuals through deep emotional experiences."