Intro

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, a Zen Buddhist monk, psychologist, and psychedelic psychotherapist whose new book Truth Medicine explores how awakening and clinical science meet through the heart.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-332/?ref=278

They discuss how Zen simplicity informs psychedelic work, the nuances between psychedelic-assisted and psychedelic psychotherapy, and how Dr. Sapiro tailors ketamine sessions for trauma recovery in first responders and veterans. Together they unpack the art of surrender, the role of spirituality in therapy, and why genuine healing begins with nervous-system regulation long before medicine is introduced.

Dr. Sapiro is teaching a seven-week live video course, "Truth Medicine," at The Shift Network starting January 6, 2025. This course will offer a deeper journey into conscious living, authenticity, and the principles explored in his new book.

Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, PsyD is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, clinical and first-responder psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, author, and meditation teacher. He serves as integrative psychologist at Boise Ketamine Clinic, runs international transformational retreats, and appears in the documentary An Act of Service on ketamine treatment for first responders (featured by The New York Times). His work within the special-operations and first-responder communities centers on trauma recovery, ethical service, and awakened leadership. His book Truth Medicine: Healing and Living Authentically Through Psychedelic Psychotherapy is available now.

Highlights:

• Zen Buddhist ordination and early training
• How Zen shapes psychedelic psychotherapy
• Assisted therapy vs. psychedelic psychotherapy
• Ketamine dosing nuance and "golden hour"
• Working with first responders and veterans
• Non-dual states and "I am love" experiences
• Spiritual ethics in psychedelic care
• Nervous-system preparation for medicine
• Community, retreats, and the sacred heart

Episode Links:

• Dr. Sapiro's Website
• Dr. Sapiro's book, Truth Medicine
• Dr. Sapiro's seven-week live video course starting Jan 6, 2025

Episode Sponsors:

• The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• The Practitioner Certification Program at Psychedelic Coaching Institute.
• Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

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