Psychedelic Conversations

Psychedelic Conversations | Kathryn LaRoe-Higgs - Trauma-Informed Psychedelic Therapy #108

Feb 11, 2024

In this episode, licensed therapist and trauma professional Kathryn LaRoe-Higgs discusses trauma-informed psychedelic therapy. She shares her personal journey and how it influenced her approach, explores the healing power of psychedelics, and emphasizes the importance of safety, understanding, and compassion. Topics include somatic work, indigenous lineage, being a trauma survivor, and the future of psychedelic therapy. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics in healing from trauma.

01:25:59

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Episode guests

Kathryn LaRoe-Higgs

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Quick takeaways

Psychedelics can facilitate the release of trauma stored in the body and energetic field, leading to profound shifts and insights.

Creating a safe and trauma-informed space is crucial in psychedelic therapy, emphasizing the importance of the somatic approach.

Preparation, integration, and choosing knowledgeable facilitators are key for maximizing the transformative potential of psychedelics and ensuring long-term positive changes.

Deep dives

The Role of Psychedelics in Trauma Healing

The podcast episode explores the role of psychedelics in trauma healing. The speaker shares their experience working with various psychedelics in a clinical setting, including Ibogaine, 5MEO DMT, psilocybin, and MDMA. They discuss how these substances can be used to navigate expanded states of consciousness and facilitate healing from trauma. The transformative nature of psychedelics is emphasized, as they have the potential to bring about profound healing and a reset in one's life. The importance of creating safe and informed opportunities for psychedelic use is highlighted, to ensure that potential harm is minimized. The speaker also emphasizes the need for trauma-informed facilitators who prioritize client safety and provide appropriate support and guidance before, during, and after psychedelic experiences.

Introduction

3min

Trauma Therapy and Alternative Healing Methods

6min

Understanding Trauma in Psychedelic Therapy

30min

Leaving Expectations Behind in Psychedelic Therapy

14min

Reconnecting with Ancestral Indigenous Ways and Healing through Connection

2min

Navigating Fear and Anxiety in Psychedelic Medicine

8min

Consent, Advocacy, and Energetic Neutrality in Psychedelic Therapy

2min

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Psychedelic Therapy

22min

Welcome to the Psychedelic Conversations Podcast!

Episode 108:

In this episode we dive into Kathryn's personal journey from her own experiences with trauma to her professional evolution as a licensed therapist and certified clinical trauma professional. Together, we explore the intricate relationship between trauma healing, the body's response to somatic experiences, and the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine. Kathryn opens up about her work with veterans since 2008 and how it has profoundly influenced her approach to trauma-informed psychedelic therapy. Join us as we delve into the power of psychedelics to heal and transform lives, underlining the necessity of safety, understanding, and compassion in these sacred journeys.

00:00 - Fire Moment

01:35 - Introduction

03:14 - Kathryn's Background

09:13 - Trauma-Informed Facilitation

18:03 - Psychedelic Renaissance

22:53 - Preparation Work

26:39 - Building Connection

29:09 - Combining Medicines

33:48 - Somatic Work

40:22 - Embodiment

46:50 - Clinical Vs Indigenous

52:39 - Indigenous Lineage

57:36 - The Role Of Facilitation

01:03:42 - Being A Trauma Survivor

01:11:36 - Internal Vs External

01:14:46 - Recreational Use

01:22:05 - Future Projects

01:25:11 - Outro

About Kathryn:

Kathryn LaRoe, (Katie) is a licensed therapist, graduating from USC with her Masters in Social Work. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II, Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, and Psychedelic preparation/integration specialist. Katie unitizes integrative techniques to address the consciousness of trauma. She has worked with extensively with Veterans and specifically Special Operations men and woman since 2008. Katie believes that healing happens through relationships and connection to create a sense of safety and trust within one’s self. While Katie utilizes traditional methods of therapy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Seeking Safety, she relies heavily on Nervous System Regulation, PolyVagal Theory, Emotional Freedom Technique, mindfulness, meditation, and self compassion; which is her starting point for a majority of her clients.

Connect with Kathryn:

Website: https://kathrynlaroe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn_laroe_integrativecoach?igsh=dWh5NGg1bnJ1ODhi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-laroe?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Thank you so much for joining us!

Psychedelic Conversations Podcast is designed to educate, inform, and expand awareness.

For more information, please head over to https://www.psychedelicconversations.com

Please share with your friends or leave a review so that we can reach more people and feel free to join us in our private Facebook group to keep the conversation going. https://www.facebook.com/groups/psychedelicconversations

This show is for information purposes only,

and is not intended to provide mental health or medical advice.

About Susan Guner:

Susan is a trained somatic, trauma-informed holistic psychotherapist with a mindfulness-based approach grounded in Transpersonal Psychology that focuses on holistic perspective through introspection, insight, and empathetic self-exploration to increase self-awareness, allowing the integration of the mind, body and spirit aspects of human experience in personal growth and development.

Connect with Susan:

Website: https://www.psychedelicconversations.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.guner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-guner/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susanguner

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susanguner

Blog: https://susanguner.medium.com/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/susan-guner

#PsychedelicConversations #SusanGuner #KathrynLaRoeHiggs #PsychedelicPodcast #Microdosing #PsychedelicScience #PlantMedicines #PsychedelicResearch #Entheogens

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