220: At the Edge of Life: Psilocybin Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I speak with the authors of a powerful new study exploring psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression and anxiety in people living with life-threatening illness.The research looks at how a single, carefully supported dose of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, affected people facing conditions such as advanced cancer and other serious illnesses. Compared with an active placebo, participants who received psilocybin experienced rapid and meaningful reductions in depression and anxiety, with improvements lasting for months. Many also reported greater peace, improved quality of life, and a reduced fear of death—areas of suffering that traditional treatments often struggle to reach.In our conversation, we explore how and why this approach seems to work, the role of therapy in helping people make sense of profound psychedelic experiences, and what it’s like to conduct this kind of research with people confronting mortality. We also discuss safety, ethics, and what these findings could mean for the future of mental health care at the end of life.Please also feel free to read about their findings/research here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163834325001574***Welcome to The Mind Mate Podcast, where philosophy meets mental health. Hosted by Tom—a psychotherapist and writer—this podcast explores life’s biggest questions, from existential meaning to the science of wellbeing. We dive into how different cultures, religions, and philosophies shape our understanding of life, blending insights from psychology, spirituality, and science. Through deep, thought-provoking conversations, we explore what it means to be human in an ever-changing world. Join us for discussions with philosophers, therapists, artists, spiritual seekers, and academics who challenge conventional thinking and offer fresh perspectives on self-awareness, personal growth, and fulfilment. If you’re curious about the human experience, this podcast is for you. Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/