240. Are Psychedelics an Answer? with Dr. Hillary McBride
Sep 12, 2023
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Dr. Hillary McBride, therapeutic psychedelics expert, joins the podcast to discuss the science behind how psychedelics break old patterns and create new ones. She also shares her personal journey with therapeutic psychedelics, uncovering the root of her eating disorder and how psychedelics can reveal your innate goodness. The podcast explores the etymology of psychedelics, their connection to compassion and empathy, and their potential as a form of treatment for various clinical issues, personal growth, spirituality, and well-being.
Therapeutic psychedelics offer a new approach to breaking old patterns and creating new ones.
Personal psychedelic journeys can unveil the root causes of mental health conditions and facilitate healing and self-compassion.
Psychedelics have neuroplastic effects on the brain, promoting increased spontaneity and creativity.
Deep dives
Psychedelics as a Tool for Healing and Transformation
Psychedelics have gained attention as a new wave of therapy, offering transformative experiences and insights. Dr. Hillary McBride, a registered psychologist, discusses the power of psychedelics and how they are being used to understand and heal various mental health conditions. Clinical trials have shown promising results for depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. The psychedelic experience provides a unique opportunity to dissolve rigid thought patterns, increase neuroplasticity, and access profound levels of consciousness and interconnectedness. The process involves thorough preparation, dosing sessions, and integration follow-up to make meaning of the experience and apply insights to daily life. While psychedelics are still heavily regulated and the medical system has its limitations, there is growing recognition of their therapeutic potential and a movement towards more widespread acceptance and legalization.
Personal Journey: Overcoming Rigidity and Discovering the Roots of an Eating Disorder
Dr. Hillary McBride shares her personal journey with psychedelics and the profound insights she gained. Despite initial fears and past experiences with psychosis, she embarked on a psychedelic journey to explore the origins of her eating disorder. Through the experience, she discovered a pattern of funneling pain and emotions into a metaphorical balloon behind her back, ultimately leading to self-disappearance. The journey allowed her to revisit memories, release emotions, and rewrite the narrative by facing her past and sharing it with supportive loved ones. She learned to reconnect with her feelings, own her experiences, and develop trust in the people around her. The process of integration and continued practice enabled her to break free from her rigid patterns and embrace new melodies of healing and self-compassion.
Exploring the Science of Psychedelics: Dissolving Default Mode Network and Cultivating Flexibility
Dr. Hillary McBride delves into the science behind psychedelics and their effects on the brain. These substances, such as psilocybin and LSD, decrease activity in the default mode network, a network responsible for introspection, self-directed thought, and personal narrative. This decrease in connectivity allows for increased spontaneity and neuroplasticity in the brain. Psychedelics also promote the release of brain-derived neurotropic factor, enhancing the brain's capacity for change. The rigidity of thought patterns and behaviors is softened, paving the way for new possibilities and creative insights. The psychedelic experience can be likened to an orchestral performance where the usual conductor and sheet music are removed, giving rise to novel harmonies and melodies. The dissolution of the default mode network and subsequent neural changes can lead to lasting transformations and improved mental health outcomes.
Psychedelic Therapy: Individualized Approach and Potential for Healing
Psychedelic therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The frequency and duration of psychedelic journeys depend on the substance and presenting concern. Clinical trials have shown positive results with multiple dosing sessions, thorough preparation, and integration support. However, some individuals may have life-changing experiences with a single session and not feel the need for further journeys. The potential for healing extends beyond clinical conditions and encompasses personal growth, spirituality, and strengthening relationships. It is crucial to emphasize responsible use, respecting indigenous traditions, and understanding the broader community effects. While the path towards widespread legalization and acceptance may be complex, the growing recognition of psychedelics' therapeutic potential suggests a shift towards a more inclusive and compassionate approach to mental health.
The Complex History and Future of Psychedelics
Psychedelics have faced a complex history, from promising clinical research in the 50s and 60s to subsequent criminalization and fear campaigns. The fear-mongering tactics and the Controlled Substances Act categorized psychedelics as highly regulated substances, stifling research and clinical use. However, the tides are turning as scientific evidence highlights the therapeutic benefits. Certain psychedelics are becoming decriminalized and legal for clinical use in specific contexts. The shift towards acceptance and legalization is driven by the need for effective mental health solutions and the resilience of the human spirit. While challenges from pharmaceutical companies and systemic barriers exist, the desire for healing, freedom, and love fuels the movement towards a more equitable and compassionate approach to embracing psychedelics as a tool for transformation.
Dr. Hillary McBride is a Registered Psychologist, researcher, podcaster, author, and speaker, but she identifies most with being a mother. She has lived experience and clinical expertise in the areas of trauma, embodiment, eating disorders, and the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Her research has focused on women's relationships with their bodies across the lifespan, and her books include: Mothers, Daughters, and Body Image; Embodiment and Eating Disorders, and the bestseller The Wisdom of Your Body. Her next book – Practices for Embodied Living – will be released in 2024. Her podcast, Other People's Problems, was listed in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal as essential listening.