#396: Marcela Ot’alora — How to Become a Psychedelic Therapist

Nov 22, 2019

Marcela Ot’alora, a psychotherapist and installation artist, dives into the transformative world of psychedelic therapy. She shares her experiences with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, emphasizing its potential in trauma healing. From her whimsical childhood aspirations to her serious work with MAPS, Marcela highlights the importance of self-awareness and supportive therapeutic environments. Listeners learn about the pathways to becoming a psychedelic therapist and the critical role of community engagement in this evolving practice.

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ANECDOTE

Childhood Dream

Marcela Ot’alora wanted to be a firetruck as a child, loving their power and accessories.
A patient at her mother's hospital, nicknamed "Little Match", affirmed her dream.

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ANECDOTE

First MDMA Experience

At 20, after homelessness and abuse, Ot’alora tried MDMA recreationally.
The experience, in an unsafe setting, was traumatic and landed her in the hospital.

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ANECDOTE

Transformative MDMA Session

Following a traumatic first experience, Ot’alora did MDMA with Rick Doblin.
In a safe setting, she felt seen, acknowledged, and like she had rights for the first time.

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Insights from Psychedelic Therapy and the Psychedelic Science Summit

02:12 • 2min

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Exploring Psychedelic Therapy and Trauma Healing

04:41 • 4min

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Whimsical Beginnings: From Firetrucks to Therapy

08:19 • 3min

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From Trauma to Transformation: The Journey of a Psychedelic Therapist

11:35 • 22min

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Enhancing MDMA Therapy: Complementary Approaches

33:30 • 6min

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Navigating the Path to Psychedelic Therapy

39:45 • 25min

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Preparing for MDMA Therapy: Building Trust and Support

01:04:50 • 15min

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Navigating the Path of Psychedelic Therapy

01:19:21 • 19min

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Weekly Insights and Home Safety Solutions

Jeff Warren is associated with mindfulness and meditation, but specific details about 'Already Free' are not available.

The Healing Journey

Claudio Naranjo

This book examines the therapeutic potential of certain psychoactive substances, which Naranjo terms 'emotion-enhancers' and 'fantasy-enhancers'. It offers insights into their use in psychotherapy and their role in personal growth and spiritual exploration. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in innovative approaches to psychotherapy and consciousness studies.

"The only way to not be afraid of someone's suffering is if you're not afraid of your own." — Marcela Ot'alora G.

Marcela Ot'alora G. is a psychotherapist and an installation artist. Her interest and focus on trauma has led her to understand the healing process as an intimate reconnection with one's essence through love, integrity, acceptance, and honoring of the human spirit. In addition to working with trauma and PTSD, she has dedicated her professional life to teaching and research. She uses art as a vehicle for deepening the relationship to self, others, and the natural world.

Marcela worked as a co-therapist in MAPS' very first government regulated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study in Madrid, Spain. She served as the principal investigator for MAPS' phase two MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study, and is currently in the MDMDA healthy volunteer study and phase three in Boulder, Colorado.

She is also a trainer and supervisor for therapists working on MAPS studies for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

You can find additional resources from this episode in the show notes below. They are also separately curated on this page: tim.blog/therapyresources

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