Dr. Joseph Barsuglia: Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, and the Future of Trauma Healing

Oct 30, 2024

Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, a clinical and research psychologist and an initiate of Bwiti, shares insights on the healing powers of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. He discusses how ibogaine can access buried childhood trauma and its transformative potential in mental health. With a unique blend of spiritual and clinical perspectives, he also explores the need to merge indigenous wisdom with modern medicine in psychedelic therapy. Additionally, he reflects on reconciling his Christian past with his Bwiti present, advocating for deeper understanding in trauma healing.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Psychedelic Transformations: The Healing Power of Ibogaine

02:57 • 23min

Healing Horizons: Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT

25:41 • 11min

Integrating Traditional Wisdom in Psychedelic Therapy

37:03 • 26min

Spiritual Synergy: Christianity and Bwiti

01:03:06 • 14min

Reconnecting with Nature and Ancient Healing Traditions

01:16:59 • 2min

Reflections on Divine Questions and Future Collaborations

01:19:01 • 2min

Dr. Joseph Barsuglia is a clinical and research psychologist, student and initiate of Bwiti, former Christian pastor, and an advisor in psychedelic medicine and alternative healthcare. A co-investigator in the MAPS phase 2 MDMA trials for post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Barsuglia has also presented novel observational research on the use of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, and developed guidelines for their administration. Along with his partner and co-founder, Tricia Eastman (a previous Ibogaine Uncovered guest), he has co-led psychedelic retreats through Psychedelic Journeys since 2015. Beond co-founder Talia Eisenberg is a guest co-host on the show.

What We Discuss

How Dr. Barsuglia first came to know iboga
What makes iboga such an effective tool for healing trauma
The unique therapeutic benefits of working with ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT
The biggest challenges affecting practitioners offering treatment with psychedelics
The commonalities and differences between what Indigenous wisdom says and a modern medical approach to psychedelics
Reconciling Dr. Barsuglia’s Bwiti present with his Christian past
How Dr. Barsuglia’s spiritual work complements his psychology practice

Why It’s Important

From his work as a Christian pastor to becoming a Bwiti initiate and leader in psychedelic research, Dr. Barsuglia brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep spiritual insight to the podcast. He offers a rare perspective on how psychedelics like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT can address trauma in ways modern medicine is only beginning to understand, while his journey highlights the potential for integrating spiritual beliefs with therapeutic practice, making this conversation especially meaningful for those exploring the intersection of modern psychology, spirituality, and Bwiti wisdom.

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