Dr. Will Van Derveer, a leading psychiatrist and psychedelic therapy researcher, shares fascinating insights into the transformative power of MDMA in trauma recovery. He reveals shocking statistics, such as an 83% recovery rate for treatment-resistant PTSD, and discusses the importance of well-trained therapists to prevent harm. Listeners learn how MDMA enhances emotional connections and self-compassion, while contrasting its effectiveness against traditional SSRIs. The conversation also highlights the need for mindful approaches in psychedelic therapy, emphasizing love and connection as key ingredients in healing.
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Psychiatrist's Training Journey
Will Van Derveer sought EMDR training during his psychiatry residency despite limited institutional support.
He found EMDR and somatic approaches more effective for trauma than conventional FDA-approved treatments.
insights INSIGHT
Trauma as Nervous System Pattern
Trauma is less about the event and more about the nervous system's reaction pattern.
Healing requires culturing the capacity to observe trauma without being overwhelmed by it.
insights INSIGHT
MDMA's Breakthrough PTSD Results
MDMA-assisted therapy achieves remarkable recovery rates for severe, treatment-resistant PTSD.
Long-standing trauma (decades) can be resolved in just a few MDMA sessions.
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In this powerful episode, psychiatrist and psychedelic therapy researcher Dr. Will Van Derveer joins John to explore the cutting-edge world of MDMA-assisted therapy and how it's changing the game for trauma recovery. They unpack the failures of conventional psychiatry, the neuroscience behind MDMA’s healing power, and why training—and restraint—are everything when it comes to this work. If you’re curious about psychedelic therapy or working with trauma more effectively, this one’s for you.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
The MDMA Data That Stunned the Field – Discover why an 83% recovery rate from treatment-resistant PTSD shook the psychiatric world—and how it’s even possible.
Healing as Remembering, Not Escaping – Why psychedelic therapy often works by accessing the mind’s natural blueprint for healing—and how “parts work” arises spontaneously.
The Danger of Doing Too Much – Learn why well-meaning but untrained therapists can unintentionally cause harm—and what true “holding space” actually looks like.
👤 Guest: Dr. Will Van Derveer
Dr. Will Van Derveer is a psychiatrist, integrative mental health leader, psychedelic therapy researcher, and host of the Higher Practice Podcast. He is the co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, which trains clinicians in cutting-edge trauma and psychedelic modalities. Learn more:psychiatryinstitute.com Instagram: @will.vanderveer.md Facebook:@will.vanderveer.md
Going Inside: Healing Trauma from the Inside Out 