EP12: From Enslavement to Freedom: MDMA, Jewish Trauma and Resilience with Dr. Rachel Yehuda
Mar 30, 2024
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Dr. Rachel Yehuda, expert in trauma and psychedelics, discusses Jewish trauma, ancestral healing, and the future of MDMA therapy. They explore the influence of family, PTSD treatment, intergenerational trauma in Jewish communities, and the transformative power of psychedelics. The conversation connects Passover traditions to healing, resilience, and freedom.
Understanding Jewish heritage aids in processing trauma from a dialectic perspective.
Psychedelic therapy promotes self-compassion and interconnectedness for healing trauma.
Deep dives
Dr. Rachel Yohuda's Background and Childhood Influence
Dr. Rachel Yohuda, an esteemed figure in the field of traumatic stress studies, shares insights into her upbringing influenced by her father, a scholar of Jewish texts. Raised in an environment where intellectual growth was encouraged, discussions on Jewish ethics and traditions shaped her early perspectives, emphasizing a dialectic approach to seeking truth.
Understanding PTSD and Its Impact
PTSD, initially defined to capture the persistent distress after traumatic events, has evolved over time. Dr. Yohuda explains that PTSD involves lingering memories triggering physiological responses, challenging the common belief that most individuals naturally recover from trauma. The condition reflects the difficulty in processing and integrating traumatic experiences, highlighting the prevalence of trauma in society.
Cultural Influences on Trauma Processing
Different cultures offer varying approaches to supporting trauma survivors, emphasizing the role of social support in preventing or aiding recovery from PTSD. Cultures promoting communal healing rituals and interconnectedness tend to foster resilience more effectively than those promoting individualism. The significance of cultural practices in addressing trauma lies in acknowledging and processing ancestral experiences.
Healing from PTSD with Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy, coupled with professional facilitation, offers a transformative approach to healing from PTSD. By revisiting traumatic narratives and fostering self-compassion, individuals can shift from self-blame to self-empowerment. The psychedelic journey facilitates deep emotional connections and self-awareness, prompting a fundamental change in self-perception and encouraging a sense of interconnectedness and support.
Dr. Rachel Yehuda, one of the world’s foremost experts on epigenetic trauma and psychedelic-assisted therapies, joins Rabbi Zac for a conversation about the significance of the Jewish story as a foundation for processing ancestral traumas. They speak about Rachel’s upbringing, the history of trauma research, and the future of MDMA-assisted therapy.
Dr. Rachel Yehuda Bio: Rachel Yehuda, PhD, is an Endowed Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Trauma. She is also Director of Mental Health at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Yehuda is a recognized leader in the field of traumatic stress studies, PTSD, and intergenerational trauma. In 2019, Dr. Yehuda was elected to the National Academy of Medicine for her seminal contributions to understanding the psychological and biological impact of traumatic stress. In 2020, Dr. Yehuda established and now directs the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research.
This podcast is offered as a free community resource by Shefa: Jewish Psychedelic Support. If you feel moved to donate to support this work, you may do so on our website here.
Our intro and outro music is an excerpt of the song Ein Od by Yosef Goldman.
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