Spirit Gym with Paul Chek

EP 304 — Dr. Judy Tsafrir: Holistic Psychiatry

Jul 30, 2024

Dr. Judy Tsafrir, a holistic psychiatrist, merges spirituality with traditional practices, employing astrology and shamanism in her work. She explores the evolution of psychiatric care, stressing the importance of holistic healing over solely pharmaceutical approaches. Judy discusses the sacredness of plant medicines and critiques the mainstream use of ketamine. She also delves into the emotional dimensions of mental health, advocating for natural healing and personal experience as pivotal in treatment. Finally, she highlights the importance of mind-body connection and personal responsibility in achieving wellness.

01:17:20

Episode guests

Judy Tsafrir

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Judy Tsafrir's transition to holistic psychiatry underscores the necessity of addressing underlying physical health issues for effective mental health treatment.

The integration of spiritual practices like astrology and shamanism within psychiatric care facilitates a deeper understanding of patients' mental health experiences.

Emphasizing lifestyle choices and holistic practices reveals their significant impact on mental well-being, often reducing the need for pharmaceutical interventions.

Deep dives

Weaning Off Psychiatric Medications

Weaning off psychiatric medications can be complex, particularly for individuals whose symptoms may stem from underlying physical conditions rather than purely psychological issues. Conditions such as mast cell activation disorder or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome often lead to experiences of anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Many individuals receive prescriptions for antidepressants without exploring the true causes of their distress, which can hinder effective treatment. A more holistic approach encourages medical professionals to evaluate and address these underlying physical health concerns to promote genuine healing.

Intro

2min

The Evolution of Holistic Psychiatry

12min

The Importance of Natural Healing and Personal Experience

3min

The Holistic Approach to Ketamine Treatment

11min

Exploring Holistic Approaches in Psychiatry and Health Education

3min

Challenges of Alternative Healing in Psychiatry

12min

Exploring Spirituality, Consciousness, and Nutrition

3min

Connecting Mind and Body: A Holistic Approach to Health

14min

The Importance of Digestive Health and Enzyme Supplementation

5min

10.

Reconnecting with the Body and Self

10min

11.

Cultivating Awe and the Journey of Holistic Psychiatry

3min

Is it really possible to approach psychiatry from a holistic perspective?

Dr. Judy Tsafrir describes how healing modalities like astrology and Shamanism have reshaped her practice of holistic psychiatry this week on Spirit Gym.

Learn more about Judy and how to work with her on her website. Find Judy on social media via X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Sign up for our Spirit Gym podcast membership, so you can access members-only extended versions of the podcast along with exclusive Q&A opportunities with Paul.

Timestamps

3:55 Judy’s Chiron Return and her first consult with an astrologer.

8:56 Losing the sacredness of plant medicines.

17:16 The problems with mainstreaming ketamine.

21:23 An allergy to the sacred.

34:01 A monolithic view of psychiatry.

42:39 “Every morning I say, I bow to the great beauty and mystery…”

53:04 Take advantage of simple, common-sense prescriptions, like prayer and blessing your food.

1:11:32 Five questions.

Resources

Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the Personal and Transpersonal to Transform Health and Consciousness by Dr. Judy Tsafrir

Judy's appearance on Jeffery Mishlove’s New Thinking Allowed on YouTube