Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss how to prepare for a psychedelic journey.(2:35) Terminology: harm reduction vs. conscious preparation(4:00) Preparation might be the most overlooked aspect of the psychedelic experience(4:30) Importance of long-term, intermediate, and short-term prep(6:45) Physical preparation: contraindications, the potential need to taper off medications, nutrition…(8:00) Reid’s story of the Buddha doing yoga before starting on his path in order to be able to sit still long enough to actually attain enlightened states(12:15) What you resist persists—the importance of letting go(13:30) During the preparation stage, get to know and befriend your fears(15:27) Recognizing triggers and learn to follow them back to their origins(17:24) Practice being in the presence of your triggers and sitting with the discomfort(22:46) Social preparation and sharing the experience (including intention setting) with loved ones(27:24) We're preparing as we go, we're integrating as we go—punctuated by these little mystical experiences and rituals(29:17) The story of Leo Zeff (“The Secret Chief”) who was a pioneer of MDMA therapy in the 70s(32:50) Balancing patience and surrender with curiosity and self-exploration during the trip(34:20) It’s important to ask yourself why you’re seeking a psychedelic experience and what your motives might be—there can be multiple reasons and that’s okay(35:07) Intention (a loosely held hope) vs. an expectation(38:30) Reid’s story of resisting the urge to throw up during an ayahuasca ceremony(41:45) Prepare spiritually—contemplate your relationship with the Divine (whatever this means to you) before your journey(43:08) Leading up, really tune into your body, your mind, and your spirit by eliminating things and getting ready to make it a special & sacred experienceEmail us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Numinus at https://numinus.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textIn this episode of Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore how psychedelic medicine might make one more psychologically flexible. They discuss what psychological or cognitive flexibility means, how it’s implicated in mental health, how psychedelics influence it, the concept of entropy applied to the brain, and much more. (1:29) Strength and flexibility (3:29) The REBUS model and entropic brain theory (4:04) Neuroplasticity (8:38) The transdiagnostic benefits of psychedelics (9:28) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)(11:14) Mindfulness and equanimity (17:14) Resistance leads to suffering(19:20) Living Untethered, by Michael A. Singer(21:48) Psychedelics and psychosis(23:30) Risks of ego inflation and the importance of set and setting(25:55) Ketamine dreams(28:37) Ego dissolution and the default mode network(32:10) Psychedelics won't do the work for you. They're tools. Email us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Numinus at https://numinus.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textSteve recently returned from the MAPS MDMA therapist training retreat, so we thought we would discuss his experience and Reid’s MAPS training a few year back. We discus the differences between the live and zoom versions of this training, some of the challenges MAPS is facing with therapist training, accessibility & feasibility, and other post-FDA approval considerations.(1:45) Steve introduces his trip report(2:23) MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)(5:51) Colorado is a hub for spirituality(8:57) Training model(14:45) Predictable future of the clinical trials(17:18) Proactive MAPS studies and the future of legal treatment(18:49) FDA(19:30) MDMA benefits for couples(20:06) Anne Wagner study(25:49) Co-therapists (27:27) The use of music(31:30) Steve's inner-healer (33:53) Reid's inner-healer(35:11) The OG's of psychedelicsEmail us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Numinus at https://numinus.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Hannah Cross, LCSW and Dr. Reid Robison talk about embodiment and psychedelics, and what it means to come home to oneself.(2:27) Kundalini as psychedelic yoga(2:42) Gabor Mate & compassionate inquiry(2:58) Sat Dharam Kaur, kundalini teacher in Canada(6:25) Yoga, breathwork, and other body-based practices as gateways to our inner worlds.(7:52) Hannah’s Holotropic breathwork story, and how breathwork can be such a somatically activating practice using deep rhythmic breathing to attain altered states.(10:58) Using the body for healing and growth, and to live a full and meaningful life with deep connections.(11:30) Reid’s journey home to the body.(14:40) Food and body as a mirror to your relationship to God, and all life.(15:03) How yoga facilitates coming home to your body.(17:13) Hannah draws a comparison between yoga and psychedelic experiences — learning to sit with the discomfort.(21:05) “Get out of your head and into your senses, where the magic is.” ~Hannah & Reid(22:00) Getting out of your head and into the body helps you move from fear to love, from judgement to compassion.(23:30) Hannah’s journey home to the body.(26:45) Your body as your sacred partner through life.(27:15)  Listen to your body as you would your sacred partner; Seek first to understand, before you jump to reacting or imposing judgement. Yelling at the body doesn’t work. (27:35) Balancing discipline and compassion. (28:30) Hannah’s experiences working with a Tantra coach. (30:00)  Psychedelic integration work, the body, and releasing energy. Sometimes, after a profound experience of expansion, the body needs to catch up. (30:42)  Eckhart Tolle and the pain body (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-new-earth-the-pain-body-chapter-5/id1264843400?i=1000429115655)(31:05) The body is like a pressure cooker and if we don’t have ways of consciously releasing that energy, the energy will blow or spill out in other ways(36:50) How do you use somatics in therapy?(38:54 ) The Dubliners, by James Joyce: The story of Mr. Duffy who lived a short distance from his body.(39:40) The body as your greatest resource for weathering the storm of day to day life. (40:30) Ask the body what it needs.(40:49) Hannah provides an example of somatic therapy with EMDR.(41:45) Emotions and embodiment.(43:20) Journeys of Embodiment by Niva Piran. (44:50) Trance dance as a practice for embodied healing and growthEmail us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Numinus at https://numinus.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/nuLearn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about the history,  mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications of the psychedelic Mescaline. (4:11) Introduction to the topic(7:35) Why we started the podcast(8:05) Yoga tangent (12:30) What is mescaline?(14:25) History of mescaline(16:02) Psychedelic dog study(28:29) Mescaline research(36:23) Aldous Huxley's trip description(38:48) Subjective effects survey(42:51) Humans are evolutionally wired for survival Email us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Numinus at https://numinus.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss MDMA-assisted therapy. They explore the following topics: (2:00) Making this year the best year yet(3:57) The early  history of MDMA with Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin and Merck (7:00) The pioneering work of Sasha and Ann Shulgin(9:32) Why MDMA became illegal and the repercussions (10:23) MDMA study with couples(11:00) Chemical structure and mechanisms of action in the brain(13:20) Why does MDMA help with PTSD and post-traumatic growth(19:40) Is MDMA the same as ecstasy or molly?(21:10) Harm reduction, drug testing, and dosages (22:35) The desirable and undesirable effects of MDMA(25:20) Can MDMA kill you?(27:10) Interactions with other drugs(33:00) The MDMA come-down and how people try to compensate for it(36:28) MAPS MDMA therapy training(38:24) Principle components of the MDMA experience(40:54) Ann Shulgin's 4 agreements before beginning MDMA therapy(45:24) Oxytocin (46:37) Critical periods of development Email us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Numinus at https://www.numinus.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Dr. Bruno Rasmussen, an internal medicine physician and gastroenterologist with 20 years of ibogaine treatment experience, joins to reveal the transformative power of this psychedelic for substance use disorders. He shares insights on the safety and clinical protocols involved, detailing how ibogaine eases withdrawal symptoms. The conversation dives into profound patient experiences, demonstrating emotional and psychological healing. Additionally, Rasmussen discusses traditional uses of ibogaine and its potential for addressing various psychiatric conditions.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison answer your questions! This is the first of what will be many Q&A episodes, so if you like the show and want Reid and Steve to answer your questions, email them to psychfrontiers@novamind.ca (1:54) Introduction to the topic(4:36) What are the pros and cons of legalizing psychedelic therapy?(13:22) Is there a preferred therapy modality to use with psychedelic therapy?(17:58) Episode on the essential qualities of a psychedelic therapist(21:46) What should you do/not do while on magic mushrooms(22:24) Getting Higher: The Manual of Psychedelic Ceremony, by Julian Vayne(24:16) The Psychedelic Handbook, by Rick Strassman(31:32) What resources can you share for psychedelic integration?(38:48) Psychedelics and methylene blue (42:45) Does ketamine help with bipolar depression?(49:19) Can you fully heal your mind through psychedelic work vs staying on antidepressants?(55:00) What is your biggest life advice?Email us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Novamind at https://www.novamind.ca/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/novamind_inc/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison the ancient Amazonian psychedelic brew, ayahuasca. They explore its medicinal, ceremonial, and psychospiritual uses, modern research, and Reid even shares some personal experiences navigating the ayahuasca experience. (3:45) Introduction to the topic(5:30) Paul Simon's song about ayahuasca, Spirit Voices(7:21) Jack Kornfield on respecting the psychedelic experience (8:28) After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, by Jack Kornfield(9:00) Integrating a psychedelic experience and the hero's journey(12:16) The role of purging in the ayahuasca experience(14:21) Preparing for the ayahuasca experience and the "dieta"(23:00) The value of exercising discipline over habits(24:10) Let go, surrender, and be curious (29:20) Our DMT episode and Reid's encounter with giant insects(31:40) Why would someone seek out a psychedelic experience?(38:26) Reasons to be excited and to be cautious about the promise of ayahuasca(41:23) Richard Evans Schultes(42:47) Neurological effects of ayahuasca (47:55) Ayahuasca is not for everybody(49:22) The risk of serotonin syndrome Email us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Novamind at https://www.novamind.ca/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/novamind_inc/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Sherry Walling. Sherry is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author, and mental health advocate. Her company, ZenFounder, helps entrepreneurs and leaders navigate among other things transition, rapid growth, and loss. She hosts the ZenFounder Podcast, which has been called a “must listen” by both Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine and has been downloaded more than 1,000,000 times. She was also the host of Mind Curious, a podcast series exploring innovations in mental health care via psychedelics.We talk to Sherry Today about her new book, Touching Two Worlds.(2:28) Sherry introduces herself(3:20) Sherry is a circus artist(6:48) Sherry's grief story and the inspiration for her book(12:53) Sherry's experience with psychedelic-assisted therapy for grief (15:50) The value of defense mechanisms  (17:50) Embodied practices and physical expression for processing grief (23:22) MAPS MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD(24:20) The duality inherent in the grief process (26:00) The Wild Edge of Sorrow, by Francis Weller, MFT(26:45) Honoring your grief and comparing it to childbirth(30:33) What psychedelic-assisted therapy has to offer in the grief process(33:33) The parallels between supporting infants and those whose lives are ending(36:12) Different types of grief (40:36) Reid's experience with grief during an ayahuasca experience (45:35) Sherry's experience writing such a personal book(48:00) Sherry's, website, Instagram and ZenFounder businessEmail us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Novamind at https://www.novamind.ca/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/novamind_inc/Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/learn/podcast/Learn more about psychedelic therapy training opportunities at https://numinusnetwork.com/training/Learn more about our clinical trials at https://www.numinusnetwork.com/researchLearn more about Numinus at https://numinusnetwork.com/Email us at ptfpodcast@numinus.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstevethayer/https://www.instagram.com/innerspacedoctor/https://www.instagram.com/numinushealth/