

Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers
Numinus Network
The psychedelic renaissance is here! Join Dr. Steve Thayer, Dr. Reid Robison, and special guests as they explore the frontiers of psychedelic medicine and what it takes to cultivate a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Our hosts draw from their extensive knowledge and experience with psychedelic therapy research and treatment to discuss the science, practice, and art of psychedelic healing. If you are a helping professional, therapist, clinician, guide, healer, psychedelic enthusiast, or simply curious about mental, physical, and spiritual health, this is the podcast for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 17, 2021 • 31min
Psychedelics, psychosis, & the abuse potential of ketamine
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about the relationship between psychedelics and psychosis and discuss the abuse potential of ketamine. They cover the following topics:(0:51) Should we be worried that psychedelics will cause or exacerbate psychosis? (4:00) Psychedelic research is getting more comfortable studying psychedelic treatment for certain psychotic conditions (5:00) Differing views on the nature and needs of a psychotic episode from an ayahuasca ceremony (7:25) Ketamine treatment for dissociative identity disorder (9:38) More research is needed so that we can adeptly apply appropriate psychedelic therapy protocols for serious mental illness.(10:20) The entropic brain theory of mental illness (13:50) The abuse potential of ketamine(16:22) Is ketamine addictive? (19:17) Is ketamine ANTI-addictive? (22:35) The 3 pillars of ketamine treatment(24:30) Is ketamine safe for long-term use?Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/Learn more about Novamind at https://www.novamind.ca/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/

Aug 10, 2021 • 36min
Consciousness, meaning, and the search for self
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer, Dr. Reid Robison, and Vhari Macbeth, CSW, discuss the concept of the self, multiple "selves", and how we work with "selfhood" in psychedelic medicine. They cover the following topics:(1:50) The hosts talk about their personal quests for meaning and selfhood (4:10) Self-awareness from an evolutionary perspective (6:00) The fear associated with loss of or disconnection from sense of self(6:31) Similarities and differences between psychosis and psychedelic experience(7:41) How a "death" experience can lead to insight and self-awareness (8:30 Separate selves vs. oneness and unity(11:59) After the Ecstasy, The Laundry, by Jack Kornfield (14:44) Psychedelics as initiation tools to get you on the path of self-understanding (16:01) Is ego death required for a meaningful psychedelic experience?(17:00) Jamie Wheal (18:21) The Mystical Experience Questionnaire and the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (21:00) Multiple "selves" (21:50) Internal Family Systems Your Symphony of Selves, by James Fadiman (30:44) Ram Dass and "shifting the game"Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/#novamind #mentalhealth #psychology #therapy #self #habits #selfcare #meaning #psychedelics #nmLearn 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/

Aug 3, 2021 • 59min
Why do we self-sabotage?
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer, Vhari Macbeth, CSW, and Derick Moody, PA-C, explore the curious phenomenon of self-sabotage. They cover the following topics:(1:30) The various ways we are self-defeating(3:29) The inner healing intelligence and looking internally for answers(4:14) We aren't programmed for success, we're programmed for safety(8:22) Culture influences the hedonic avoidance of pain and pleasure seeking(9:40) How to "practice discomfort" to become more resilient(11:15) Self-sabotage and identity (18:40) Social influences on and aspects of self-sabotage(24:20) Secondary gain and unconscious forces (27:50) Gabor Mate, the relationship between pain and addiction, and self-compassion (29:18) How to build trust in yourself if you don't have it(34:38) The importance of practicing self-love and dealing with the inner critic (37:45) The relationship between values and wellbeing (40:19) David Goggins' book Can't Hurt Me and balance(48:30) Dr. Thayer's Instagram post of the comic about success (49:37) Living a full life instead of trying to be happy all the time(54:16) The Tools by Phil Stutz Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/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/

Jul 27, 2021 • 52min
The art and science of psychedelic trip-sitting
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison, Dr. Steve Thayer, and Derick Moody, PA-C, discuss the art and science of psychedelic trip-sitting. They cover the following topics:(1:24) The distinctions between psychedelic trip-sitting, guiding, and harm reduction. (2:48) Zendo Project (10:20) When you would want a psychedelic guide vs. a trip-sitter(12:45) Skillset for psychedelic guides and trip-sitters(14:46) Holding space and co-regulation(19:08) The Huberman Lab Podcast (21:00) You don't have to be perfect to be a trip-sitter, therapist, or guide.(21:48) Should trip-sitters, therapists, or guides be required to experience altered states before acting in those roles?(26:34) Tim Ferriss's interview with Marcela Ot'Alora (29:22) Brene Brown on vulnerability (31:48) The importance of validating the experience of others and the principle of "through, not down." (34:30) Safe, supportive touch during a psychedelic experience(36:04) Facilitating the work of the inner healing intelligence (38:05) Handling "bad trips"(41:31) The importance of preparation for a psychedelic experienceLearn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/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/

Jul 20, 2021 • 23min
Shadow work, unconscious contracts, & unearned wisdom
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer explore several aspects of the unconscious mind. They cover the following topics:(1:00) What is the unconscious mind?(2:01) The shadow and unconscious contracts(2:50) How a person's growth can be disruptive to those around them(6:15) Intergenerational trauma, healing, and work with ayahuasca(10:42) Consciousness is like a 3-layered cake (The Science of Enlightenment: Teachings and Meditations for Awakening Through Self-Investigation, by Shinzen Young)(12:15) Carl Jung - "Bewared of unearned wisdom"(13:45) Working with unconscious content from an attachment perspective(16:05) The inner critic(16:50) The 4 Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz(18:54) MAPS MDMA therapist manual(19:11) Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapy methodLearn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/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/

Jul 13, 2021 • 13min
You have to feel it to heal it
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss the many facets of human emotion and how we work with it in psychotherapy. They cover the following topics:(1:14) What are feelings?(2:02) How emotions show up in the body.(2:43) Primary vs secondary emotions.(3:55) Are there bad emotions?(4:55) The repression of feelings.(5:15) Healthy expression of anger.(6:38) Emotional triggers are friends to follow.(8:00) When it's hysterical it's historical.(9:06) What to do when emotionally triggered. Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/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/

Jul 7, 2021 • 50min
Is the mystical experience necessary for psychedelic healing?
Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison, Dr. Steve Thayer, and Derick Moody, PA-C discuss whether or not the mystical experience caused by many psychedelic medicines is a necessary factor for the healing they promote. They cover the following topics:(1:10) Nature article about non-psychoactive psychedelics.(4:00) What do we mean by "mystical experience"?(10:07) The entropic brain theory of mental illness (chaos vs order).(12:40) How psychedelics help a mind that is either too chaotic or too controlled.(13:35) The mystical experience and stages of change.(15:00) Ketamine can help with depression without the mystical experience.(15:39) Why the mystical experience is important for psychological change.(20:00) How psychedelics help people connect to meaning.(21:40) What is consciousness?(23:00) Measuring the relationship between the mystical experience and mental health improvements.(23:58) Psychedelics mimic a near death experience and provide similar changes in perspective. (28:07) Psychedelics are both a neurological and phenomenological intervention.(33:37) Different psychedelic compounds cause different mystical experiences.(34:34) The challenging psychedelic experiences can be the most therapeutic. (36:33) The relationship between mystical experiences and changes in psychological traits.(40:30) The "true self" and mental health. (43:00) the utility of psychedelics that don't have the mystical experience. (45:00) Movies and the mystical experience. Learn more about our podcast at https://www.psychedelictherapyfrontiers.com/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/

Jun 28, 2021 • 42min
Spirituality and the psychedelic renaissance
Send us a textDr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss the historically messy relationship between spirituality and modern psychiatry and the role that psychedelics are playing in a spiritual renaissance. They cover the following topics:Scientific American article by Harvard psychologist, David Rosmarin, about psychiatry and spirituality.Sigmund Freud's assertion that religion is a mass delusionPerhaps a spiritual renaissance is happening alongside the psychedelic one The relationship between mental health problems, spirituality, meaning, and purpose.How people are using psychedelics as a tool for spiritual inquiry The hosts share their personal experiences and thoughts around spiritualityHow to Change Your Mind, by Michael PollanRick Doblin interview on JREThe good Friday experiment Mind/body dualismSpiritual bypassingThe difference between pain vs. suffering and the role of struggle in growthSpirituality vs. religionUsing ketamine as a "chemical mindfulness" toolTara Brach and forgivenessLearn 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/

Jun 28, 2021 • 47min
Psychedelics and the inner healing intelligence
Send us a textDr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer are joined by Derick Moody, PA-C, to discuss the role that the inner healing intelligence plays in psychedelic medicine. They explore the following topics:What is the inner healing intelligence?The role of the clinician is to foster an ideal environment for the healing process to commence and to remove the obstacles that frustrate that processThe "monkey mind" as an obstacle to psychological healingWhy Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, by Robert ZapolskyPeter Levine and somatic experiencing therapy for traumaThe adaptability and resilience of the human organism The evolutionary mismatch between human psychology and modern society Example of using psychedelics to access the inner healer, collective unconscious, and ancestral wisdom in the movie Black PantherThe psychedelic renaissance as response by the inner-healer on a global scale to social unrestInternal Family Systems (IFS) and "parts work" in therapyThe various qualities of the inner healing intelligenceThe obstacle is the path, the only way out is through Story about deferring to the inner healer during a difficult ayahuasca experienceHow the presence of a supportive other facilitates healing Your Symphony of Selves, by James FadimanHow do we cultivate the inner healing intelligence as a therapist/clinicianLearn 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/

Jun 24, 2021 • 45min
How to integrate a psychedelic experience into every-day life
Send us a textDr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss how to integrate a psychedelic experience into every-day life. They cover the following topics:The transformative potential of the psychedelic experience itselfHow crucial it is to take deliberate actions to make changes prompted by psychedelics stickThe dangers of chasing one ecstatic, psychedelic experience after another without taking time to integrateThe role that proper intention-setting and expectations play in the integration processHow to use meditation for integration How to use mindfulness for integration The difference between pain vs sufferingHow our attachment to technology and internet media is "eating our souls"Yoga and physical activity as an integration strategy The importance of have a supportive person to discuss your experience with (e.g., therapist, guide, knowledgable friend)How to use journaling to process your psychedelic experience The types of psychotherapy approaches that pair well with psychedelics Identifying obstacles that could impede integration and removing themLearn 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/


