

Deconstruction
Rachael Spyker
Deconstructing the narratives that define our lives to find the common humanity in all of us. Deconstruction explores psychology, spirituality, and society to navigate the world with depth, clarity, and liberation. Hosted by Rachael, a psychedelic psychotherapist, this podcast offers:
Interviews – Conversations with visionaries shaping new ways of being.
Anam Cara – A series with Alice as a container of belonging and relational depth.
Experientials – Guided meditations, bodyful practices, and immersive experiences.
Join us as we reclaim wholeness and belonging.
www.alchemycounselling.ca
Interviews – Conversations with visionaries shaping new ways of being.
Anam Cara – A series with Alice as a container of belonging and relational depth.
Experientials – Guided meditations, bodyful practices, and immersive experiences.
Join us as we reclaim wholeness and belonging.
www.alchemycounselling.ca
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2025 • 26min
The Sky as Mirror: Archetypal Currents, Liberation, and the Messages of This Moment
In this episode of Deconstruction, Alice and Rae bring a message of hope, capturing the energetic signature of the times inspired by the recent planetary parade on 01/25/25. Through a depth psychology lens, they explore themes of cosmic alignment, love, and liberation—examining the rise of the sacred feminine, the evolving dance of anima and animus, and the collective individuation process moving us toward belonging and freedom.
For years, they both have lived in deep relationship with natural rhythms, aligning her life with the cycles of the Moon. This practice has shaped not only their personal evolution but also their understanding of how archetypal forces move through the unconscious and manifest in the outer world.
Just as the psyche speaks through dreams and symbols, planetary movements offer a kind of mythic imprint—an unfolding narrative of the collective unconscious that, when engaged with curiosity, can deepen our awareness of both personal and cultural transformation.
Through reflective dialogue and Jungian insight, Alice and Rae invite listeners to approach this moment in history as a liminal space—one where the old structures are dissolving, the Self is calling, and new possibilities for wholeness and integration are emerging.
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Jan 28, 2025 • 30min
A Love Letter to our Elder: Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés
In this unique and one-of-a-kind episode, Alice and Rae celebrate the life and teachings of their elder and muse, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, on her birthday! Reflecting on the profound ways her wisdom has shaped their lives and work, they dive into themes of prayer, shadow work, storytelling, and the transformative power of creativity and community.Note: The WiFi cuts out from 12:35 - 17:55. In the spirit of authenticity and modelling process, they’ve kept it in. You can stay with them through the technical difficulties or skip ahead.Through heartfelt stories, reverent reflections, and moments of laughter, they honour Dr. Estés’ legacy as a guide, healer, and poet of the soul. This episode serves as a love letter to Dr. Estés and a call to all listeners to embrace their unique gifts, honour their elders, and courageously walk the path of healing and transformation.For more info: Alchemy & Rachael

Jan 28, 2025 • 24min
You Belong Here: Inviting Aliveness into Connection
Welcome to a new season of Deconstruction! In this episode, Alice & Rae step into a new chapter together as co-hosts, expanding the podcast into a deeper exploration of authenticity, belonging, and the transformative power of connection.
Through reflective dialogue, they explore what it means to feel truly alive in relationship—with ourselves, each other, and the greater forces shaping our lives. They unpack the role of trust, reciprocity, and intention in creating meaningful bonds, and invite listeners to embrace the deep aliveness that comes from connection rooted in safety and attunement.
This episode sets the tone for the season ahead—a season of deep inquiry, attunement, and expanding the podcast into a space of collective belonging. Rae & Alice welcome you exactly as you are, offering an invitation to step into this journey with them.
Click here to learn more: Alchemy & Rachael

Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
Profiting from Pain: Unveiling The Mental Health Industrial Complex (Dr. Danna Bodenheimer)
In this episode, Rachael Spyker and Dr. Danna Bodenheimer dive into the concept of the mental health industrial complex, a term that encapsulates the various industries profiting from people's suffering in the mental health field. They examine how insurance companies, treatment facilities, and other entities often prioritize profit over the well-being of individuals seeking help. The conversation sheds light on how this complex is sustained by large insurance companies and government support, creating a system lacking in transparency and accountability.
Rachael and Dr. Bodenheimer discuss the critical role of therapists in navigating this complex landscape with authenticity and integrity. They explore the significance of setting boundaries in therapeutic relationships and the importance of being present with clients. The discussion underscores the power of cultivating a therapeutic space filled with curiosity, acceptance, and integrity, emphasizing the profound impact such a relationship can have on clients' healing journeys.
Tune in to this insightful episode to better understand the systemic issues in the mental health industry and the essential role of therapists in fostering genuine, healing connections with their clients.
Dr. Danna Bodenheimer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW), who founded the Walnut Psychotherapy Center. With extensive experience in private practice in Philadelphia, Dr. Bodenheimer identified the pressing need for increased access to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in a safe and supportive clinical setting. Dr. Bodenheimer is also an accomplished writer and consultant for several non-profit organizations in Philadelphia. Her writings cover a range of topics such as love in psychotherapy, eating disorders, and the history of relational work.
On Clinical Social Work: Meditations and Truths From the Field
Real World Clinical Social Work: Find Your Voice and Find Your Way
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Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 30min
Somatic & Relational Psychedelic Therapy: A New Era in Mental Health (Saj Razvi)
In this conversation with Saj Razvi, Director of Psychedelic Somatic Institute, we explore Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). PSIP is a somatic trauma therapy addressing mental health concerns in psychedelic states, focusing on relational wounding and self-correction. It involves regressing to early developmental stages to heal core self and attachment wounds, reclaiming parts lost to trauma for a more empathetic life.
Saj and Rachael discuss the critical role of secure attachment, viewing it as a stabilizing gift that surpasses material wealth. They cover pathways in transpersonal psychedelic therapy, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation, resources, and relational support. They also highlight the importance of addressing negative transference and ethical considerations in therapy.
Saj Razvi is the Founder and Director of Education at Psychedelic Somatic Institute, Saj is a pioneer in the field of Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). With a background as a clinical researcher in the MAPS Phase 2 trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, he also serves on the faculty at Synthesis and has taught PTSD studies at the University of Denver and a PhD course at the University of Copenhagen. PSIP, developed by Saj, is a cutting-edge therapy focusing on utilizing psychedelics to heal complex childhood trauma through relational and autonomic processes. Saj trains clinicians to provide effective, legal psychedelic treatments using accessible medicines like cannabis and ketamine, offering PSI training and supervision internationally
Resources Referenced in the Show
Saj's Ketamine Session
White Paper
Solution Session
Is PSIP Right for you
Find a PSIP Clinician
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May 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (Tamar Pearl & Jen Olson)
In this conversation, Rachael, Jen, and Tamar discuss their experience training to do Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). PSIP is a therapeutic approach that combines psychedelic substances with somatic (body-focused) techniques and interactive psychotherapy to facilitate deep emotional and psychological healing.
They explore the importance of support and trust in therapy, the role of relational dynamics and transference, the profound impact of PSIP on perception and healing, and the significance of trusting the body and embracing incremental change. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of PSIP and the excitement and gratitude the participants feel for this therapeutic approach.
Tamar Pearl has over 20 years of psychotherapy and trauma healing experience. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, ketamine-assisted therapist, and PSIP therapist, she has worked with organizations like the Chopra Addiction and Wellness Centre, Roots to Thrive, and Numinus. Tamara has also taught at Adler University. She specializes in healing intergenerational, collective, and cultural trauma, using modalities such as EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy for Complex Trauma.
Jen Olson is a relentless adventurer, exploring the heights of mountains and the depths of the mind through rock and ice climbing, as well as the realms of emotions and sensations in psychedelic ceremonies and therapies. With a background as a professional climber, internationally certified mountain guide, and somatic experiencing practitioner, Jen is uniquely prepared to navigate life-changing altered states of consciousness, which she now facilitates for others. Reach her at Jen@jenolson.ca
Learn more about PSIP
Psychedelic Somatic Institute
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Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 10min
Attuned Retreats (Alice Buckley)
In this conversation, Rachael and Alice discuss the power of creating safe containers for healing and transformation. They share their experiences of running retreats and the importance of attunement, presence, and compassion in creating a safe space. They explore the impact of relational healing and the need for safe family structures. They also discuss the use of systems and traditions for sacred work and the importance of self-awareness in creating safety in group settings.
Alice Buckley is cherished friend, sister, storyteller, wise woman, activist, retreat facilitator, and politician serving as a State Representative for Bozeman, Montana.
Follow Alice on Facebook & Instagram
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Apr 21, 2024 • 49min
Overcoming Stigma in Sex Addiction Therapy (Davis Wiggs)
In this conversation, Davis Wiggs, a sex addiction therapist, discusses his approach to therapy and the importance of building trust and breaking barriers with clients. He emphasizes the need to work from the bottom up, addressing underlying wounds and trauma before focusing on specific addictions. Davis highlights the role of curiosity and connection in therapy, and the importance of pacing and allowing clients to work at their own pace. He also explores the impact of social media on body image and self-perception, and the process of reclaiming a true sense of self. Davis concludes by discussing the power of therapy as a dress rehearsal for life and the potential for change outside of therapy
Learn more about Davis on his Website:
Between The Vines Counselling
Follow him on Instagram:
Between The Vines Counselling
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Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 8min
Beyond the Veil: Exploring Tarot and Dream Realms (Vickie Grayson)
In this conversation Rachael speaks with Vickie Grayson as they discuss her passion about tarot and dreams. She discusses her early fascination with dreams and the support she received from her mother. Vickie also recounts a visitation dream she had after her grandfather passed away. She then explains how she got interested in tarot and how it helped her during a period of burnout. Finally, she talks about her discovery of dream work and how it has become an obsession for her.
Vickie is a registered nurse, folk herbalist, tarot reader and dream worker passionate about exploring our inner worlds through story, symbol, and ritual. To her, tarot and dreams provide a portal for reflection, magic, and transformation.
Learn more about Vickie on her Website
Follow her on Instagram
Content mentioned in the podcast:
Initiation into Dream Mysteries: Drinking from the Pool of Mnemosyne
@sarahjanesdreaming @mossdreamsart
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Mar 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
Mirrors of the Soul: Authentic Relationships and Political Compassion (Alice Buckley)
In this conversation, Alice and Rachael discuss the importance of embracing difficult emotions and developing a relationship with them. They explore the power of gratitude for emotions and how it can lead to healing and transformation. They also delve into the significance of authentic mirroring in relationships and the role it plays in personal growth. The conversation then shifts to the rehumanization of politics and the impact of trauma in political environments. Finally, they explore triggers as guideposts for healing and the importance of embracing our shared humanity.
*Alice leads a grounding meditation exercise in the beginning of this episode. Interview begins at the 9:00 minutes*
Alice Buckley, is a cherished friend, sister, storyteller, wise woman, activist, retreat runner, and politician serving as a State Representative for Bozeman, Montana.
Follow Alice on Facebook & Instagram
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