Why some therapists are risking arrest to heal trauma using psychedelics
For years, Andreas struggled to let go of the childhood physical and emotional abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. For him, the verbal abuse was the worst. “I would have taken a beating any day than to be told that, ‘You’re a piece of s—t,’” said Andreas, who asked we not use his last name. “A punch heals; words don’t. Words stick with you for a long time.”
A self-described healer who uses psychedelics to treat trauma in his clients finally agreed to speak with America Tonight about his practice. The healer, who we’ll call Simon to protect his identity, says he uses the drugs to help those suffering traumatic memories caused by everything from combat to childhood abuse. “A vet that I’ve worked with has had four sessions. And now, I never hear from him … ’cause he’s going to Mets games with his son,” he said. “I’ve seen examples like that over and over. I don’t use the word ‘miracle’ because it’s so loaded, but it is close.” He remains acutely aware that what he’s doing is illegal, but as someone who struggled with trauma in his youth, he says it’s worth the risk. “I am breaking the law, I totally understand that,” he said. “But it seems to me that with the greatest respect, there are some laws that are so foolish, so misguided and so based on out-of-date information. That’s the tragedy.” Simon says he uses the same protocols as those in the FDA-approved clinical trial for treating PTSD with MDMA. While he is not a licensed therapist, Simon uses his training as a spiritual psychologist to help clients revisit their trauma, and with the help of the drug, move past it.
From the Article (Al Jazeera):
Why some therapists are risking arrest to heal trauma using psychedelics
Artwork Fair Use: Nicolás Lichtmaier
