In this interview, I had the honor of representing Zendo Project with Cato de Vos of OPEN Foundation and Amanda Guzinska of PsyCareUK. We discussed how to provide care and emotional support to people in non-ordinary states (aka altered or expanded states) from psychedelics (eg. psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, etc), grief, or any intense emotional experience that could lead someone to need support.
Read moreBurning Man 2024 Presentation
Back from the dust! I had a wonderful time hosting and speaking on a panel for the Zendo Project. We shared stories that demonstrate Zendo Project’s Four Principles, that limn harrowing psychedelic trips and how they can be transformed into healing opportunities, and that make you wonder why anyone would ever want to go to the desert and do drugs!
Read morePsychedelic Integration Toolkit
If you’re planning to participate in a psychedelic journey with substances like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, ayahuasca, DMT, san pedro, peyote, mescaline, or other substances - whether alone or with a guide - feel free to use these tools to get the most out of your experience. Please note: as I mention in the interview, these tools merely reveal the map, NOT the territory - this means that it can show you how to view or what to look at in your life, but can’t tell you what to do/change. This is where it can be immensely helpful to have a guide or a therapist to help you navigate this map, and to create action steps that can lead to sustainable change after a psychedelic journey.
Read moreZendo Project
There were other hard times that week, which led to other breakdowns and fears of not belonging. But each time I shared my struggles with my dear friends within the Zendo Project community, I was met with deep acceptance and shared struggles. It reminded me that no matter how expertly put together and badass someone might appear from the outside, we all struggle with belonging and worthiness. It was the reminder I needed that I can arrive exactly as I am, even when - or maybe especially when - sleep-deprived, stressed, and completely obscured by imposter syndrome. This community can hold me exactly as I am. I don’t have to feign happiness or confidence. It’s a place where I can show up, wounds and all, and still feel loved.
Read moreDon't settle for a one-size-fits-all psychedelic therapy experience
Imagine a wine sommelier who tells you which wine would pair best with your meal … except for psychedelics. You tell the sommelier what results you want, eg:
a reduction in anxiety/PTSD/OCD
to be less afraid of death/dying
a way to reconnect with my romantic partner
to be kinder to myself
to find a healthy way to feel anger
to let go of the past