Podcast Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy pioneer, Doctor Dan Engel, combines Western medicine background with plant medicine expertise: Dan Engel, a doctor with extensive Western clinical credentials and deep understanding of plant medicines, is leading the way in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, offering a shift in mental health care towards treating root causes of psychological pain.
Doctor Dan Engel, a medical doctor and the founder of Coogee Institute For Transformational Medicine, is leading the way in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. With decades of experience in various therapeutic contexts and a unique blend of Western and Eastern approaches to health, Dan has facilitated hundreds of medicine sessions, including MDMA. Historically, it's been rare for someone in the plant medicine world to hold both extensive Western clinical credentials and a deep understanding of plant medicines. Dan's background in medicine, psychiatry, and various fellowships, along with his experience with different medicines and therapeutic contexts, makes him a pioneer in this field. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, which aims to treat the root causes of psychological pain, is on the verge of becoming a legal and widely available treatment for conditions like trauma and depression. This innovative approach to mental health care represents a significant shift in the way we approach healing and could offer more effective solutions than current psych meds.
Revolutionizing mental health care with neurology and psychiatry: Neurology and psychiatry are transforming mental health care by focusing on root causes and offering effective, strategic treatments through practices and psychedelic therapies
Neurology and psychiatry, often seen as pessimistic fields, have revolutionized mental health care and are currently leading the way in psychedelic therapies. These therapies offer strategic, consistently successful treatments that address root causes rather than just symptoms. Psychiatry, meaning "soul" in Greek, has historically focused on pharmaceuticals but is now reclaiming its deeper role in understanding and treating the root causes of mental health issues. MDMA is one such medicine gaining traction in this field, but it's important to build a solid foundation through practices like meditation, self-regulation, and facing fears before exploring more potent psychedelic experiences.
Transforming Past Traumas into Strengths: Through self-regulation, curiosity, and neuroregulation practices, past traumas can be transformed into assets instead of liabilities. Recognizing the impact of complex PTSD and utilizing level one medicines can aid in this transformation process.
Our past traumas, whether they are from early childhood experiences before memory or later in life, can serve as our teachers and become our strengths if we learn to self-regulate and approach them with curiosity instead of fear. Traditional ego defenses may keep us from acknowledging these wounds, but they can be transformed into assets. Neuroregulation practices like meditation help set the groundwork for this transformation. Complex PTSD, which includes the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences, is common and can significantly impact our sense of safety and security in the world. It's important to recognize that not all trauma is obvious or life-threatening, and even small experiences can leave a lasting impact. MDMA is an example of a level one medicine used in the preparation process for transformative experiences. The goal is to understand that trauma can be a gateway to transformation and that reclaiming all parts of ourselves, including the traumatized parts, is essential for wholeness.
Factors affecting the depth of psychedelic experiences: Dosage, individual differences, and setting influence the transformative power of psychedelics like MDMA, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and LSD. Level 1 medicines have higher likelihood of positive outcomes, while level 2 and 3 medicines can lead to more profound experiences but require more preparation and consideration.
Psychedelic medicines like MDMA, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and LSD can provide transformative experiences, but the depth and complexity of the experience depend on various factors such as dosage, individual differences, and the setting. Level 1 medicines, such as MDMA and Ketamine, have a higher likelihood of positive outcomes and require less intervention, while level 2 and level 3 medicines, like higher doses of LSD, can lead to more profound and longer-lasting experiences. It's essential to consider the individual's readiness and the therapeutic setting when engaging with these substances. Additionally, cannabis, though widely used recreationally, can also serve as a powerful medicine when used therapeutically. The key is to approach these substances with intention and respect for their potential transformative power.
Exploring altered states of consciousness with substances: Recreational vs. therapeutic use: Open conversations about healthy substance use can help prevent destructive outcomes for young people, while recognizing therapeutic potential can lead to profoundly different experiences
The experiences between recreational and therapeutic use of certain substances can be vastly different. Many people have reported feeling like they were working with completely different molecules and having unique outcomes. The speaker, who has primarily used substances like MDMA in party settings with alcohol, expressed that they had never considered the therapeutic potential of these substances. It's essential to acknowledge that exploration of altered states of consciousness, including the use of substances like MDMA, cannabis, and alcohol, is a common experience among teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of education and understanding around healthy use of these substances, leading to potential negative consequences. By having open and transparent conversations with youth, we can help them explore these altered states in a healthy and productive way, reducing the likelihood of destructive outcomes. Additionally, recognizing the therapeutic potential of substances like MDMA can lead to profoundly different experiences when used intentionally and with the guidance of a trained professional.
MDMA's therapeutic use in trauma therapy: MDMA releases oxytocin, promoting bonding and relaxation, allowing the amygdala to relax and improving communication and memory for effective trauma therapy
MDMA, or ecstasy, is a unique psychoactive substance that has shown great promise in trauma therapy. It works by releasing oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which promotes feelings of union and relaxation. This, in turn, allows the amygdala, the fear center of the brain, to relax, enabling better communication and memory. The result is an environment conducive to addressing and healing traumas. MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 as methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) but wasn't used therapeutically until the 1950s and 1960s. Its reemergence as a psychotherapeutic tool coincided with the psychedelic revolution of the late 1960s, although it didn't gain the same level of popularity as other psychedelics like LSD. MDMA's unique ability to facilitate communication, relaxation, and memory makes it an effective tool for working through traumas and improving relationships.
MDMA's Misclassification as a Schedule 1 Substance: MDMA, though misclassified as highly addictive with no therapeutic benefits, is an effective psychotherapeutic tool due to its empathogenic properties and potential to facilitate truth-telling and communication.
MDMA, despite not being a classic psychedelic, holds significant therapeutic value as an empathogen and has been misclassified as a highly addictive substance with no known benefits (Schedule 1) in the US. MDMA, which engenders empathy, has neurological and neurochemical attributes that make it an effective psychotherapeutic tool. Its ability to help individuals speak their truth from an unguarded place and communicate it makes it a valuable resource for mental health treatment. The misclassification of MDMA as a Schedule 1 substance, alongside drugs like heroin and cocaine, is a result of political motivations rather than scientific evidence. The reclamation of truth-telling in the war on drugs calls us to action to ensure that similar injustices do not occur in the future. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the connection between the medical industry, the privatized prison system, and social justice reform. The transformation in our understanding of psychedelics and their therapeutic potential has far-reaching implications.
MDMA's Legal Transformation: A Psychedelic Renaissance for Healing Trauma: MDMA's legalization for clinical use, effective in treating trauma, will bring about deep internal work and community support in a highly regulated environment
We are in the midst of a psychedelic renaissance, specifically with MDMA, which is undergoing legal transformation. This renaissance is significant because MDMA is effective, safe, and has the potential to save lives by helping people reclaim trauma. Its legalization, scheduled for the next 18-24 months, will be focused on clinical use and will be highly regulated to ensure safety. The process of using psychedelics like MDMA for healing can bring up deep internal work, known as shadow work. This work is typically done in group settings with other level 2 medicines like Ayahuasca, peyote, and San Pedro. The cultural and religious context of these medicines is important to recognize, and while it's not necessary for legal sanctioning, it adds to their rich history and consistent facilitation. Overall, this renaissance represents a grassroots movement towards truth-telling and community support in the face of uncertainty and distrust in political leaders.
Traditional plant medicines with intense effects require skilled facilitators: Traditional plant medicines like Ayahuasca, Peyote, and San Pedro require skilled facilitators due to their intense and long-lasting effects, ensuring a safe and beneficial experience for participants.
Certain traditional plant medicines, such as Ayahuasca, Peyote, and San Pedro, require a higher level of training and preparation for their facilitators due to their intense and long-lasting effects. These medicines, which can bring about deep introspection and spiritual growth, also have the potential to cause uncomfortable experiences if not approached with proper guidance and setting. Ayahuasca, for instance, is known for its ego-dissolving properties and requires extensive training for facilitators to ensure a safe and beneficial experience for the participants. DMT and Iboga, which can rapidly and powerfully alter one's perception, also require a high level of expertise to handle due to their potential to be overwhelming. Overall, the use of these plant medicines is a complex and nuanced practice that requires a deep understanding of the medicine, the setting, and the individual's needs.
Exploring therapeutic uses of psychedelics: Psychedelics like DMT and Iboga offer therapeutic benefits, especially for addiction and trauma, but require careful preparation and professional guidance. Iboga's long-lasting effects make it effective in addiction recovery by cleaning opioid receptors.
Certain psychedelic substances, such as DMT and Iboga, can be used for therapeutic interventions, particularly in treating addiction and trauma. However, these substances require careful consideration and preparation, as they can cause intense experiences and potential trauma. Iboga, for instance, is a powerful medicine known for its long-lasting effects, which can range from 18 to 36 hours. It is particularly effective in addiction recovery due to its ability to clean opioid receptors, eliminating withdrawals and cravings for many individuals. While these substances offer significant benefits, they should be approached with respect and under the guidance of trained professionals. Additionally, it's important to recognize that everyone's experience with these substances is unique, and the length and intensity of the journey can vary greatly. The speaker's personal story highlights the importance of understanding the available therapeutic options and the potential they hold for healing.
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy goes beyond the drug: 2/3 to 3/4 of patients with chronic severe PTSD cured after 2-3 sessions of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, attributed to intensive psychotherapy sessions and therapeutic engagement.
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is a transformative experience that goes beyond the drug itself. The success rate of this treatment for chronic severe PTSD is significantly higher than the standard of care, with 2/3 to 3/4 of patients cured after 2-3 sessions. This success is attributed not only to the MDMA but also to the intensive psychotherapy sessions that are interwoven throughout the process. These sessions, which include both the patient's primary therapist and a dyad therapist, help set expectations, understand the process, and promote self-regulation. When MDMA becomes legal, it will be mandated to have this degree of psychotherapeutic engagement, but the high cost may limit access to only a chosen few.
MDMA-assisted therapy: A costly but effective emotional healing process: MDMA therapy is costly due to the need for trained professionals, research contributions, and preparation. It offers heightened awareness, feelings of love, bonding, and emotional healing.
The cost of MDMA-assisted therapy cannot be significantly reduced without adding more trained professionals to the system or increasing competition among them. The cost also includes research contributions from each session. During an MDMA session, individuals experience heightened awareness, feelings of love, ease, comfort, safety, bonding, and openness. Contraindications include heart disease, intractable epilepsy, and certain psychiatric medications. Preparation, including at least three sessions with a therapist or mentor, is crucial for a safe and effective experience. The process involves trusting the facilitator to help individuals navigate their deepest emotions, which often surface during the session. The therapy session typically involves a dialogos between the person and the therapist, with music allowed during the session. The medicine takes about an hour to come on fully, but quality and dosage can affect this.
Creating a safe and soothing environment during therapeutic journey with substances: Explore core issues, encourage sharing, and create a safe space to heal from intergenerational trauma.
During a therapeutic journey using substances like MDMA, it's essential to create a safe and soothing environment for the person undergoing the experience. This can include using music, keeping their eyes closed, and asking open-ended questions to encourage them to share their feelings and experiences. The goal is to help them explore the core issues and understand the underlying causes of their trauma, which can lead to a deeper level of healing and empathy for both parties involved. Furthermore, it's important to recognize that transgenerational trauma is common and that many of us carry the burdens of our ancestors. By exploring the experiences of our parents and loved ones, we can gain a greater understanding of their perspectives and heal the wounds that have been passed down through generations. Ultimately, this process allows us to take on the privilege of healing and using the tools available to us to address the traumas that our ancestors could not.
Effectiveness of MDMA therapy depends on setting and focus: MDMA therapy's success hinges on the setting's calmness and the individual's inward focus, preventing transgenerational trauma and promoting self-discovery.
During mindfulness practices or therapeutic sessions using MDMA, the ability to pause between stimulus and response is crucial in preventing the transmission of transgenerational trauma. However, the recall of lessons learned during these experiences can be challenging due to the altered state of consciousness. The impact of the setting and the focus of attention, whether inward or outward, significantly influence the effectiveness of the therapy. In a party setting, the external environment enhances collective effervescence, while in a therapeutic setting, the focus is on inner awareness and self-discovery. MDMA is a medicine of opening, and the length of the experience, typically around 4 to 6 hours, depends on the time signature and the amount of work to be done. The therapist's role is to guide the individual back to the root cause of the issue, preventing unhelpful wormholes in the mind. The experience can be liberating and strengthening, especially for those who have been guarded or armored, making the therapy worth the investment.
Integrating Insights from Psychedelic Experiences: Reflect on themes, assess pacing, and create a new self-image to fully benefit from psychedelic experiences.
The use of psychedelics like MDMA in both recreational and therapeutic settings can lead to profound insights and personal growth. However, the integration process after the experience is crucial for fully harvesting these insights. Recording the session through audio or having a facilitator present can help keep track of these insights and prevent important information from being lost. The integration process involves reflecting on the themes and areas explored during the experience, assessing the pacing and energetic tone, and using these insights to create a new, empowered self-image. By consciously engaging the process of integration, individuals can fully reap the benefits of their psychedelic experience and continue to write their new story.
Applying insights from transformative experiences: Accountability, reflection, and community are essential for success in applying insights from transformative experiences to daily life.
While transformative experiences like therapeutic sessions or spiritual journeys can provide valuable insights, the real work lies in the integration and application of those insights into daily life. This process requires accountability, reflection, and a supportive community. Accountability can come from various sources, including therapists, coaches, or self-imposed commitments. Integration involves taking responsibility for one's actions and processing any associated grief or loss. The community aspect offers a safe space for sharing experiences, learning from each other, and receiving support during the challenging yet rewarding journey of personal growth.
Community and facilitation's impact on MDMA therapy success: A supportive community and skilled facilitator are crucial for successful MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, as they help process unresolved trauma and foster personal growth.
The support and quality of the community and facilitation play a significant role in the success and integration of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. A poor facilitator or unsupportive community can lead to unprocessed trauma and a less than optimal experience. Additionally, having unrealistic expectations about the therapeutic process and not being willing to put in the necessary work can hinder the healing journey. It's important to recognize that the medicine is not a quick fix but rather a tool to help us confront and process our truths, leading to personal growth and becoming more whole humans. Having a validation team and community to lift each other up during this challenging process is essential.
Integrating psychedelic therapies into mainstream healthcare: Train thousands of facilitators, establish centers, and collaborate to ensure sustainable access to transformative mental health treatments using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
The future of mental health treatment lies in the integration of psychedelic therapies, particularly MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, into mainstream healthcare. This transformative approach combines the "hardware" of Western medicine with the "software" of psychology and spiritual practices, creating a new medical framework that addresses the root causes of mental health issues. To make this a reality, we need to train thousands of facilitators and establish hundreds to thousands of centers over the next 5 to 10 years. This will involve a collaborative effort between organizations, communities, and individuals, all working together to ensure sustainable access to these medicines and their transformative potential. Remember, the journey towards healing is not only about overcoming challenges but also about making it an enjoyable and meaningful experience. For more information on this topic, check out Dr. Dan Engle's work at doctordaneingle.com and Kuya dot life. Let's work together to create a world where mental health treatment is not just functional, but transformative.
Balancing technology and tradition for a sustainable future: Embrace technology while respecting nature and cultural traditions for a sustainable future
The integration of technology and traditional practices is crucial for sustainable living and preserving cultural traditions for future generations. This was emphasized in a recent conversation with Freddie Hamilton about sustainability. He highlighted the importance of balancing our use of powerful technologies with respect for the natural world and traditional cultures. This is particularly relevant when considering the impact of our actions on the environment and future generations. Hamilton's perspective aligns with the need to address issues like ocean acidification and the depletion of fossil fuels. By working together, we can bridge the gap between technology and tradition, ensuring a sustainable future for all. Hamilton's stories around sustainability serve as a reminder of the importance of this balance and the responsibility we have to future generations.
