Living Medicine

Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Newes, PhD, is a licensed psychiatrist and the Co-founder and Programming Director of Living Medicine Institute, which offers psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy training programs. With over 25 years of clinical experience as a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist, she specializes in anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, and recovery. Dr. Newes is also an educator and speaker offering workshops, events, and education on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and the intersection of nature connection, trauma, and mental health. In this episode… Many people exploring mental health treatments seek options that go deeper than traditional talk therapy. They want approaches that help them access, process, and move through the patterns that keep them stuck. How can you determine which tools support meaningful change? According to psychologist and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy specialist Dr. Sandy Newes, the solution lies in combining medicine with skilled therapeutic guidance. Preparation, integration, and a strong relational container turn chemical experiences into transformation. Dr. Newes recommends working in a structured series of sessions, tracking the narrative and the body, and ensuring clients feel safe enough to explore difficult material. This process can open space for clarity, emotional release, and genuine healing. In this episode of Living Medicine, Chad Franzen of Rise25 hosts Dr. Sandy Newes, Co-founder and Programming Director of Living Medicine Institute, to discuss ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for trauma care. Dr. Newes talks about its unique clinical utility, common misconceptions about dosing, and how trauma-informed care shapes the therapeutic experience.

Dr. Raymond Turpin is the Clinical and Executive Director of The Pearl Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trauma-informed care and psychedelic-assisted therapies. He has worked in psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric emergency units, residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention, schools, and community mental health clinics. Before The Pearl Institute, Dr. Turpin co-founded Jackson County Psychological Services, which provided free and reduced-cost mental health services to the students and families of the Jackson County Public School system. In this episode… Psychedelic-assisted therapy is reshaping how clinicians understand trauma, resilience, and healing. With veterans, first responders, and countless others still struggling despite traditional treatments, many are wondering whether a different therapeutic pathway is finally within reach. What happens when medicine, neuroscience, and expanded states of consciousness converge? How can clinicians bring innovative treatments to people who need them most? With decades of experience in trauma-focused psychology, Dr. Raymond Turpin believes that meaningful healing begins by accessing the deeper layers of the psyche that conventional talk therapy often can't reach. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, safety, and intentional integration, noting that even profound non-ordinary experiences require commitment and follow-through to create transformation. Relational support, skilled guidance, and a willingness to engage with inner material can catalyze healing. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Dr. Raymond Turpin, Clinical and Executive Director of The Pearl Institute, about psychedelic-assisted trauma therapy. Dr. Turpin shares his path into MDMA research, how his team became an expanded access site treating four clients, and why his view of ketamine evolved through clinical experience.

Karen Sprinkel is an individual and family trauma therapist with over 30 years of practice experience. As a licensed therapist in multiple states, she combines modalities, including EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support clients healing from complex trauma. Karen is also a continuing education provider and the author of The Thriving Self. In this episode… As more clinicians and healers turn to ketamine, MDMA, and other medicines to heal trauma, the line between therapeutic experiences and therapy often blurs. How can practitioners ensure that these experiences heal rather than harm? According to trauma clinician Karen Sprinkel, trauma healing requires both depth and discernment. She cites experiential training, client choice, and flexibility as the pillars of safe psychedelic work. Karen also encourages clinicians to recognize trauma across cognitive, somatic, and spiritual dimensions and to prioritize integration and humility in their practice. Effective healing is intentional, informed, and compassionate.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with individual and family trauma therapist Karen Sprinkel to talk about trauma-informed psychedelic care. Karen explains what defines a trauma specialist, how to safely prepare clients for psychedelic sessions, and the importance of flexibility and client agency in healing trauma.

Ken Weingardt, PhD, is the Director of Training and Education and a Clinical Advisor at Heroic Hearts Project, which provides psychedelic psychotherapy for veterans. He has over 20 years of experience designing and implementing web and mobile health programs at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Ken provides psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy treatments to veterans.  In this episode… Psychedelic-assisted therapy is evolving from a fringe theory to a promising modality for healing trauma, particularly among veterans. As traditional treatments often fall short, many are wondering how these medicines can be integrated safely and effectively into clinical and community settings. What makes psychedelic work transformative, and what safeguards make it ethical? According to psychologist Ken Weingardt, the key lies in preparation, integration, and respect for each client's cultural and emotional context. He recommends understanding moral injury, survivor's guilt, and the unique reintegration challenges veterans face. Additionally, clinicians should pair evidence-based methods with peer support and recognize that healing begins after the medicine.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Ken Weingardt, PhD, Director of Training and Education and a Clinical Advisor at Heroic Hearts Project, to discuss how psychedelics support veteran healing. He describes the use of MDMA therapy for trauma, the role of peer support in recovery, and why integration and community are essential for lasting transformation.

Matt Zemon is the Co-founder and CEO of HAPPŸŸ, a mental wellness company focused on psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy. In his role, he leads the company's vision to expand access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy through telemedicine. He also oversees clinical quality, technology innovation, and integrative care programs that blend neuroscience, mindfulness, and digital tools. He is the author of multiple books, including Psychedelics for Everyone, Beyond the Trip, and The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics. As a leader in psychedelic wellness, Matt consults with clinicians and spiritual practitioners to integrate psychedelic protocols into thoughtful healing frameworks.  In this episode… Psychedelics are transitioning from underground traditions into mainstream clinical use, sparking both excitement and debate. How do these medicines hold psychosocial and spiritual significance that modern practices should embrace? Psychedelic wellness leader Matt Zemon argues that while clinical research is critical, the vast majority of psychedelic use occurs outside medical models. He highlights the role of community, integration, and spiritual connection in healing. Rather than relying on sterile clinical settings, Matt advocates for intentional, compassionate spaces that nurture meaningful transformation. He maintains that although these medicines are catalysts for change, they are not standalone cures.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Matt Zemon, Co-founder and CEO of HAPPŸŸ, to discuss the intersection of science, spirituality, and community in psychedelic work. Matt shares how group settings reinforce interconnectedness, how psychedelics help people align with themselves, and how ketamine can foster transformation and spiritual experiences.

Licia Sky is the Co-founder and Global Ambassador of the Trauma Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization advancing research, education, and treatment in trauma and healing. As a somatic educator, artist, singer-songwriter, and bodyworker, she trains mental health professionals to use movement, writing, theater exercises, voice, and meditation as tools for attunement, healing, and connection. With over 25 years of practice, Licia's work integrates body-based therapies, polyvagal theory, parts work, and trauma-science research to help individuals recover from emotional and physiological dysregulation. In this episode… Creating a safe space for people processing deep trauma is both an art and a discipline. Therapists working with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy must help clients navigate intense emotions and memories by ensuring they feel secure and supported. What practices can therapists leverage to foster trust and transformation? Somatic educator and trauma expert Licia Sky emphasizes deep, agenda-free presence. Authentic attunement begins with the client noticing their bodily sensations and slowing the pace of interaction to invite others into awareness. Through slow curiosity, facilitators can encourage clients to stay with physical sensations before forming mental narratives, allowing trauma to surface without overwhelm. Licia also warns against viewing psychedelics as a quick fix and underscores the need for careful preparation and integration to turn profound experiences into lasting growth. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Licia Sky, Co-founder and Global Ambassador of the Trauma Research Foundation, to talk about embodied trauma healing and psychedelic therapy. Licia explores how slowing down and cultivating temporal awareness creates safety, how slow curiosity helps clients process trauma safely, and why integration before and after psychedelic work is critical for meaningful, lasting change.

Rutger Engels is the Co-founder and Director of Senz, a treatment center for anxiety and depression in the Netherlands. He is also a Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where his research centers on early substance use, depression, and anxiety in youth. Previously, Rutger served as CEO of the Trimbos Institute, which is the Netherlands' national mental health and addiction institute. Shiva Thorsell is the Co-founder and Clinical Psychologist at Senz. With over 25 years of experience in specialized mental healthcare, she serves as a senior instructor and supervisor in the postgraduate training of health psychologists. Shiva is skilled in therapeutic approaches, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), body-oriented mentalizing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In this episode… In the evolving field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, new treatments and models of care are challenging traditional approaches to mental health. How can an intensive, multidisciplinary method provide lasting breakthroughs for people struggling with depression, trauma, and anxiety? Mental health researcher Rutger Engels and clinical psychologist Shiva Thorsell advocate for a combination of evidence-based methods and innovative practices like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. They maintain that individualized, modular treatment programs allow them to tailor care for each client. Rutger and Shiva also emphasize intensive approaches, structured group therapy, and lifestyle interventions like running as key tools for deep and lasting change. These research-driven, yet compassionate treatment models can open new pathways to recovery.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Rutger Engels and Shiva Thorsell, Co-founders of Senz, to talk about building a multidisciplinary clinic that integrates psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. They discuss the importance of individualized modular treatments, how intensive programs foster deeper healing, and how to integrate ketamine-assisted psychotherapy responsibly.

Will Van Derveer, MD, is the Co-founder of Integrative Psychiatry Institute, a practice that trains clinicians in holistic mental health care. He is also the Medical Director of the Integrative Psychiatry Healing Center, which provides holistic mental health care. With over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Van Derveer specializes in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, somatic techniques, EMDR, and internal family systems. He has also co-authored research on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and was a co-investigator in the Phase II clinical trials sponsored by MAPS.  In this episode… Many mental health practitioners feel limited by conventional psychiatry's narrow approaches, which often leave patients struggling despite treatment. While medication and talk therapy can help, some individuals remain stuck in cycles of trauma, depression, or anxiety that resist these methods. How can integrative approaches and altered states of consciousness offer a more effective path to healing? According to holistic psychiatrist Dr. Will Van Derveer, expanded states of consciousness like those induced by MDMA, ketamine, or psilocybin can help patients break free from rigid thought patterns and reconnect with a deeper sense of self. He maintains that cultural humility, ethics, and integration work are crucial for achieving long-term results. Dr. Van Derveer also guides practitioners to slow down, stay curious, and avoid imposing their personal beliefs on clients. Tune in to this episode of Living Medicine as Dr. Sandy Newes welcomes Dr. Will Van Derveer, MD, Co-founder of Integrative Psychiatry Institute, to discuss integrating psychedelic therapy into mainstream mental health care. Dr. Van Derveer talks about training practitioners in psychedelic work, matching various psychedelic medicines to patient needs, and maintaining curiosity in facilitation.

Dr. Ron Siegel is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he has taught for over 40 years. As a clinical psychologist in private practice, he has worked with low-income children and families, treated adults with chronic pain and stress disorders, and provided mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. Dr. Siegel has written and edited several books, including Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, The Mindfulness Solution, Sitting Together, and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy.  In this episode… Those who have experienced trauma often struggle with self-criticism, isolation, and reliving painful experiences. Even when we know self-compassion matters, it can feel abstract or blocked by internal resistance. How can we transition from self-judgment and disconnection toward a sense of safety, love, and acceptance? According to clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Dr. Ron Siegel, self-compassion can facilitate personal healing and therapeutic outcomes. The three counteractions to self-criticism and isolation are kindness, humanity, and mindfulness, which can be accelerated by psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. When engaging in these therapy sessions, Dr. Siegel emphasizes the importance of preparation, skilled facilitation, and integrating these practices into daily life to support lasting change. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Ron Siegel returns to chat with Dr. Sandy Newes about cultivating self-compassion in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Siegel discusses the synergy between mindfulness and psychedelics, how secure attachment informs healing, and how to bring compassion into the body.

Gita Vaid, MD, is the Co-founder and Medical Director of the Center for Natural Intelligence,  a multidisciplinary laboratory specializing in psychedelic psychotherapy innovation and clinical practice. As a board-certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, she was trained by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies (MAPS) to practice ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Gita is also the Director of Psychedelic Awareness at The Chopra Foundation and a lead instructor at The Ketamine Training Center. In this episode… Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a powerful modality for healing trauma, deepening self-awareness, and fostering emotional transformation. Yet, it requires profound therapeutic relationships, boundaries, and integration. What does it take to facilitate psychological healing with psychedelic therapy? Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Gita Vaid takes a relational and process-oriented approach to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can reactivate emotional connection, surface suppressed trauma, and promote personal growth when guided by an attuned therapeutic relationship. Gita emphasizes the value of clinician self-development, stating that true transformation occurs when the therapist and patient engage in a co-healing process. She advises practitioners to trust the unfolding nature of psychedelic work, listen carefully to their clients' inner narratives, and prioritize building safety and intimacy throughout treatment. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes interviews Gita Vaid, MD, Co-founder and Medical Director at the Center for Natural Intelligence, about the clinical and relational depth of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Gita discusses attachment repair, the shift from trauma identity to well-being, and how music and innovation can enhance the healing process.

Dr. Signi Goldman, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the Co-founder and Medical Director of Living Medicine Institute, which offers psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy training programs. As a certified provider for psychedelic-assisted therapy and research, she has practiced in various clinical settings, including hospital systems and alternative treatment settings. Dr. Goldman also serves as a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist for Concierge Medicine and Psychiatry's Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Program for Mental Health. Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Newes, PhD, is a licensed psychiatrist and the Co-founder and Programming Director of Living Medicine Institute. With over 25 years of clinical experience as a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist, she specializes in anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, and recovery. Dr. Newes has provided ketamine-assisted psychotherapy through Concierge Medicine and Psychiatry since 2019. She is also an educator and speaker offering workshops, events, and education on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and the intersection of nature connection, trauma, and mental health. In this episode… Many people struggling with trauma, anxiety, or emotional blocks have turned to alternative therapies for healing, but are these methods truly effective? With growing interest in psychedelics like ketamine and MDMA, questions remain about how these substances are used, who they help, and what actually happens during therapy. What does safe, effective psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy look like in practice? Various medical and psychiatric professionals share their lived experiences and clinical insights into this emerging field. Veteran psychedelic researcher Bill Richards maintains that the psyche can heal itself when supported by empathy and presence during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy sessions. Internal Family Systems creator Dr. Dick Schwartz believes each individual is composed of distinct parts with trauma impacting their individual functions. Emergency medicine provider Mel Herbert details therapeutic environments that promote psychedelic integration, while MDMA researcher Michael Mithoefer emphasizes the importance of preparation and post-session dialogue and reflection for long-term impact.  In this exclusive compilation episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Signi Goldman and Dr. Sandy Newes of Living Medicine Institute reflect on their most insightful interviews. Featuring conversations with Bill Richards, Dr. Dick Schwartz, Michael Mithoefer, and Mel Herbert, these guests delve into therapeutic safety, the role of integration after ketamine sessions, and promoting healing in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

Jayne Gumpel, LCSW, is the Founder and Lead Facilitator of Relationship Resources, which offers psychedelic-assisted retreats. As a psychotherapist, trainer, and teacher, she has over 30 years of experience working with couples, individuals, and groups in private practice. Jayne is a certified trainer in Psychedelic Integration Psychotherapy, a member of the Woodstock Therapy Center's Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) team, and has completed MDMA-assisted psychotherapy training through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). In this episode… Couples may encounter challenges when trying to resolve persistent issues around communication, trust, or emotional pain. Traditional talk therapy sometimes falls short when couples try to break through entrenched narratives and create meaningful change. How can therapists help partners reach deeper understanding and healing in a safe, transformative way? According to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist and couples retreat facilitator Jayne Gumpel, ketamine can act as a portal to emotional clarity and reconnection. Having facilitated both individual and group ketamine sessions, Jayne emphasizes the importance of preparation, intention setting, and integration. This medicine quiets the brain's default mode of thinking, helping clients detach from rigid meaning-making and approach difficult emotions with compassion. Jayne also integrates poetry into her clinical practice to help clients reframe their stories and deepen relational insight. In this week's episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Jayne Gumpel, LCSW, Founder and Lead Facilitator of Relationship Resources, to discuss psychedelic-assisted couples therapy. Jayne shares her philosophy for cultivating joy, her innovative retreat approaches, and her perspective on consciousness. 

Jim Hopper, PhD, is a Teaching Associate in Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he co-directs a conference on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. With over 25 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, therapist, and independent forensic consultant, he focuses on the psychological and neurobiological effects of trauma, including sexual assault and child abuse, and their treatment. Jim has provided training and consultation to therapists, law enforcement, military personnel, and higher education administrators and has served as an expert witness in legal cases. In this episode… Many clinicians entering the field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy assume that the medicine alone drives healing, overlooking the critical role of the therapeutic relationship. Without a strong relational foundation, clients can experience retraumatization, disempowerment, or even harm during these vulnerable states. How can practitioners create safe, empowering, and effective therapeutic environments during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy? As a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, Jim Hopper advises clinicians to combine empowerment, connection, and attunement during psychedelic therapy sessions. He advocates for trauma-informed care that supports client autonomy and competence while maintaining a genuine relational connection. Preparation, integration, and an awareness of relational dynamics like transference and countertransference are essential components of the psychedelic therapy process. By maintaining faith in the client's inner healing wisdom, therapists can help clients feel safe, empowered, and supported throughout their healing journeys. In this week's episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes interviews Jim Hopper, PhD, Teaching Associate at Harvard Medical School, about creating safe and relational psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy sessions. Jim talks about balancing autonomy and competence, avoiding therapist overreach, and the risks of replicating trauma dynamics in therapy.

Rick Doblin, PhD, is the Founder and President of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), a nonprofit organization advancing research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He studied under Dr. Stanislav Grof and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. Rick aims to develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana.  In this episode… The path to healing trauma and advancing mental health care through psychedelic therapies is often blocked by regulatory barriers, cultural stigma, and skepticism. While MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows immense promise, therapists wonder how these treatments can be made widely accessible and trusted, especially across different cultures, age groups, and medical systems. What does it take to shift public perception and institutional acceptance? Psychedelic researcher and therapy pioneer Rick Doblin combines rigorous clinical research, international therapist training, and grassroots cultural change to reduce the stigma surrounding psychedelic therapies. He has initiated humanitarian projects in high-trauma, low-resource regions like Ukraine and Rwanda and facilitated the FDA approval process through pilot studies and collaborative research. Rick emphasizes the importance of therapist training — including firsthand MDMA experience — and encourages public storytelling to destigmatize psychedelics and build broader support. In today's episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes welcomes Rick Doblin, PhD, Founder and President of MAPS, to discuss his pioneering research into MDMA and other psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies. Rick talks about group and family psychedelic therapy models, the relationship between mysticism and therapeutic outcomes during psychedelic sessions, and how to support natural emotions during vulnerable states. 

Dr. Erika Czerwinski, PsyD, is the Founder, Director, and Facilitator of Eleos, which integrates ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and nature-based mindfulness to facilitate self-discovery. With over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and groups, Dr. Czerwinski holds certifications in psychedelic-assisted therapies from MAPS, the Integrative Psychiatric Institute, and the Living Medicine Institute. Since 2019, she has facilitated ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for physicians, young adults, and those healing from trauma. In this episode… As the psychotherapy space enters a psychedelic renaissance, navigating the complex relational dynamics that emerge in altered states remains a top concern. How can therapists maintain ethical boundaries while being authentic and responsive during such vulnerable moments? What role do clinical frameworks like attachment theory and transference play when working with powerful medicines like ketamine? According to clinical psychologist Dr. Erika Czerwinski, relational attunement, psychoanalytic listening, and ceremony-based approaches can ground and enrich ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Distinguishing dosages helps clinicians tailor interventions based on client needs and internal states. When clients begin regaining verbal awareness during ketamine sessions, gentle, well-timed reflections can surface unconscious material, validate emerging emotional experiences, and help anchor insights for integration. By attuning to transference patterns and unconscious processes, interpretations can deepen relational safety and accelerate healing. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes interviews Erika Czerwinski, PsyD, Founder, Director, and Facilitator of Eleos, about integrating relational depth into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Czerwinski talks about working with clients experiencing personality disorders, the difference between psychedelic and psycholytic therapy sessions, and how ketamine compares to similar psychedelics in clinical usage.

In this episode… Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is often misunderstood, stigmatized, or misdiagnosed, especially in high-functioning individuals who mask symptoms through adult-like coping strategies. Many live for decades without a clear diagnosis, struggling silently with memory gaps, emotional volatility, and identity confusion. How can modern therapeutic practices like psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy identify and support people navigating this complex condition? Today's guest struggled for years with DID that remained hidden behind a facade of accomplishments until various life stressors made symptoms unavoidable. Through intensive trauma therapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, they identified distinct parts within themself, recognized their trauma origins, and began the integration process. The guest emphasizes that psychedelics allow access to vivid trauma memories, the role of the therapist in creating safety and attunement during complex trauma work, and how gaining agency over their identities transformed their condition from a burden into a strength. Join Dr. Signi Goldman in today's episode of Living Medicine as she recounts an interview with an anonymous client about resolving DID through psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The guest talks about identifying and healing distinct internal identities, their early experience with DID symptoms, and how somatic touch can facilitate identity reconciliation. 

Dr. Phil Wolfson, MD, is the Founder and CEO of the Ketamine Research Foundation, which advances ketamine's use in therapeutic modalities. As a pioneering psychiatrist and psychotherapist, he is the author of The Ketamine Papers and Noe – A Father/Son Song of Love, Life, Illness and Death. Dr. Wolfson served as the Principal Investigator for a MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trial exploring MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for patients with anxiety from life-threatening illnesses.  In this episode… As psychedelic-assisted therapies become more mainstream, ketamine treatments are increasingly medicalized, often lacking the integration, connection, and context that can unlock their true healing potential. How can clinicians ensure these therapies are transformative rather than transactional? Psychedelic psychotherapist Dr. Phil Wolfson advises against separating ketamine from psychotherapy. Instead, he advocates for an integrative, human-centered approach that includes preparatory work, therapist presence, and post-session integration. When determining patient dosage, clinicians should focus on assessing the individual rather than adhering to rigid protocols. Dr. Wolfson also urges clinicians to cultivate compassion, deepen their therapeutic relationships, and consider the spiritual and emotional dimensions of healing, especially when working with trauma and grief.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Dr. Phil Wolfson, the Founder and CEO of the Ketamine Research Foundation, about the art and ethics of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Wolfson shares how his son's illness led him to pursue psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, consciousness and death in psychedelic experiences, and the contrast between IV clinics and integrative therapy models.

Dr. Jonathan Leake is a Board Certified Emergency Department Physician and the Co-owner and CEO of Dérive Health, a clinic specializing in ketamine-assisted therapy for PTSD, depression, and other treatment-resistant mental health conditions. With over a decade of experience treating dehydration and illness with IV fluids and medications, Dr. Leake also co-founded Hydrate Medical, which administers IV vitamin infusions. He is certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and MAPS and holds a certification in ketamine therapy from the Living Medicine Institute.  In this episode… Many physicians are burned out by the limitations of traditional medicine, especially when treating mental health crises in high-pressure environments like the ER. While they may feel called to do more, the pathway to practicing psychedelic therapy can seem unclear and overwhelming. How can medical professionals transition into ketamine-assisted care? After noticing a lack of effective treatment for mental health conditions, emergency medicine physician and ketamine clinician Dr. Jonathan Leake transitioned from the ER to providing ketamine therapy. Ketamine therapy requires maintaining supportive care throughout each treatment session, so physicians must build patient rapport, assess and manage the environment's energy, and recognize psychological vulnerability. When treating patients with complex trauma, Dr. Leake advises physicians to recognize the limits of their training and partner closely with licensed therapists who can guide a deeper therapeutic process. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Leake, the Co-owner and CEO of Dérive Health, joins Dr. Sandy Newes to discuss how physicians can provide ketamine therapy. He highlights the importance of patient care during ketamine therapy sessions, insights from various psychedelic therapy conferences, and the role of training in physician performance. 

In this episode… Trauma from sudden medical crises often leaves more than physical scars; it disrupts a person's sense of safety, identity, and control. Traditional therapy can feel too slow or disconnected when your body and mind are flooded with fear. When even the memory of being in a hospital is too much to bear, how can you move forward? One resilient woman turned to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to process acute medical trauma. The guided sessions allowed for deep internal work — accessing and dialoguing with younger, traumatized parts of herself in a safe, altered state. Having a trusted therapist present, repeating her words and prompting her to explore further, helped anchor the experience. This inner self work, paired with a sense of physical and emotional safety, became essential for healing, especially after difficult sessions that re-triggered memories. The guest emphasizes the value of entering the sessions with an open mind and the importance of having a supportive therapeutic relationship. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Signi Goldman hears from an anonymous client about her experience with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for acute medical trauma. Together, they explore how medical trauma affects the nervous system, tips for first-time ketamine therapy patients, and how to release tension and embrace safety during ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions.

Veronika Gold, LMFT, is the Co-founder of Polaris Insight Center, a clinic offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, integrative psychiatry, and integration services. She is a lead trainer at Polaris Training Program. She served as a sub-investigator and co-therapist, educator, and consultant at the Lykos clinical trials for the treatment of PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, Veronika specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, stress, transition, self-esteem, employment, and relationship issues. In this episode… Too often, psychedelic-assisted therapy is reduced to a clinical buzzword or a quick-fix intervention, stripping it of the depth and relational care it requires. As more people seek healing through non-ordinary states, there's growing confusion — and sometimes harm — caused by untrained providers and disjointed treatment models. What does it take to offer safe, ethical, and transformative psychedelic-assisted therapy? With deep experience in trauma work and non-ordinary states, Veronika Gold emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, proper training, and personal experience with psychedelics. Ketamine treatment without therapeutic intervention can cause lasting damage, so Veronika advocates for relational, trauma-informed care that honors consent, somatic awareness, and integration over time. Rather than rushing to gain the patient's insights during ketamine therapy sessions, therapists should remain cautious and curious, integrating somatic intervention techniques as needed. In this week's episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes hears from Veronika Gold, LMFT, the Co-founder of Polaris Insight Center, who talks about trauma-informed psychedelic therapy. Veronika shares her perspective on the role of non-ordinary states in healing, the distinction between MDMA and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and how she uses therapeutic touch during psychedelic therapy sessions.