The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health

By Keith Kurlander

What's The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health about?

I'm Keith Kurlander, with Dr. Will Van Derveer, Co-Founders of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and Integrative Psychiatry Centers, and this is the podcast where we explore what it takes to achieve optimal mental health. If you want to learn about cutting-edge psychology that help people reach their highest potential then this is the show for you! Have a question, please email us at [email protected]

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The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health episodes:

03.27.2023
The Business of Psychedelic Therapy - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer
Psychedelic therapy has proven to be one of the biggest breakthrough treatments in the mental health industry, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions. Although the demand will continue to increase over the next few years, there won’t be enough providers...
03.16.2023
The Unique Health Journey Women Face – Dr. Sara Gottfried – HPP 138
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular podcast episodes featuring women’s health expert and New York Times Bestselling author, Dr. Sara Gottfried. In this episode, Dr. Gottfried talks about the unique challenges women face...
03.08.2023
Values Define Your Destiny (Part 3): Creating the Life You Desire – Keith Kurlander – HPP 137
Self-determination is a concept in psychology that refers to having a significant influence over your life, such as the direction and fulfillment of your career, relationships, finances, and the impact you have on the world. Although levels of self-determination vary...
03.01.2023
Values Define Your Destiny (Part 2): Knowing Who You Are – Keith Kurlander – HPP 136
We all want to live the life that we desire, which includes being able to be our most authentic selves even when it seems risky. But in order to be your true self, you have to first know who you...
02.22.2023
Values Define Your Destiny (Part 1): Releasing What You Aren’t – Keith Kurlander – HPP 135
Many of us understand the importance of living a values-based life. However, most people don’t feel fully aligned in their career and consider it a sacrifice. This incongruence can cause stress and lead to significant symptoms of anxiety and depression....
02.01.2023
When Doctors Get Traumatized Practicing Medicine (Part 2) – Dr. Rola Hallam – HPP 134
Trauma doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can be impacted by trauma at any time, including us providers. So what happens when the healer needs healing? That’s what we’ll discuss in today’s episode. Join us for part two of this series as we...
01.26.2023
When Doctors Get Traumatized Practicing Medicine (Part 1) - Dr. Rola Hallam - HPP 133
In this episode, Dr. Rola Hallam, an award-winning doctor known for her deep passion for global health and humanitarian work during the war in Syria, shares her experience of overcoming trauma as a provider. She’ll talk about her journey to...
01.18.2023
The Psychology of Money (Part 4) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 132
During the last few episodes, we talked about the role that money plays in our lives, past experiences that have shaped our views around money, and the importance of preparing financially for the future. In today’s episode, we wrap up...
01.11.2023
The Psychology of Money (Part 3) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 131
It’s a new year which means many people are reevaluating their goals and establishing new ones. With that comes an opportunity to think about your financial future. What does financial freedom mean? How can you build wealth to support your...
12.14.2022
The Psychology of Money (Part 2) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 130
In the final part of this two-part series, we'll continue our discussion on the role that money plays in our lives and how it can be used as a tool to create more opportunities and experiences, and achieve desires. We’ll...
12.07.2022
The Psychology of Money (Part 1) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 129
It goes without saying that money plays a significant role in our lives. The relationship we have with money tends to be influenced by experiences that we’ve had with money early on in life, including bearing witness to how our...
11.30.2022
Gratitude Is More Than a Practice – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 128
In this episode, we explore the connection between presence and gratitude, and how to develop gratitude during challenging experiences. We will also examine how ingratitude affects our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Plus, we’ll discuss different practices that can...
11.22.2022
Trauma and Hope in Iran - Dr. Noshene Ranjbar (PART 2) - HPP 127
In part two of this series, we’ll continue our conversation with Dr. Noshene Ranjbar about the trauma and hope surrounding the fight for freedom in Iran. We’ll discuss the Farsi-speaking Empowerment and Trauma Relief Program that Dr. Ranjbar and her...
11.16.2022
Trauma and Hope in Iran - Dr. Noshene Ranjbar (PART 1) - HPP 126
The tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran’s capital of Tehran while in police custody on September 16, 2022, has sparked outrage and protests in Iran and all over the world. In this 2-part series,...
11.09.2022
Advanced Topics in Psychedelic Therapy Integration Sessions (PART 2) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 125
In part two of this series, we’ll continue our conversation on psychedelic therapy integration as we discuss the ins and outs of this process. Listen in as we talk about issues such as fragmentation, that can sometimes occur after a...
11.02.2022
Advanced Topics in Psychedelic Therapy Integration Sessions (PART 1) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 124
Integration is a key component of the psychedelic therapy healing process. Integration sessions can often help a client unpack material that arose during the psychedelic session that wasn’t completely digested and sequenced in the client’s body. In this episode, we’ll...
10.26.2022
SPECT Brain Scans and Mental Health (Part 2) – Daniel Emina – HPP 121
In part 2 of this series, we continue the conversation with Dr. Daniel Emina about the use of SPECT brain scans in studying blood flow patterns that correlate with symptom clusters. Listen in as we dive a little deeper and...
10.20.2022
Colorado Votes on Psilocybin - Josh Kappel - HPP 122
In today’s episode, we have the timely opportunity to discuss Colorado Proposition 122 with one of its co-authors, attorney Josh Kappel. The Natural Medicine Health Act of Colorado would create a pathway to legalize psilocybin therapy in Colorado, and contains...
10.10.2022
SPECT Brain Scans and Mental Health (Part 1) - Daniel Emina - HPP 121
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Emina, Psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics, to discuss SPECT brain scans and the role that this revolutionary technology has in the field of integrative psychiatry. During this two-part...
09.28.2022
Oregon Psilocybin Services and Access to Care - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer - HPP120
In today’s episode, we discuss the new & exciting developments that are happening in Oregon, surrounding the Ballot Measure 109, which refers to the regulatory licensing and use of psilocybin products and services. Listen in as we go over details...
09.21.2022
The Myth of Normal with Gabor Maté - HPP 119
In today’s episode, we’re joined by renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté, to discuss his latest book entitled “The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture”. Listen in as we discuss some of the...
09.15.2022
Financial Health Impacts Your Mental Health - Bari Tessler - HPP 118
Money and mental health. It’s a topic that isn’t discussed as often as it should be, especially in the practice of psychotherapy. In today’s episode, we sit down with financial therapist and author of, “The Art of Money”, Bari Tessler...
09.08.2022
Meaning Making and Intergenerational Trauma - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer - HPP 117
What exactly is trauma? How many people actually carry trauma in their bodies? How do we know the actual source of our trauma’s when it’s not a specific event that happened? What if the source of one’s trauma is intergenerational—passed...
09.01.2022
Nature-Deficit Disorder Balance - Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer - HPP 116
As a society we have become more and more disconnected with nature. This phenomenon and the psychological and physical stress it has placed on many of us is referred to as Nature-Deficit Disorder. It’s a growing problem that was only...
08.23.2022
Pioneer of Advanced Neurofeedback - Dr. Siegfried Othmer - HPP115
In today’s episode, we are joined by one of the pioneers of advanced neurofeedback, Dr. Siegfried Othmer. Join us as we get into an exciting conversation about how the brain works and how it behaves by measuring brain activity using...
08.17.2022
Ambition, Goal Setting, and Balance - Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer - HPP 114
Culturally, ambition is often talked about in relation to career or professional goals. However, ambition is a conversation that can be a very relevant part of various areas of your life. And while it’s amazing to be ambitious, it’s equally...
08.10.2022
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind - Dan Go - HPP 113
In today’s episode, we are joined by fitness expert Dan Go as he discusses his healing journey and how it led to him becoming the #1 body transformation coach for entrepreneurs. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce anxiety,...
08.03.2022
Facing Death, Living Life - Dr. Joan Borysenko - HPP 112
In today’s episode, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned mind/body connection expert Dr. Joan Borysenko. During our time together, we discuss her thoughts about death, the grieving process, and the importance of living a fulfilling life....
07.27.2022
[Podcast] Spirituality and the Shadow - Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer - HPP 111
The pursuit of spiritual development can take many twists and turns, sometimes showing us where we are growing and sometimes showing us where our shadow continues to operate unabated. In spiritual communities, unexamined unconscious material can get amplified causing significant...
07.20.2022
"The Quaking of America" - Resmaa Menakem - HPP 110
In today’s episode, we are joined by New York Times bestselling author Resmaa Menakem. Resmaa is returning to the podcast to discuss his new book “The Quaking of America”, where he takes a deeper dive into structural racism and its...
07.14.2022
How to Live With Inspiration - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer - HPP 109
We’re so excited to announce the reboot of the Higher Practice Podcast! Over the past 9 months, we devoted a considerable amount of time to curriculum development and enhancing our programs in the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. During that time one...
10.29.2021
The Spiritual Process of Creating Psychedelic Music with Producer Random Rab - HPP 108
Creating art is for music producer Random Rab a spiritual experience, and this is obvious in the art he creates. Rab’s prodigious output of compositions over decades has gained him invitations to play at some of the world’s biggest festivals...
10.21.2021
Women’s Empowerment, Sexuality and Culture - Kimberly Ann Johnson - HPP 107
Women often face tough challenges and power dynamics navigating our culture. Gender inequalities manifest outwardly but also inwardly for many women, including obstacles around self-expression, personal empowerment, enjoying pleasure and sexuality. Today, we talk with somatic experiencing practitioner, sexological bodyworker,...
10.06.2021
How to Get to Zero In Your Relationship - Jayson Gaddis - HPP 106
Today we talk all about relationships with our partners and sharing experiences, and how we cope and deal with difficulties that are common in every relationship. In today’s episode, we’re excited to have Jayson Gaddis, a relationship expert, coach, and...
09.30.2021
The Filmmakers behind the Gabor Mate Documentary - Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo HPP 105
Documentary film is a potent tool for shifting perceptions about the challenges we face as a society. “The Wisdom of Trauma,” the latest documentary produced by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo, reached over 4,000,000 viewers in over 200 countries. It depicts...
09.22.2021
Ken Wilber Discusses Ego Development, Culture and Our Future - HPP 104
In today’s episode, we are incredibly honored to have a famous philosopher and writer, Ken Wilber, on the show. Ken’s work has been monumental in the field of transpersonal psychology and has developed the integral theory. Today, he shares his...
06.30.2021
Psychedelic Insights From One of the Earliest Researchers - Dr. Charles Grob - HPP 103
For decades, Dr. Charles Grob has been researching applications of MDMA, psilocybin, and ayahuasca for a variety of human conditions including end of life anxiety, PTSD, depression, addiction, and more. His contributions have significantly shaped what we know about psychedelics...
06.23.2021
Conversation about Psychedelics, Ego Theory, and Research Developments With a Leading Researcher - Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris - HPP 102
Psychedelic research is gaining momentum, and Robin Carhart-Harris with his team at Imperial College, London is one of the most prolific groups pushing the science forward. In May 2021, the New England Journal of Medicine published their head to head...
06.09.2021
Polyvagal Theory, Trauma and Neuroscience of the Mind - Dr. Stephen Porges HPP 101
The stress response impacts every aspect of health, not only mental health. The vagus nerve is a major connector between mind and body and a big part of the parasympathetic nervous system. In today’s episode, we are honored to welcome...
06.02.2021
Visionary Art, Mystical Experiences, Transcendence & Psychedelics - Alex & Allyson Grey - HPP 100
What is art and where does it come from? How can art provide a window into the divine nature of reality? In this episode, we take a deep dive into answering these questions along with an exploration into broader mystical...
05.26.2021
NFL Player Joe Hawley Talks Competition, Performance, Career and Purpose - HPP 99
To make it to the top of professional sports takes a lot of hard work, mental toughness, and physical discipline, and to always be one step ahead of the game. What happens to athletes when they pivot and walk away...
05.19.2021
Ayahuasca, MDMA, and Epigenetic Research - Dr. Joe Tafur - HPP 98
Psychedelics have been used to heal people for thousands of years in traditional indigenous ceremonial contexts. Psychiatric research is showing very promising results for psychedelic therapy. But can psychiatry address the spiritual dimensions of healing with psychedelics? In today’s episode,...
05.12.2021
#Same Here Founder's Personal Story Behind The Global Mental Health Movement - Eric Kussin - HPP 97
Mental illness stigmatization remains one of the biggest issues in the battle against the global mental health crisis. It’s very taboo to openly and publicly discuss our mental health, and the struggles that we all face from time to time....
05.05.2021
Olympic Gold Medalist and Stanley Cup Champion Theo Fleury Talks Trauma, Addiction, and Resiliency - HPP 96
Trauma causes pain that many people seek to alleviate by turning to substances. Many high achieving people have experienced trauma and addiction while somehow maintaining an extremely high level of performance in their chosen field. In today’s episode, we are...
04.28.2021
Chemistry of Connection, Culture and Psychedelics - Dr. Julie Holland - HPP 95
Interpersonal connection is essential for optimal mental and physical health, and even more challenged inside the social isolation brought on by this global pandemic. We don’t often think of ourselves as walking chemistry sets. But, when we view the body...
04.21.2021
Actor Kiko Ellsworth Shares About Transformation, Voice, Racism and Love - HPP 94
Actor Kiko Ellsworth began his career thinking that acting was the last profession he would ever pursue. It wasn’t until he got on stage that he realized how terrified he was to express his voice in the world. At that...
04.14.2021
Approaches to Integrative Sleep Medicine - Dr. Nishi Bhopal - HPP 93
Sleep health is one of the most overlooked and essential factors for physical and mental health, as well as longevity. Yet, so many people worldwide suffer from sleep disorders, and this issue seems to only be increasing in modern times....
03.24.2021
Healthy Men's Leadership and Empowerment - Tripp Lanier - HPP 92
In today’s episode, we are joined by Tripp Lanier, a professional coach, author, and host of The New Man Podcast. As a coach, Tripp has been guiding men toward connecting deeply with themselves, living lives of meaning, and achieving success...
03.17.2021
Keith + Will's Personal Experiences with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy – HPP 91
Getting up-to-date on the research and practical application of psychedelic-assisted therapy is only half the story. Ketamine is a unique medicine in its bioactive properties for treating depression, but it can also produce a powerful psychedelic experience that can be...
03.10.2021
What to Know About Psychedelic Psychotherapy - HPP 90
We are entering a psychedelic renaissance with psychedelic therapy trials showing promising results and the shift in cultural opinions following the release of Michael Pollan’s book, How to Change Your Mind in 2018. There are still many questions that mental...

What's The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health episodes:

The Business of Psychedelic Therapy - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer

The Unique Health Journey Women Face – Dr. Sara Gottfried – HPP 138

Values Define Your Destiny (Part 3): Creating the Life You Desire – Keith Kurlander – HPP 137

Values Define Your Destiny (Part 2): Knowing Who You Are – Keith Kurlander – HPP 136

Values Define Your Destiny (Part 1): Releasing What You Aren’t – Keith Kurlander – HPP 135

When Doctors Get Traumatized Practicing Medicine (Part 2) – Dr. Rola Hallam – HPP 134

When Doctors Get Traumatized Practicing Medicine (Part 1) - Dr. Rola Hallam - HPP 133

The Psychology of Money (Part 4) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 132

The Psychology of Money (Part 3) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 131

The Psychology of Money (Part 2) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 130

The Psychology of Money (Part 1) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 129

Gratitude Is More Than a Practice – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 128

Trauma and Hope in Iran - Dr. Noshene Ranjbar (PART 2) - HPP 127

Trauma and Hope in Iran - Dr. Noshene Ranjbar (PART 1) - HPP 126

Advanced Topics in Psychedelic Therapy Integration Sessions (PART 2) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 125

Advanced Topics in Psychedelic Therapy Integration Sessions (PART 1) – Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer – HPP 124

SPECT Brain Scans and Mental Health (Part 2) – Daniel Emina – HPP 121

Colorado Votes on Psilocybin - Josh Kappel - HPP 122

SPECT Brain Scans and Mental Health (Part 1) - Daniel Emina - HPP 121

Oregon Psilocybin Services and Access to Care - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer - HPP120

The Myth of Normal with Gabor Maté - HPP 119

Financial Health Impacts Your Mental Health - Bari Tessler - HPP 118

Meaning Making and Intergenerational Trauma - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer - HPP 117

Nature-Deficit Disorder Balance - Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer - HPP 116

Pioneer of Advanced Neurofeedback - Dr. Siegfried Othmer - HPP115

Ambition, Goal Setting, and Balance - Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer - HPP 114

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind - Dan Go - HPP 113

Facing Death, Living Life - Dr. Joan Borysenko - HPP 112

[Podcast] Spirituality and the Shadow - Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer - HPP 111

"The Quaking of America" - Resmaa Menakem - HPP 110

How to Live With Inspiration - Keith Kurlander & Will Van Derveer - HPP 109

The Spiritual Process of Creating Psychedelic Music with Producer Random Rab - HPP 108

Women’s Empowerment, Sexuality and Culture - Kimberly Ann Johnson - HPP 107

How to Get to Zero In Your Relationship - Jayson Gaddis - HPP 106

The Filmmakers behind the Gabor Mate Documentary - Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo HPP 105

Ken Wilber Discusses Ego Development, Culture and Our Future - HPP 104

Psychedelic Insights From One of the Earliest Researchers - Dr. Charles Grob - HPP 103

Conversation about Psychedelics, Ego Theory, and Research Developments With a Leading Researcher - Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris - HPP 102

Polyvagal Theory, Trauma and Neuroscience of the Mind - Dr. Stephen Porges HPP 101

Visionary Art, Mystical Experiences, Transcendence & Psychedelics - Alex & Allyson Grey - HPP 100

NFL Player Joe Hawley Talks Competition, Performance, Career and Purpose - HPP 99

Ayahuasca, MDMA, and Epigenetic Research - Dr. Joe Tafur - HPP 98

#Same Here Founder's Personal Story Behind The Global Mental Health Movement - Eric Kussin - HPP 97

Olympic Gold Medalist and Stanley Cup Champion Theo Fleury Talks Trauma, Addiction, and Resiliency - HPP 96

Chemistry of Connection, Culture and Psychedelics - Dr. Julie Holland - HPP 95

Actor Kiko Ellsworth Shares About Transformation, Voice, Racism and Love - HPP 94

Approaches to Integrative Sleep Medicine - Dr. Nishi Bhopal - HPP 93

Healthy Men's Leadership and Empowerment - Tripp Lanier - HPP 92

Keith + Will's Personal Experiences with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy – HPP 91

What to Know About Psychedelic Psychotherapy - HPP 90