Blind Spots: Exploring What We Cannot See

Dr. Chantelle Thomas explores the deeply personal and often hidden nature of religious trauma, reflecting on how her Seventh-day Adventist upbringing shaped her relationship with fear, perfectionism, safety, and spirituality. She and Andrew discuss how these early patterns persisted long after she left organized religion, resurfacing powerfully during psychedelic experiences. Chantelle shares how psychedelic-assisted therapy has both exposed the depth of these wounds and created opportunities for healing, while emphasizing the importance of safety, attunement, and careful support when working with religious trauma in non-ordinary states.

(00:42) Religion, Attachment & Family — How early ideas about God shape our sense of safety.

(09:30) God Is Always Watching — The psychological weight of constant vigilance.

(14:30) Fear of Possession — When religious fear follows you into the night.

(24:34) Leaving Religion — Moving away from the church without leaving the fear.

(31:16) Putting Down the Backpack — A psychedelic encounter with a lifelong burden.

(41:45) When Psychedelics Cause Harm — Why challenging doesn't always mean healing.

(50:05) Sacred Scars — Bringing lived experience into clinical practice.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Transform Trauma Oxford 2026: https://mastersevents.com/oxford-2026/schedule/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with clinical psychologist Harvey Schwartz about the history of trauma therapy, the evolution of dissociation treatment, and what it truly means to accompany another human being through profound suffering. Drawing from more than four decades of clinical work, Schwartz reflects on entering the field before PTSD was recognized as a diagnosis and learning directly from survivors whose experiences challenged the limits of contemporary psychology. Together they explore the relational foundations of trauma healing, the developmental role of paradox, and why therapists must cultivate the capacity to tolerate ambiguity, uncertainty, and their own transformation through the therapeutic process. The conversation examines dissociative identity disorder as an adaptive response to overwhelming trauma, the central importance of witnessing and repair, and the complex relational dynamics that emerge between therapist and client. Throughout, Schwartz argues that psychedelic-assisted therapy should be understood not as a treatment driven by a molecule, but as depth psychotherapy amplified by medicine, placing the therapeutic relationship—not the drug—at the center of lasting healing.

(13:05) The Therapist's Transformation — Why effective trauma therapists must tolerate ambiguity, paradox, and being changed by the people they serve.

(27:56) Dissociation as Adaptation — Understanding dissociative identity disorder as the mind's creative response to overwhelming trauma.

(40:39) Relational Trauma — Exploring rupture, repair, and the victim–perpetrator–rescuer–bystander dynamics that unfold in therapy.

(56:17) Living in the Mind of the Other — How genuine repair, witnessing, and emotional attunement become vehicles for healing.

(1:09:23) Beyond the Molecule — Why psychedelic therapy succeeds through the therapeutic relationship, with medicine serving to deepen—not replace—the work.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Harvey Schwartz, PhD, Co-Founder of Polaris Insight Center: https://www.polarisinsight.com/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with clinical psychologist and psychedelic therapist Dr. Joseph McCowan about identity, cultural trauma, and the role of social justice within the psychedelic renaissance. Drawing from his work as a trainer and supervisor in MDMA-assisted therapy trials for PTSD, McCowan reflects on entering the field while navigating imposter syndrome, stereotype threat, and the pressures of practicing in predominantly white research environments. The conversation explores how psychedelic therapy challenges pathologizing models of mental health by centering context, identity, and collective trauma, and examines the responsibilities clinicians carry as these treatments move toward wider implementation. Together they discuss culturally humble care, community partnerships, and the importance of building systems of healing that reach those historically excluded from mental health care.

(10:14) The Psychedelic Closet — Entering the field while navigating imposter syndrome and belonging.

(18:13) Stereotype Threat — Practicing psychedelic therapy without visible role models.

(29:20) Psychedelics and Social Justice — Framing the renaissance as part of broader liberation movements.

(38:16) Repression and Oppression — Linking internal healing models to societal power structures.

(55:16) Health Equity — Expanding psychedelic care to communities historically excluded from mental health systems.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Dr. Joseph McCowan, PsyD: https://www.fluencetraining.com/about/team/joseph-mccowan-psyd

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with Dr. Daniel Zimmerman and Heather Hamilton of Acheron Psychiatry in lower Manhattan about the evolution of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in their practice and in the broader field. They trace their entry into psychedelic medicine, discuss the shift from symptom-focused treatment toward insight-oriented psychotherapy, and explore dosing philosophy, music, risk, and the influence of practicing in New York City. The conversation balances enthusiasm with caution, emphasizing pacing, integration, and ethical humility in a rapidly expanding field.

(09:29) Ketamine as Catalyst — Moving beyond symptom management toward medicine-assisted psychotherapy.

(26:58) Dosing and Risk — IM vs lozenge, high-dose concerns, and integration pacing.

(40:07) Music and Setting — Curated playlists and environment as therapeutic container.

(46:55) The New York Context — Speed, ambition, trauma history, and slowing down.

(53:59) Group KAP — Community healing and expanding into intentional group work.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Heather Hamilton, Psychotherapist, LMHC Acheron Psychiatry: https://acheronpsych.com/heather-hamilton/

Daniel Zimmerman, M.D., Psychiatrist , Founder Acheron Psychiatry: https://acheronpsych.com/daniel-zimmerman/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with an anonymous licensed clinical psychologist about her experience of sexual abuse and boundary violations during an underground MDMA-assisted therapy session. Recorded across two conversations a year apart, the episode traces how power, confusion, and attachment needs can delay recognition of harm—especially within altered states of consciousness. Together, they examine informed consent, the weaponization of "neediness," and the profound impact of unaccountable facilitators within psychedelic spaces. The conversation offers a sobering reflection on ethics, responsibility, and what true safety requires in psychedelic-assisted healing.

(00:09) Content Warning and Context — Chantelle introduces the episode and explains the decision to keep the guest anonymous. (06:16) Preparation and Trust — How careful planning and professional credentials failed to protect against harm. (14:51) Abandonment and Vulnerability — The destabilizing impact of being left alone while under MDMA. (19:20) Boundary Violations — Confusion, somatic freezing, and delayed recognition of sexual touch without consent. (26:00) Confusion Trauma — Gaslighting, self-blame, and the erosion of internal trust. (36:13) Ethics and Accountability — Situating the experience within broader patterns of harm in therapy and psychedelic work. (55:13) Blind Spots and Repair — What ethical practice requires: humility, consent, and the capacity to be accountable.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas sits down with longtime friend Andrew Isham to explore his first ketamine-assisted psychotherapy intensive at Integrata. Together, they unpack the preparation, the unusual choice to share the journey with a close friend, and how the medicine compared to Andrew's past experiences with psilocybin and meditation. The conversation moves from levity and curiosity to profound realizations about agency, intimacy, and embodiment, offering listeners a rare inside view of what ketamine therapy can reveal.

(00:33) Setting the Stage — Andrew shares why he chose ketamine therapy. (06:16) A Joint Session — Doing the intensive with a close friend. (12:00) First Ketamine Session — Comparing psilocybin and ketamine. (22:41) Floating Above the Valley — Observing humanity with warmth and distance. (34:50) Meditation and Familiarity — How meditation shaped the journey. (50:19) Somatic Exploration — Pleasure, hope, and the "bulldozer." (56:39) Second Ketamine Session — Clarity, cosmic rhythm, and intimacy as stuckness.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Integrata: www.integratahealing.com

Dr. Chantelle Thomas talks with psychologist Eric Sienknecht, co-founder of Polaris Insight Center, about the healing synergy of music and psychedelics. They explore sensitivity, attunement, resonance, and the therapeutic possibilities of non-ordinary states, while reflecting on the ethical challenges of music choice in psychedelic therapy. A lyrical, thoughtful conversation on how music can help us remember and reclaim forgotten parts of ourselves.

(00:34) Eric's Early Work: From trauma with first responders to ketamine psychotherapy (03:55) The Entropic Brain: How psychedelics suspend predictive models of the mind (10:37) Nonlinear Healing: Reclaiming forgotten parts of self through music and psychedelics (19:35) Harmonizing with Clients: How resonance creates safety and depth in sessions (24:42) Aesthetic Chills: Goosebumps, flow states, and embodied resonance (36:07) Playlists vs. Live Selection: Approaches to music in therapeutic settings (50:15) Eric's Connection to Music: Early psychedelic experiences and the power of listening

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Integrata: www.integratahealing.com

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with Jayne Gumpel about her journey into psychedelic therapy and her work leading ketamine-assisted retreats. They explore the power of group dynamics, the importance of integration, and how ketamine enhances mindfulness and healing. Jayne shares her innovative approach to creating spaces for connection, joy, and personal growth.

(00:07) Introduction to Jayne Gumpel and Her Work (11:39) Retreats for Healing: Philosophy and Structure (20:31) Group Dynamics and Connection in Retreats (32:01) Challenges of Post-Retreat Integration (49:08) Ketamine and Mindfulness in Therapy (1:17:27) Couples Therapy with Psychedelics

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Integrata: www.integratahealing.com

Cultivating the Joy of Intimacy & Communication: A Ketamine-Assisted Retreat for Couples: https://www.relationshipresources.info/retreats/april-2025

'Cultivating Joy' Emerging Leaders Program: https://www.relationshipresources.info/emergingleaders

Cultivating Joy | Finding Beauty in Loss and Grief: A Ketamine-Assisted Retreat: https://www.relationshipresources.info/retreats/cultivating-joy-finding-beauty-in-loss-and-grief-a-ketamine-assisted-retreat-june-2025

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Dr. Chantelle Thomas and Dr. Evan Sola discuss the implications of the FDA's decision not to approve MDMA for PTSD treatment, emphasizing the nuances of the MDMA-assisted therapy model. They highlight ongoing clinical trials, including those at the Portland VA and UCLA, and the importance of accurate public and therapist education. Dr. Sola shares his experience with severe PTSD patients and the relational aspects of therapy, stressing the need for humility and supervision. They address misconceptions about the model, advocating for a non-pathologizing, participant-led approach that values the therapist's role in validating and supporting the client's process.

(0:00:33) Introduction

(0:07:30) Evan Sola and His Work

(0:18:13) Discussion on Public Perception and Therapist Education

(0:29:37) Challenges and Misrepresentations of the MDMA-Assisted Therapy Model

(1:11:45) The Importance of Relationality and Organicity in Therapy

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Frontier article:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1427531/full

Integrata: www.integratahealing.com

Evan Sola, PSYD: https://www.evansolapsyd.com/

Lykos: https://lykospbc.com

Dr. Chantelle Thomas chats with Ronica Mukerjee, DNP, MsA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, LAc, a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner and acupuncturist, discusses her multifaceted work, including holistic psychiatry, gender-affirming care, and psychedelic-assisted treatment. She highlights her work with refugees, particularly Haitians, and her efforts to establish a free trans care program. Ronica shares her experiences in Tijuana during COVID-19, providing medical care in a chaotic environment. She emphasizes the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches to mental health and psychedelic therapy, particularly for marginalized communities. Ronica is also developing educational resources to make psychedelic work accessible to a broader audience.

(0:00:34) Introduction

(0:03:14) Work in Mexico and Refugee Health

(0:09:45) Challenges and Experiences in Tijuana

(0:25:16) Psychedelic-Assisted Treatment and Its Impact

(0:47:41) Challenges in Psychedelic Research and Access

(0:49:39) The Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health

(0:50:05) The Future of Psychedelic Therapy and Research

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Integrata: www.integratahealing.com

Ronica Mukerjee, DNP, MsA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, LAc, Assistant Professor of Nursing at CUMC: https://www.nursing.columbia.edu/profile/ronica-mukerjee-dnp

Lykos: https://lykospbc.com