In this episode, Rachael Spyker and Dr. Danna Bodenheimer dive into the concept of the mental health industrial complex, a term that encapsulates the various industries profiting from people's suffering in the mental health field. They examine how insurance companies, treatment facilities, and other entities often prioritize profit over the well-being of individuals seeking help. The conversation sheds light on how this complex is sustained by large insurance companies and government support, creating a system lacking in transparency and accountability.

Rachael and Dr. Bodenheimer discuss the critical role of therapists in navigating this complex landscape with authenticity and integrity. They explore the significance of setting boundaries in therapeutic relationships and the importance of being present with clients. The discussion underscores the power of cultivating a therapeutic space filled with curiosity, acceptance, and integrity, emphasizing the profound impact such a relationship can have on clients' healing journeys.

Tune in to this insightful episode to better understand the systemic issues in the mental health industry and the essential role of therapists in fostering genuine, healing connections with their clients.

Dr. Danna Bodenheimer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW), who founded the Walnut Psychotherapy Center. With extensive experience in private practice in Philadelphia, Dr. Bodenheimer identified the pressing need for increased access to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in a safe and supportive clinical setting. Dr. Bodenheimer is also an accomplished writer and consultant for several non-profit organizations in Philadelphia. Her writings cover a range of topics such as love in psychotherapy, eating disorders, and the history of relational work.

On Clinical Social Work: Meditations and Truths From the Field

Real World Clinical Social Work: Find Your Voice and Find Your Way

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In this conversation with Saj Razvi, Director of Psychedelic Somatic Institute, we explore Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). PSIP is a somatic trauma therapy addressing mental health concerns in psychedelic states, focusing on relational wounding and self-correction. It involves regressing to early developmental stages to heal core self and attachment wounds, reclaiming parts lost to trauma for a more empathetic life.

Saj and Rachael discuss the critical role of secure attachment, viewing it as a stabilizing gift that surpasses material wealth. They cover pathways in transpersonal psychedelic therapy, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation, resources, and relational support. They also highlight the importance of addressing negative transference and ethical considerations in therapy.

Saj Razvi is the Founder and Director of Education at Psychedelic Somatic Institute, Saj is a pioneer in the field of Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). With a background as a clinical researcher in the MAPS Phase 2 trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, he also serves on the faculty at Synthesis and has taught PTSD studies at the University of Denver and a PhD course at the University of Copenhagen. PSIP, developed by Saj, is a cutting-edge therapy focusing on utilizing psychedelics to heal complex childhood trauma through relational and autonomic processes. Saj trains clinicians to provide effective, legal psychedelic treatments using accessible medicines like cannabis and ketamine, offering PSI training and supervision internationally

Resources Referenced in the Show

Saj's Ketamine Session

White Paper

Solution Session

Is PSIP Right for you

Find a PSIP Clinician

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In this conversation, Rachael, Jen, and Tamar discuss their experience training to do Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP). PSIP is a therapeutic approach that combines psychedelic substances with somatic (body-focused) techniques and interactive psychotherapy to facilitate deep emotional and psychological healing.

They explore the importance of support and trust in therapy, the role of relational dynamics and transference, the profound impact of PSIP on perception and healing, and the significance of trusting the body and embracing incremental change. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of PSIP and the excitement and gratitude the participants feel for this therapeutic approach.

Tamar Pearl has over 20 years of psychotherapy and trauma healing experience. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, ketamine-assisted therapist, and PSIP therapist, she has worked with organizations like the Chopra Addiction and Wellness Centre, Roots to Thrive, and Numinus. Tamara has also taught at Adler University. She specializes in healing intergenerational, collective, and cultural trauma, using modalities such as EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy for Complex Trauma.

Jen Olson is a relentless adventurer, exploring the heights of mountains and the depths of the mind through rock and ice climbing, as well as the realms of emotions and sensations in psychedelic ceremonies and therapies. With a background as a professional climber, internationally certified mountain guide, and somatic experiencing practitioner, Jen is uniquely prepared to navigate life-changing altered states of consciousness, which she now facilitates for others. Reach her at [email protected]

Learn more about PSIP

Psychedelic Somatic Institute

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In this conversation, Rachael and Alice discuss the power of creating safe containers for healing and transformation. They share their experiences of running retreats and the importance of attunement, presence, and compassion in creating a safe space. They explore the impact of relational healing and the need for safe family structures. They also discuss the use of systems and traditions for sacred work and the importance of self-awareness in creating safety in group settings.

Alice Buckley is cherished friend, sister, storyteller, wise woman, activist, retreat facilitator, and politician serving as a State Representative for Bozeman, Montana.

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In this conversation, Davis Wiggs, a sex addiction therapist, discusses his approach to therapy and the importance of building trust and breaking barriers with clients. He emphasizes the need to work from the bottom up, addressing underlying wounds and trauma before focusing on specific addictions. Davis highlights the role of curiosity and connection in therapy, and the importance of pacing and allowing clients to work at their own pace. He also explores the impact of social media on body image and self-perception, and the process of reclaiming a true sense of self. Davis concludes by discussing the power of therapy as a dress rehearsal for life and the potential for change outside of therapy

Learn more about Davis on his Website:

Between The Vines Counselling

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Between The Vines Counselling

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In this conversation Rachael speaks with Vickie Grayson as they discuss her passion about tarot and dreams. She discusses her early fascination with dreams and the support she received from her mother. Vickie also recounts a visitation dream she had after her grandfather passed away. She then explains how she got interested in tarot and how it helped her during a period of burnout. Finally, she talks about her discovery of dream work and how it has become an obsession for her.

Vickie is a registered nurse, folk herbalist, tarot reader and dream worker passionate about exploring our inner worlds through story, symbol, and ritual. To her, tarot and dreams provide a portal for reflection, magic, and transformation.

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Content mentioned in the podcast:

Initiation into Dream Mysteries: Drinking from the Pool of Mnemosyne

@sarahjanesdreaming @mossdreamsart

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In this conversation, Alice and Rachael discuss the importance of embracing difficult emotions and developing a relationship with them. They explore the power of gratitude for emotions and how it can lead to healing and transformation. They also delve into the significance of authentic mirroring in relationships and the role it plays in personal growth. The conversation then shifts to the rehumanization of politics and the impact of trauma in political environments. Finally, they explore triggers as guideposts for healing and the importance of embracing our shared humanity.

*Alice leads a grounding meditation exercise in the beginning of this episode. Interview begins at the 9:00 minutes*

Alice Buckley, is a cherished friend, sister, storyteller, wise woman, activist, retreat runner, and politician serving as a State Representative for Bozeman, Montana.

Follow Alice on Facebook & Instagram

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In today's episode, Rachael speaks with Zara Neukom as they engage in a captivating conversation exploring the transformative modality of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Zara shares her personal journey to AEDP and how it has become her clinical home, offering insights into its depathologizing framework and emphasis on the inherent healing capacities within each individual. Throughout the discussion they touch upon themes such as embracing the unfelt, navigating the intensity of healing, and reorienting towards the experience of embodiment.

Based in Kelowna British Columbia, Zara Neukom is a dedicated psychotherapist whose practice centres around relational and somatic approaches. With a focus on facilitating deeper connections to one's body, accessing innate wholeness, and privileging lived experience, Zara's work embodies a commitment to holistic relational healing. 

Learn more about Zara on her Website.

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In this episode, I finish my talk with the master somatic practitioner and my dear friend, Tanya Wishlove. Here, she talks about the ways our bodies are hardwired for our benefit and survival. She shares how through SE practices, we can move through stuck processes looping in our system releasing them: coming home to ourselves.

In this episode, I talk with the master somatic practitioner and my dear friend, Tanya Wishlove. Tanya has been practising SE for over 15 years. She has studied trauma-informed somatic practice for over 5 years, and is currently in the 3rd year of a 4-year training program that further addresses the power of the body and nervous system to transform parasitic patterns of behavior. We spent time talking about the way trauma overwhelms the nervous system and how to unlock and heal it through somatic practises.