How To Die Happy

Ep 17 Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Ayahuasca in Your Seventies, with Keith Hagenbach

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Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast. In this episode, we explore the world of psychedelic-assisted therapy with psychotherapist Keith Hagenbach, who shares his experience with Ayahuasca and its impact on his perspective. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an emerging field gaining attention, with 13 US cities decriminalizing psychedelics. Ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT are being trialled for clinical use in substance-assisted therapy. As research continues, psychedelics may create change in psychotherapy. Keith advocates for psychedelic-assisted therapy, but plant medicine remains illegal in his UK practice. In October 2021, Boris Johnson promised to examine the evidence for plant medicine's healing benefits. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant medicine known for its intense effects. Keith refers to Ayahuasca as "The Mother" and credits it with helping him let go of fear and gain a new lease on life. Psychedelic therapy holds promise, but there is a risk of a synthetic psychedelic black market. Proper guidance is crucial, and treatment should only be conducted in a controlled and safe environment by trained professionals. Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind, has sparked interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy by exploring psychedelics' history, science, and potential therapeutic benefits. Research shows potential for treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Thank you for tuning in to the How To Die Happy podcast. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Some books and psychedelic stuff, as recommended by Keith:

Recommended Books

  • How To Change Your Mind - Michael Pollan. Deservedly a best-seller. Well written and informative.
  • Entangled Life - Merlin Sheldrake. How fungi make our worlds, change our minds, and shape our futures.
  • This is Your Mind on Plants - Michael Pollan (follow up to the above).
  • Sacred Knowledge - William A Richards. Particularly good for anyone interested in the spiritual aspects of psychedelic experiences. It includes a list of music used during research into such experiences at Johns Hopkins University in the USA.
  • When The Impossible Happens - Stan Grof. An informative and entertaining account of his explorations into the world of psychedelic research over five decades.
  • Drug Use for Grownups - Dr Carl C Hart

    • TED Talks

    • Michael Pollan
    • Robin Carhart-Harris
    • Graham Hancock
    • David Nutt
    • Rick Doblin

      • Movies/Documentaries

      • The Psychedelic Drug Trial (BBC doc on UK trial for depression)
      • Magic Medicine - Netflix (another perspective on the same UK trial)
      • The Last Shaman (drama doc - young American seeks ayahuasca healing in Peru)
      • Fantastic Fungi (good intro to mushrooms)
      • The Way of the Psychonaut
      • Have A Good Trip
        • ...more
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        How To Die HappyBy Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson