Although she's not a veteran, author Jill Sitnick shares her profound experience using MDMA to heal childhood trauma and find peace—to offer hope to veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. From breaking down emotional barriers to reprogramming the brain, MDMA-assisted therapy offers the profound ability to help people process past trauma without triggering panic and fear. These therapies can provide hope and healing for veterans, trauma survivors, and anyone seeking a new path to emotional freedom. 

Jill is the author of Rescuing Jill: How MDMA, with a Dash of Mushrooms, Healed My Childhood Trauma-Induced PTSD and the companion workbook. Her book shows why it took a year and multiple journeys to fully heal. By describing how MDMA let her view her father’s beatings and mother’s suicide attempts from her adult perspective, she gives you a front-row seat into how psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy healed her trauma and transformed her life.

Time stamps

03:22 PTSD, childhood trauma, lack of control, fear, anger

09:17 Healing from trauma by speaking to body.

14:13 MDMA helped me confront my trauma after 30 years.

20:31 Therapy helped to neutralize shame and reactions.

25:34 Subconscious experience led to visualizing childhood trauma.

30:02 Subconscious communicates through imagery to heal trauma.

34:35 Ongoing healing process through therapeutic psychedelics.

41:08 Self-gaslighting, validation from violence, justice in healing.

43:15 Struggled with parental bonding, overcame childhood trauma.

50:22 Lack of stable childhood leads to dread.

57:34 Therapy helped me overcome shame and guilt.

01:00:31 Creating available trauma resources, advocating for psychedelics.

01:05:07 "Therapy information available on website and YouTube."

In this episode, Nathaniel Mills, PhD, delves into the transformative power of ketamine and psychedelics for veterans' mental health. Discover how these treatments are reshaping the landscape of trauma recovery, fostering profound healing experiences, and shifting legislative perceptions. We explore the science behind these therapies, their impact on brain function, and the promising results witnessed in clinical studies. 

Dr. Mills is a licensed psychologist who offers ketamine therapy at the Sacramento Institute for Psychotherapy. 

Timestamps

03:02 Various psychedelics offer pharmacological benefits, including Ketamine.

04:12 Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy relates to brain adaptation.

07:10 Uncertainty about brain understanding and depression treatment.

12:39 VA studies slow, financial incentive lacking for psychedelics.

13:54 Innovative business models in growing psychedelic industry.

19:19 Ketamine: versatile, prescribed, nuanced, and potent substance.

22:28 Ketamine and psilocybin have different experiences.

23:36 Group experiences vital for veterans' reintegration.

28:37 Therapist helps with ketamine, experiences relief.

31:16 Advocating for policy change to decriminalize psychedelics.

36:35 Campaign to support proposition 109 faced challenges.

37:27 Veterans and first responders share healing stories.

43:13 13-week model for patient treatment sessions.

45:16 Adjusting doses for client's therapeutic goals.

48:54 Psychedelic Therapy For Veterans podcast, check website.

Jason Lane is a decorated veteran who shares his journey of healing and transformation in the face of PTSD and chronic pain resulting from his military service. He shares his struggles with conventional medications and the surprising results from natural plant medicines like THC and psychedelics. Jason shares his remarkable journey from the frontlines of war to his advocacy for natural plant medicines and his efforts to provide healing experiences for disabled veterans. He discusses the burden veterans share, highlighting the need for organizations like Outpost Healing, which he founded to connect disabled veterans with PTSD to nature, offering free camping and hiking experiences in Colorado. 

Time stamps

00:58 Couple starts nonprofit for disabled veterans' healing.

07:56 Listed medications, switched to THC in program.

12:19 Struggled with emotions after Iraq, Cymbalta worsened it.

18:42 Soldiers face mental challenges during wartime.

24:55 Searched for attackers in rainy, dreary weather.

30:11 Tribal societies prioritize tribe over individual benefits.

33:21 Veterans need civilians to share their burden.

42:29 Fear of exposure leading to potential harm.

45:14 Iraq veteran experiences dangerous side effects of medication.

54:26 Psychedelics used to manage neuropathic pain levels.

56:51 Food is medicine, natural plant medicine alternatives.

01:02:52 Psychedelics help manage combat-related and health issues.

01:06:34 Dehumanizing has lasting, holistic effects on everyone.

01:13:20 Nature therapy, legal issues, free retreats for veterans.

01:20:55 People don't see link between Vietnam War, drugs.

01:24:55 Stigma of PTSD in military and first responders.

01:32:01 Psychedelics have potential for positive and negative impact.

01:35:40 Support for Ukrainian soldiers is essential for healing.

01:43:28 Wars led to prescription pills, but cannabis helps.

01:46:03 Reaching out to friend and mycologists.

This episode explores the use of ketamine and other psychedelics as tools to facilitate therapy and help veterans detach, remodel their thoughts, and experience relief and healing. After combat, veterans face challenges with their identity, the concept of authenticity, and fitting back into civilian life. Dr. Bonnett explains the potential benefits of ketamine therapy for veterans, dosing strategy, and the challenges of obtaining coverage for these treatments within the VA and insurance systems. 

Dr. Carl J. Bonnett is the founder and Chief Medical Doctor at Klarisana. As a twenty-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Carl saw ketamine therapy as a valuable way to help others in mental and physical distress at Klarisana.

 Time stamps

02:44 Ketamine reduces PTSD in burned service members.

05:55 PTSD checklist shows significant decrease in symptoms.

14:55 Exploring therapy using psychedelics for PTSD treatment.

18:24 Psychedelic experiences explore existential questions and trauma.

22:44 Ketamine opens door for personal growth opportunities.

28:05 Recovery journey leads to nonprofit work success.

32:58 Challenges of mindset shift in war zones.

41:15 Veterans experience intense, sometimes strangely cool moments.

44:18 Encouraging veterans to find purpose and heal.

51:47 Ketamine is effective for chronic pain management.

56:52 Keynote speakers at MAPS conference were influential.

58:59 Ketamine assisted therapy, monthly sessions, lasting impact.

01:03:33 Ketamine offers legal access to psychedelic therapy.

In this episode, Will Tovar discusses how various psychedelics such as psilocybin, 5 MEO-DMT, and ayahuasca helped him through the depths of PTSD and the suicidal ideation many veterans face. Will discovered the psychedelic path through Veterans Walk and Talk, a safe place for veterans to ask questions about PTSD, depression, and psychedelic therapy. He talks about the veteran friends he lost to suicide, and how they reappeared to him in his first journey, allowing him to transform survivor’s guilt. Will also discusses something vital — that sometimes the psychedelic experience can reopen old wounds and send an individual into the depths of their own darkness, which is why support and integration after journeys are so important. Will is also the operations manager at Fireside Project, a psychedelic peer support line. Will’s story is a powerful example of the potential for psychedelic therapy to help veterans.

[00:03:04] High hopes, easy job, then deployment.

[00:04:40] Training in Italy, constant incoming fire in Iraq.

[00:08:37] Rockets flown over head constantly.

[00:13:45] Air Force friends bond, cope with struggles.

[00:19:33] Veteran finds solace in Veterans Walk and Talk.

[00:23:17] Life-changing ceremony: letting go and gratitude.

[00:26:52] Intensity and chaos help him cope and thrive.

[00:29:50] Ketamine didn't feel psychedelic, yet changed brain.

[00:36:11] A post-psychedelic suicidal moment.

[00:38:37] Cannabis meditation provided a transformative experience to heal from suicidal ideation.

[00:41:20] Transformative experiences with ayahuasca and psilocybin.

[00:46:07] Integration through showing up and being oneself.

[00:49:19] Psychedelic peer support line for challenging journeys.

[00:54:50] Trusting process, proud of work, exciting future.

[00:56:53] Veterans Walk and Talk

Luke Jaden worked with Heroic Hearts Project to join veterans on a psychedelic retreat and film the journey. In this episode we hear Luke speak about what motivated him to pursue this project and the transformations he witnessed in veterans going through the psychedelic experience. You can watch his film here: https://vimeo.com/814826769. 

[00:00:59] Luke documents veterans' psychedelic therapy journey.

[00:05:50] He hopes to help veterans find healing with psychedelics.

[00:08:21] Silent documentary exploring veterans and psychedelics.

[00:12:58] Filmed small veteran group with care.

[00:18:13] Psychedelic experience brought positive life changes.

[00:20:18] Veterans surrender to psychedelic experience; facilitators praised.

[00:25:51] Exploring veteran documentaries, genre's future.

[00:26:59] Helping veterans with therapy-based storytelling project.

[00:30:26] Diversity of experience in personal journeys.

On this episode, Anthony Longo of Warrior's Choice Foundation discusses animal-assisted therapy for combat veterans and his work of integrating that with psychedelic therapy. Warriors Choice uses service dogs to help veterans identify their needs and work through problems. Along with animal-assisted therapy, we explore Anthony's personal journey with psychedelics and how it has helped him find the right path for himself and through PTSD. Join us as we discuss the importance of working with service dogs and using psychedelic therapy for veterans seeking healing.

[00:01:15] School wasn't for him, joined Marines instead.

[00:04:37] Infantry communication specialist assists in combat missions.

[00:06:46] Re-enlistment attempt for firefighter role.

[00:11:30] Mental health labels affect people unfairly.

[00:14:15] Warriors Choice helps combat vets find peace.

[00:19:24] Navigating psychedelics led to self-reflection and growth.

[00:22:34] Relationships ebb and flow with life changes.

[00:24:17] Individuals explore ceremonies, find closure & change.

[00:30:16] Dog sheds coat after owner's 5 MEO-DMT journey.

[00:35:06] Acceptance and psychedelics 

[00:39:00] Build with dog for self pride, ownership, support

[00:42:28] Tailored service dogs, user takes ownership, specific needs.

[00:43:53] Select applicants based on fit.

[00:49:30] Growing organization gaining traction with funding/support.

[00:52:01] Training for quick response.

[00:55:35] Ketamine and psychedelics for personal growth.

[00:57:57] Collaboration potential with veteran psychedelic organizations.

On this episode, we hear from a female army veteran who shares her experiences before, during, and after deployment as a member of the women's Cultual Support Team, who served with special operations forces in Afghanistan. We also learn about the impact of participating in psychedelic ceremonies for veterans, moral injury, and survivor's guilt. The speaker also opens up about her trauma and how she found healing through plant medicine and therapy. Finally, she discusses her challenges with adjustment after leaving the military and how finding community in the veteran psychedelic space helps. 

[00:02:06] Joined military, later became intelligence analyst.

[00:05:15] CrossFit fitness helped in CST special ops selection.

[00:11:12] Female CST worked with SEALs, stayed professional.

[00:14:59] Army, CST program, married SEAL, pursued degree.

[00:17:01] Military career impacted art school later on.

[00:21:33] Being a mother in combat and moral injury.

[00:25:32] Plant medicine and therapy helped her heal.

[00:30:20] Powerful shared history revealed in ceremony.

[00:34:24] Psychedelic healing provided new community, empathy, respect.

[00:36:26] Army service fueled drive for respect.

[00:40:26] A battle cry song during ceremony.

[00:46:24] Group shares in post-psychedelic integration support.

[00:47:30] Psychedelics break down communication barriers for men.

In this episode, we explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics with a veteran of the Cultural Support Team, the women who served with special ops forces in Afghanistan and paved the way for women to be allowed in combat. Jamie had life-changing experiences with psychedelics, confronting her darkness, learning surrender, and finding a way back from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Join us as we explore different perspectives on the integration of women in the military and the role of community, vulnerability, and emotions in healing.

[00:01:01] Purpose found in tragedy, enlisted for service.

[00:04:42] Women join special operations to enhance missions.

[00:09:15] PTSD trauma buried.

[00:13:05] Identity crisis after leaving the military.

[00:14:59] Lost, depressed, anxious, isolating, restless, critical, unacknowledged trauma.

[00:21:17] Intense ayahuasca experience leads to breakthrough.

[00:25:14] Psychedelic experience breaks through resistance; is heart-opening.

[00:27:19] Psychedelic journey leads to genuine rebirth.

[00:34:54] Ego and self-conflict, exhausting experience.

[00:37:34] Ayahuasca purge teaches vulnerability and community importance.

[00:42:12] Changed energy, psychedelics, lessons from dog.

[00:45:51] Future in healing, learning about Eastern medicine.

[00:49:38] Veteran spouses' trauma helps healing and understanding.

[00:54:22] Spread awareness of Heroic Hearts Project.

Alex Horton (@rigbyallen) was one of the first women in the US military's groundbreaking Cultural Support Team program--women who served with special operation teams in Afghanistan. After returning to civilian life, she struggled with physical and mental ailments, was prescribed multiple medications, and eventually hit rock bottom and drove to Southern California to end her life. However, a fellow female combat veteran called out of the blue and invited her to her first psychedelic ceremony, which pulled her out of the darkness. She talks about facing issues around race, gender, and sexuality as a gay woman in the military during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" period. This episode highlights the power of psychedelic therapy and the need to provide mental health support for all veterans, especially those from marginalized communities.

[00:01:22] Alex talks about diversity in veterans and the creation of the Cultural Support Team, a program developed to attach female soldiers to special operations teams in Afghanistan due to the combat ban on women. The program aimed to expand the opportunities for women in the military and promote their advancement. The speaker was in charge of the program for six years and assisted in rescuing female Afghans from Afghanistan during the recent pullout.

[00:10:06] Military women are not getting the mental health care they deserve after serving in combat due to a lack of awareness of their experiences and the perception that special operations communities should be quiet. Nonprofits and organizations focus on male special operators due to demographic advantages, leaving women in the military underserved. Coordination of psychedelic retreats has been organized to counter this trend and provide assistance to military women requiring mental health care.

[00:13:47] She discusses the challenges of transitioning out of the military, including physical and mental damage, identity reckoning, and ethical dilemmas. 

[00:20:39] She lost friends after speaking out on women's and queer rights. 

[00:26:50] Nonprofits are shifting the narrative to support women. Holding space for combat trauma is important, and strong foundation in healing is needed to allow veterans to relax and be vulnerable. Experience with combat trauma is necessary to handle potential chaotic situations.

[00:30:26] Gender dynamics in psychedelic therapy can be complex and dependent on individual experiences and backgrounds, with conversations and accommodations needed to ensure comfort and safety during treatment. The presence of male or female therapists and participants can be triggering for some, and careful consideration should be taken in selecting staff and discussing expectations beforehand.

[00:33:37] Alex hits rock bottom with physical and mental ailments, multiple medications, and the loss of her dogs and relationship. She sets out to end her life but receives a call from a friend who leads her to get the help she needs in Mexico.

[00:38:02] She has a psychedelic experience during a retreat that involved mushrooms and DMT, leading to intense internal struggles and shedding of past trauma before needing to be restrained by others.

[00:43:54] She became happier, was able to repair her relationship, and her family noticed she wasn't angry like before after her psychedelic healing experiences.