Exploring Psychedelics and Somatics: Insights from a Lecture with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Maté, and Dr. Scott Lyons

Recently, I attended a lecture on Psychedelics and Somatics featuring the insights of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Maté, and Dr. Scott Lyons – three leaders in the fields of trauma healing and somatic therapy. The conversation was a blend personal experiences, sparking this post to share some key takeaways and reflections.

Psychedelics are opening doors in the way people relate to themselves, offering a unique pathway for trauma recovery. While there is still much research needed in this area, some results show that these substances, when used in a safe and guided context, may allow individuals to revisit and process traumatic imprints with compassion and clarity. It's important to note that this post is not promoting the use of psychedelics but rather exploring their potential and sparking a conversation about their place in healing. I find this topic fascinating and believe it warrants further investigation as we continue to learn about how these substances can impact trauma recovery.

When we experience trauma, our memories are often fragmented and stored in the body, or soma. Psychedelics can create a powerful opportunity to revisit these experiences as adults, awake and supported, within a compassionate container. This process can help individuals piece together their fragmented selves, fostering a profound sense of validation and wholeness.

However, this journey is not one to undertake lightly. For psychedelics to be effective in healing trauma, it’s crucial to have trusted and trained individuals creating a safe, supportive environment.

This involves:

- A skilled guide or practitioner who understands somatic trauma work.
- Integration support to process insights after the experience.
- A non-judgmental space where individuals can feel safe expressing emotions or revisiting painful memories.

Ayahuasca: Honoring Ancient Traditions

Ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic, has been used for centuries by Indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing purposes. Its potential for trauma healing lies in its ability to bring suppressed emotions and memories to the surface.

During the lecture, one significant point emerged: integration is key. In traditional ceremonies, healing is often seen as an ongoing process, supported by multi-day retreats. This allows participants the time and space to process what arises during the ceremony, preventing a single, overwhelming experience without follow-up support. Respecting these ancient traditions and ensuring proper integration practices are vital for meaningful healing.

Ketamine: A Clinical Approach

Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has been repurposed as a tool for trauma recovery. It works differently from Ayahuasca, often used in clinical settings to create a dissociative state that helps individuals explore their trauma with less emotional overwhelm.

However, a concerning trend was highlighted during the lecture: the rise of capitalistic ketamine clinics that prioritize profit over healing. For example, clinics that administer ketamine without offering in-person support during or after the session leave clients vulnerable, disconnected, and unable to process their experience fully. Trauma healing through ketamine requires skilled practitioners who stay present and guide integration, ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way.

The Research Gap: Challenges in a Capitalist Framework

While the potential of psychedelics in trauma recovery is enormous, the field faces a significant obstacle: who funds the research? Currently, much of the funding comes from pharmaceutical companies, whose motives are often profit-driven. This creates a gap in meaningful research. The bottom line, the need for trauma-focused studies has never been greater.

Moving Forward with Compassion and Care

Psychedelics, when approached with respect and proper guidance, can catalyze deep healing by fostering self-compassion and integration. These substances allow people to connect with themselves in ways that can feel validating and empowering.

If you’re considering integrating psychedelics into your healing journey, make sure to work with a trained somatic practitioner or trauma therapist who can create a safe, supportive environment. 

The potential of psychedelics is unfolding. As the conversation continues, let’s advocate for research and practices that honor the human experience, ancient traditions, and the need for compassion in healing.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of psychedelics and somatics? Feel free to send me an email—I’d love to hear your perspective.