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The Brave New World of Psychedelic Assisted Therapies: Promises and Pitfalls
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For the first time in over four decades, researchers have returned to examining the therapeutic benefits of mind-altering substances, including MDMA (ecstasy), psilocybin (mushrooms), and ketamine. In the 1970s the study of all psychedelics was criminalized in the US, despite emerging evidence of their medical value. Over the past decade, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Research (MAPS) has helped to revive psychedelic research, sponsoring studies across the United States and around the world, including MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety. The results have been very positive, lasting over 72 months of follow-up, with few adverse effects. Our Boston based team of researchers has played a central role in this process and, in this workshop, will present both our scientific data, and our clinical experiences with MDMA and ketamine. Our research clearly shows that psychedelics can promote a deepening and acceleration of psychotherapeutic processes. During therapy, people often are able to access and find peace with disavowed, “exiled” parts of themselves. In this workshop, we will discuss outcomes and processes. and the Boston MDMA study team will discuss clinical experiences and applications. Psychedelic medicines, when dosed correctly in the appropriate context, can act as powerful catalytic tools for healing, repair and new growth potentials moving healing paradigms towards wellness, resilience, and self-actualization.
Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD, is a clinician, researcher and teacher in the area of post-traumatic stress. His work integrates developmental, neurobiological, psychodynamic and interpersonal aspects of the impact of trauma and its treatment.
Dr. van der Kolk and his various collaborators have published extensively on the impact of trauma on development, such as dissociative problems, borderline personality and self-mutilation, cognitive development, memory, and the psychobiology of trauma. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles on such diverse topics as neuroimaging, self-injury, memory, neurofeedback, Developmental Trauma, yoga, theater, and EMDR.
He is founder of the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts and President of the Trauma Research Foundation, which promotes clinical, scientific, and educational projects.
His 2014 #1 New York Times best seller, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Treatment of Trauma, transforms our understanding of traumatic stress, revealing how it literally rearranges the brain’s wiring – specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. He shows how these areas can be reactivated through innovative treatments including neurofeedback, somatically based therapies, EMDR, psychodrama, play, yoga, and other therapies.
Dr. van der Kolk is the past president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and professor of psychiatry at Boston University Medical School. He regularly teaches at conferences, universities, and hospitals around the world.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, the Director of the Trauma Center, and the National Complex Trauma Network. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. van der Kolk receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk has no relevant non-financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
James W. Hopper, PhD
James W. Hopper, PhD, Independent consultant and Instructor in Psychology, Cambridge Health Alliance & Harvard Medical School. Co-editor, Mindfulness-Oriented Interventions for Trauma: Integrating Contemplative Practices. The MDMA Team, Trauma Research Foundation.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: James Hopper maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with Harvard University and Cambridge Health Alliance. He receives royalties as a published author. James Hopper receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: James Hopper serves on the advisory board for Callisto. He is a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the APA Division 56. James Hopper is an Ad hoc reviewer for several peer review journals, for a complete list contact PESI, Inc.
Elizabeth Call, PsyD
Elizabeth Call, PsyD, offers psychotherapy services to those dealing with life transitions, loss, anxiety, dysthymia, and post-traumatic stress. A psychologist for over 20 years, she utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, in her practice as well as Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. Throughout her extensive career, Elizabeth Call, PsyD, has served in multiple capacities in mental health facilities in Massachusetts and Arizona. She is also a former instructor in Harvard Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Elizabeth Call maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with EMDR Institute and Burma Border Projects. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Elizabeth Call is a member of the EMDR International Association and the Massachusetts Psychological Association.
Susan Walker, MD
Susan Walker, MD, Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Cambridge health Alliance. MDMA Therapy Team Member, the Trauma Research Foundation. Co-principal Investigator, Boston Site of MAPS sponsored MDMA for PTSD study.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Susan Walker is a clinical sub-investigator and therapist with MAPS/MPBC and The Trauma Research Foundation. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Susan Walker is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and American Psychiatric Association.
Francis Guerriero, MA, LICSW
Francis Guerriero, MA, LICSW, Private practice, Cambridge, MA; MDMA Therapy team member, The Trauma Research Foundation.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Francis Guerriero maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with the Trauma Research Foundation. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Francis Guerriero has a professional relationship as a therapist and sub-investigator under Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).
Rheinila Fernandez
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Rheinila Fernandez has employment relationships with the Trauma Research Foundation and the Embodied Mind Medicine. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Rheinila Fernandez has no relevant non-financial relationships.
