High On Healthy

Richard Zwicky introduced Simi Lichtman to discuss MDMA-assisted therapy for relational healing and trauma, explaining that MDMA, an empathogen, fosters safety and connection, allowing individuals to address deeply repressed trauma and relationship defenses. Simi highlighted the importance of preparation and integration sessions, cautioning that the therapeutic experience might be challenging, not necessarily "ecstatic." Richard and Simi also discussed guidance for self-guided MDMA journeys and its application in post-rupture relationships

Richard Zwicky and Christopher Pollock discussed psychedelic-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Christopher elaborated on the therapeutic process, safety protocols, including assessment for addictive disorders and blood pressure monitoring, and the crucial role of collaboration with psychiatrists. He explained that this therapy facilitates "ego death" to process trauma without re-experiencing it, expanding an individual's "window of tolerance" to create new narratives.

Vladislav Andreev, an executive coach and trauma-informed educator, shared insights on mental health in leadership, the impact of chronic stress, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He discussed the deep-rooted trauma in societies like Lithuania, the neglect of mental health among leaders, and the "O Sapiens" mental health framework he developed. Andreev highlighted how chronic stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep contribute to mental health issues, and offered solutions like controlled breathing and sufficient sleep. As a certified psychedelic coach, he elaborated on how psychedelics can disrupt patterns and create neuroplasticity for healing and self-development, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation, facilitation, and integration. He also recommended specific psychedelics for different therapeutic purposes and stressed that the real work begins after the psychedelic experience with habit formation and integration into daily life.

Dr. Lisa Turner from CCT Found Freedom sharies insights on integrating innovation and humanity in coaching. Dr. Turner, with a background in aeroacoustics and systems engineering, detailed her Conscious Emotional Transformation (CCT) model and outlined three levels of AI use in coaching: productivity hacks, generic chatbots (which she advises against), and hyperspecific tools. She further explained her method for creating hyperspecific AI tools using "recursive iterative depth probing" and "guardrails" to prevent hallucination, emphasizing the necessity of understanding underlying human processes for effective AI development. Clients have reported rapid self-discovery through these tools.

Richard Zwicky introduced Dr. Stefanie Mazer, a licensed psychologist and founder of Mindwise Inc., who explained her psychodynamic training and individualized approach to working with neurodivergent clients, especially those with late-diagnosed ADHD and autism. Stefanie expressed concerns about the politicization of mental health diagnoses and insurance, discussed attachment styles and healing trauma in relationships, and emphasized the importance of therapist self-care and destigmatizing mental health for professionals.

Dr. Sabrina Hadeed, a licensed therapist, speaks with Richard Zwicky. She specializes in helping individuals and couples address harmful conditioning through existential phenomenological psychology, which emphasizes understanding human experience, meaning-making, and the importance of boundaries and communication. They also explored psychedelic-assisted relational work, specifically using psilocybin and ketamine to foster vulnerability and shift perspectives, with a strong focus on integration practices to sustain therapeutic benefits.

Dr. Shereen Mohsen explains how traditional talk therapy can be hindered by a person's emotional "protectors," which are defenses like denial that help them function but can also prevent them from addressing core issues. 'Psychedelics help to lower these protectors, promoting greater openness and a sense of safety. This can accelerate therapeutic work by helping clients release emotions they've been avoiding. Psychedelics also enhance empathy and compassion for oneself and one's partner, leading to a deeper connection. This process helps couples confront their feelings and freely express them, which is often a significant challenge.

Dr. Sam Zand explains how psychedelic-assisted therapies are revolutionizing mental healthcare by offering new approaches to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and attachment injuries. He emphasized that these therapies, when combined with traditional methods, help individuals reset their minds, encourage self-exploration, and address underlying issues rather than just symptoms. Dr. Zand detailed how different psychedelics like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin can specifically aid in healing the nervous system, processing early attachment injuries, and fostering neural rewiring. He also underscored the crucial role of "integration" after a psychedelic journey, highlighting the need for strong support systems and structured routines to help individuals carry insights forward and sustain positive changes.

Richard Zwicky introduced Lindsey Yochum from Attune Counseling Center. Lindsey is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She discussed the significance of self-awareness, attachment styles, and relationship repair. Key topics included understanding oneself to cultivate healthy relationships, the vital role of self-compassion, and effective strategies for navigating conflict and supporting partners.

Kayla Meyer, a counselor specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment styles, talks to Richard Zwicky about attachment styles, defining them as patterns largely influenced by childhood experiences and temperament. Kayla elaborated on the four main attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized), their origins, and their impact on therapeutic processes, highlighting how a relational therapist observes these patterns in the client-therapist relationship. Kayla and Richard concluded that healing attachment issues involves self-awareness, emotion regulation, corrective emotional experiences, and choosing a secure partner, noting that trauma work often addresses attachment issues and that progress is measured through self-report and observing successful relationships.

Richard Zwicky welcomed Taylor Santioni, a senior therapist and clinical manager at Sophos Recovery, to discuss emerging trends and tools in mental health treatment, particularly focusing on the evolution of telemental health and AI in therapy. They highlighted the benefits and challenges of AI, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a definitive solution, and explored how virtual modalities and wearable technologies enhance accessibility and accountability in mental health programs.

Tom Horvath spoke with Richard Zwicky discussed various aspects of addiction and recovery. Tom clarified common misunderstandings about addiction, emphasizing the importance of long-term meaning and purpose over short-term gratification, and discussed strategies for sustaining change, including letting go of self-blame and focusing on small, back-and-forth steps. They also explored the potential role of psychedelics in treatment under medical supervision, the supportive role of families using approaches like CRAFT, and how individuals can choose between mutual help groups like Smart Recovery and 12-step programs based on personal comfort. Tom Horvath also shared contact information for listeners interested in learning more about their work.

Richard Zwicky welcomed Suzannah Weiss, a marriage and family therapist and psychedelics journalist, to discuss healing. Suzannah identified abandonment issues as the most common emotional wounds in couples, leading to unhealthy attachments and paranoia. She discussed strategies for addressing abandonment issues, including supporting the partner in their healing, engaging in couples therapy, and offering reassurance, while also understanding their triggers. Suzannah Weiss emphasized the importance of both partners taking responsibility in conflicts. She also addressed common misconceptions about relationship therapy, noting that many perceive it as a sign of failure. The conversation shifted to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in couples therapy, with Suzannah explaining how psychedelics help individuals drop their ego, fostering emotional connection and uncovering subconscious motivations or trauma. She also highlighted ethical considerations in psychedelic-assisted therapy, warning against individu

Richard Zwicky speaks with Christian Rasmussen, founder of MN Nice Ethnobotanicals on a NEW High on Healthy. We learn about how Amanita Mascaria is safe and offers a unique, gentle transformation for processing trauma and fostering well-being. Christian shared his personal recovery from benzodiazepine withdrawal with Amanita, explaining its benefits for addiction, trauma, and overall healing through microdosing and low-to-medium doses, emphasizing its distinct effects from psilocybin.We learn how MN Nice Ethnobotanicals is rebranding and moving to Los Angeles to become a global brand, focusing on community-building through ceremonies, retreats, and a donation-based facilitator training program, while balancing altruism with profit and promoting "sacred commerce" and open-source research.

On a New episode of High on Healthy, Richard Zwicky welcomes Rebecca Webster and Pablo Alvarez, co-founders of Connection Counseling,We learn about their personal journeys into psychotherapy, their use of mindfulness and journaling for healing, and their insights on attachment theory and relationship patterns, emphasizing the importance of both partners committing to healing. They also addressed overcoming shame, the role of psychedelics in therapy, and the necessity of navigating difficult relationships while prioritizing personal healing.

Richard Zwicky speaks with Matthew Whiz Buckley about his personal journey with trauma, and his transition from the military to Wall Street, and the founding of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation.Matthew also shared his experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans and their advocacy for rescheduling psychedelics. Matthew's ultimate mission for No Fallen Heroes is for the foundation to become obsolete, with the Department of Veterans Affairs taking over support for veterans' healing. They advocate for the rescheduling of psychedelics to allow for medical prescriptions and research, pointing out the hypocrisy of veterans having to seek treatment in Mexico while billions are given to other causes

Tim Ash rips away the romantic illusions and exposes the raw, evolutionary psychology behind modern relationships in his new book Primal Dating: The Unflinching Evolutionary Psychology Guide To Modern Relationships. Prepare to confront "the lie of rationality" as Ash reveals how your deepest instincts, not your conscious desires, truly drive your romantic choices. This isn't just another dating guide; it's a revolutionary look at why we love, why we bond, and why the dating world feels like an impossible game. You'll discover:How ancient biological drives shape your every romantic interaction.The profound impact of cultural conditioning on your dating life.Why technology has turned modern dating into a bewildering "hellscape."The crucial role of authenticity and "mate value" in attracting the right partner.Simply put, Primal Dating is the unflinching, eye-opening guide you desperately need to navigate today's complex romantic landscape. Stop guessing and start understan

Richard Zwicky welcomed Matt Xavier, detailing his diverse career path, from DJing in rave culture and running a record label to becoming an addiction counselor and, eventually, a practitioner of psychedelic-assisted therapy, emphasizing how all his experiences, including waitering, contributed to his current role. Matt defines music as an "active co-therapist," explaining its role in therapeutic settings by softening defenses and guiding clients through emotional experiences, with his DJing background informing his "psychedelic soundtracking" and real-time music curation. Matt also highlighted the importance of instrumental music over vocals to avoid imposing narratives and discussed how he prepares clients for emotional responses to music, shifting to neutral tracks when clients are overstimulated. He advised aspiring practitioners to acquire a deep understanding of psychology and counseling modalities, cautioning against those who lack foundational therapeutic knowledge.

Richard Zwicky introduced Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, an Imago relationship therapist. Rabbi Slatkin explained their approach to relationships, emphasizing the divine orchestration of events, the importance of healing within relationships, and the role of Imago theory in understanding relational dynamics, along with the integration of spirituality and psychology. They discussed how challenges in relationships are opportunities for healing and how individuals often recreate childhood dynamics with partners. Rabbi Slatkin detailed how Imago therapy aims to help couples achieve a "conscious relationship" by recognizing how current triggers relate to past experiences, particularly through the "90/10 rule." They also discussed the brain's neuroplasticity and how attuned presence can rewire an "anxious brain." The discussion also touched on common communication missteps in relationships, the subjective nature of perception in conflict, and how their approach integrates Jewish mystical beliefs

Richard Zwicky welcomed Jessica Yaffa to a recording session where she shared her personal journey of transforming pain into purpose after surviving an abusive relationship. Jessica discussed her work helping others rebuild self-worth and safety by challenging societal messages, emphasizing healing through connection, and highlighting the importance of accountability and navigating setbacks for survivors. She also addressed the role of support systems, the potential of psychedelics in trauma processing, and the urgent need for systemic changes in legal, healthcare, and educational systems to better support domestic violence victims, advocating for prevention, early intervention, and improved assessment methods.