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.