Osha Hayden and Laurelee Roark discuss the healing benefits of psychedelic plant medicine and psilocybin mushrooms. A growing body of scientific research confirms the use of psilocybin for treating issues including depression, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. 

Noted author, Michael Pollan’s book, How to Change Your Mind, documents the research and use of psychedelics and its astounding benefits when used in a therapeutic setting. You may have watched his recent Netflix series, How to Change Your Mind. Psychedelics are making news due to the astonishing results which far surpass those achieved through conventional treatments such as anti-depressants. 

It’s interesting to note research that indicates that the anti-depressant medications when used long term for treatment resistant depression may have no more benefit than a placebo. This research is ongoing and should not dissuade a patient from taking anti-depressants in an acute state of depression. As always, if in doubt, check with a medical professional.

We talk about the importance of taking plant medicine with a “Sitter” who is trained as a guide to assist participants in their journeys and help integrate the profound epiphanies that often occur.  Many participants who have experienced a therapeutic guided psychedelic journey have stated that the results were life-changing.

About

Lauralee Roark, MA, CCHT,  is a Body Image Therapist, educator and author of two books on  recovering from eating disorders. Beyond Hunger https://beyondhunger.org/ is a non-profit dedicated to providing eating girder prevention and education programs.  Listen to her podcast:  It’s Not About Food

Books co-authored by Lauralee Roark & Carol Normandi:

It’s Not About Food:  End Your Obsession With Food and Weight 

Over It:  A Teen’s Guide to Getting Beyond Obsessions with Food and Weight

Listen to other episodes featuring Laurelee Roark:

Beyond Hunger: Food, Weight and Healing – Chapter 1 with Laurelee Roark
https://oshahayden.com/podcast/beyond-hunger-food-weight-and-healing-body-image-therapist-laurelee-roark-chap1/

Beyond Hunger:  Food, Weight and Healing – Chapter 2 with Laurelee Roark
https://oshahayden.com/podcast/chapter-2-beyond-hunger-food-weight-and-healing-body-image-therapist-laurelee-roark/

Laurelee Roark https://www.laureleeroark.com/