Is it time to change our brains???
Our next episode of Pod of Inquiry features an illuminating conversation with Dr. Hans van Wechem from the Experiential Training Institute in Amsterdam. Dr. Wechem will discuss his team’s latest findings on psilocybin and its potential therapeutic applications.
Tune in to explore:
- Recent findings on psilocybin’s effects on the brain
- Potential uses in mental health treatment
- How his institute changes brains for the better
Don’t miss this insightful conversation on treatment of mental conditions with psychedelics.
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Show Notes from this episode
Hans van Wechem is a medical doctor, an educator, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience. With a specialization in early childhood trauma and attachment disorders, Hans treats patients in his private practice in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
In a newly adopted career path, he aims to spread awareness, and find new solutions for mental,
emotional, physical and spiritual challenges through the use of psychedelic assisted treatment.
In 2022 he co-founded the Experiential Training Institute (ETI) together with Jeanine Souren
(psychologist), where mental health professionals are being trained to work responsibly with
psychoactive compounds. In the Netherlands, this includes legally working with psilocybin containing truffles.
Through these multi-day retreats, professionals are being introduced to the use of psilocybin
containing truffles, learning of their workings through first-hand experience, expediting the way to further future treatments and applications within this medical field.
In addition, small group retreats are offered to individuals whom, after thorough screening, wish to expand on their personal growth and development.
Experience & Qualifications:
Medical Doctor
Psychiatrist (BIG reg)
Post Master (4 yr) Family and Couples Therapy (NVRG)
Post Master (4 yr) Bonding Psychotherapist (VBP)
Member of the NVvP (Dutch Association for Psychiatry)
Member of BIG (Dutch Individual Healthcare Professions Regulatory Board)
Member of VvAA (Dutch Association for Physicians)
Member of NVRG (Dutch Association for Relational, Couples and Family Therapy)
Summary
- Psychedelic treatments for mental health with a focus on psilocybin and Ayahuasca. 0:00
- Dr. Hans van Wechem shares his personal journey with psychedelics and discusses legal status and potential benefits/risks in the Netherlands.
- Dr. Wechem shares his personal experience with Ayahuasca, a brew containing DMT, and its potential for healing and growth.
- He describes personal transformation from rational explanation to non-dual philosophy after Ayahuasca experience.
- Dr. Wechem explores differences between Ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, and mescaline.
- Using truffles for psychedelic therapy. 10:43
- Clinician shares experience integrating psychedelic treatment with conventional care, despite regulatory challenges.
- Dr. Wechem explains that truffles are legal in some cases, despite mushrooms being banned.
- Dr. Wechem discusses the differences between truffles and mushrooms, emphasizing the consistency of psilocybin within truffles.
- Field Trip International works with truffle farmers in the Netherlands to ensure consistent quality and regulation of psilocybin content.
- Psychedelics for treating mental health disorders, including DMT, MDMA, and ketamine. 18:03
- Dr. Barrett and Dr. Wechem discuss the challenges of accurately dosing psychedelics, with Dr. Wechem mentioning the legal status of psilocybin truffles in the Netherlands.
- He discusses psychedelics as a way to address underlying trauma and survival energy.
- Dr. Wechem discusses the concept of PTSD and how it can be contextual, depending on the individual's experiences and environment.
- Dr. Wechem highlights the importance of reconnecting with oneself and understanding the underlying causes of symptoms, rather than just reducing them.
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health treatment. 26:57
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- Psychedelic agents rewire brain networks to improve mental health outcomes.
- Dr. Wechem argues that medication is not a long-term solution, but rather a tool to enable lifestyle changes.
- Psychedelic therapy for mental health, including set and setting considerations. 34:10
- Dr. Barrett emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying issues for optimal mental health benefits.
- Dr. Wechem highlights the need for a proper setting and mindset for a safe and beneficial psychedelic experience.
- The program excludes people with wrong expectations or emotional immaturity to ensure a safe space for transformation.
- Facilitators must be present and attuned to participants' needs for the work to be effective.
- Using psychedelics for therapy, including connected breathing and integration. 40:14
- Dr. Wechem explains connected breathing as a cathartic way to release suppressed emotions.
- Psychedelic breathwork can help integrate repressed memories (Speaker 3).
- He discusses importance of group sessions for psychedelic integration and sharing experiences.
- Psychedelic therapy for mental health. 46:29
- Institute provides training for integrating psychedelic experiences for personal growth and development.
- Institute focuses on experiential training with psilocybin aiming to deepen connection and personal growth.