"The Therapeutic Potential of Ayahuasca for the Treatment of Mental Health Challenges" with Dr. Loizaga-Velder

This lecture will discuss the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in the treatment of mental health problems based on an in-depth literature review of clinical perspectives, observational research on the use of ayahuasca for the treatment of substance use and eating disorders, and over a decade of psychotherapeutic work involving preparation and integration of ayahuasca experiences in traditional shamanic and intercultural settings. Dr Loizaga-Velder will specifically explore the therapeutic mechanisms of well-guided ayahuasca experiences for psychotherapeutic change in mental health challenges such as addictions, eating disorders, trauma, grief, and treatment resistant depression. She will also address the importance of setting, the value of complementary psychotherapeutic work, and other important factors for successful therapeutic outcomes. Finally, experiences working with patients who have suffered trauma from inappropriate Ayahuasca use will be shared.