Changing Our Minds 

Psychedelic Sacraments and the New Psychotherapy

Synergetic Press, Santa Fe & London. 2017.

 

Available from Synergetic Press

 

By Don Lattin

 

Changing Our Minds is an experiential tour through a social, spiritual and scientific revolution that is redefining our culture’s often-confusing relationship with psychoactive substances. Veteran journalist Don Lattin chronicles the inspiring stories of pioneering neuroscientists, psychotherapists, spiritual guides and ordinary people seeking to live healthier lives by combining psychedelic drugs, psychotherapy, and the wise use of ancient plant medicines. In ground-breaking clinical trials, specially trained therapists employ Ecstasy (MDMA) to help U.S. veterans struggling with the psychological aftermath of war. Other psychiatrists in government-approved research offer psilocybin, to alcoholics trying to get sober and cancer patients struggling with the existential distress of a life-threatening illness. Meanwhile, new imaging technology has enabled neuroscientists to map the psychedelic brain in real time, deepening our understanding of human consciousness. Chapter Nine, titled False Starts and Dashed Hopes, features trenchant critiques of the medical model and current research strategy through profiles of psychedelic research and psychotherapy veterans Ralph Metzner and Richard Yensen.