This episode of the Higher Practice Podcast explores the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and psychedelic-assisted healing, particularly with ketamine. Psychotherapist Dr. Nick Bruss provides an overview of IFS, a compassionate approach that harmonizes internal parts like exiles, managers, and protectors to foster self-awareness and healing. He discusses his three-month treatment program, incorporating preparatory sessions, psycholytic ketamine doses, and integration practic...
Apr 21, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 153
Have you ever considered how our attachments shape our experiences of fulfillment and suffering? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, examining how these forces influence our spiritual and emotional lives. Drawing from contemplative traditions, we discuss the role of the ego in shaping desires and fears, and how even the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment can become entangled in attachment. Reflecting on loss, joy, and moments of profound spiritual ...
Jan 24, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 152
Despite significant advancements in healthcare, gaps in women's health continue to leave many underserved, as discussed by Dr. Will Van Derveer and Dr. Sara Gottfried Szal in their exploration of the evolving field of female care. Dr. Szal reflects on her medical journey, highlighting the shift from physician-centered models to personalized, patient-focused approaches and the urgent need to address biases and systemic barriers in women's healthcare. They emphasize the importance of equipping pra...
Jan 14, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 151
This episode explores the complexities of New Year’s resolutions and effective goal-setting strategies, emphasizing the pitfalls of impulsive resolutions and advocating for a structured visioning process. We discuss setting goals across key life areas—career, family, health, and personal pursuits—using tools like vision boards, Google Drive, and Trello to track progress and achieve realistic success rates of 80-90%. Keith shares his approach of breaking annual goals into quarterly sub-goals, hig...
Jan 03, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 150
Transformation happens when moments of clarity are translated into lasting change, but this process is rarely simple. In this episode, we highlight the challenges of psychedelic integration, focusing on the difficulty of turning powerful insights into actual behavioral shifts. Drawing from neuroscience and psychology, we explore the hard work required for real change, including the pitfalls of repetitive sessions and the struggle to remain committed and consistent. Our discussion emphasizes the ...
Dec 23, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 149
What if we could literally change our lives by confronting our own stress responses? In this episode, we explore the profound impact of stress on mental health, examining its physiological and psychological aspects while offering insights for understanding and managing it. We introduce the concept of “eustress” versus “distress,” explaining how different types of stress can drive growth or lead to burnout, and emphasize how our perceptions and mindset shape our experiences. Taking a systemic app...
Dec 16, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 148
The findings are clear: you are what you eat! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between food and mood, exploring how your diet impacts your body, brain, and overall wellbeing. From debunking the outdated food pyramid to uncovering the role of macronutrients, hydration, and fiber, we break down the science of nutrition and metabolism. We also tackle pressing health concerns like prediabetes, diabetes, and inflammation, highlighting their association with mental health chall...
Dec 09, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 147
Ever wonder why some goals stay dreams while others become reality? In this episode, we explore the difference between fantasy and vision, sharing how to transform dreams into actionable steps that inspire clarity and motivation. We dive into common fears, like the worry of failure or judgment, and offer tips for breaking old habits and creating meaningful change. Emphasizing the importance of aligning goals with values, we highlight the role of systems, routines, and accountability in staying c...
Dec 02, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 146
In this episode, we explore the profound and often enigmatic nature of mystical experiences, particularly those induced by psychedelics. Through the lens of Western psychology and shamanic traditions, we examine encounters with mysterious entities, synchronicities, and the transformative insights these states can offer. We also address the challenges that arise, including spiritual emergencies and ego dissolution, discussing how these intense moments can lead to growth, humility, and deeper self...
Nov 25, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 145
What if our current understanding of mental health is merely a brief moment in the vast history of human knowledge? In this episode, we explore how the introduction of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has dramatically changed the way we talk about and understand mental health. We dive into both the benefits and drawbacks of our current diagnostic system, and we challenge the false divide between "mentally ill" and "mentally well.” We unpack our culture’s reliance on pres...
Nov 18, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 144
As parents, one of our primary goals is to raise children who are self-assured, adaptable, and equipped to navigate the challenges of adulthood – but striking the right balance between support and challenge is no easy feat. In this episode, we explore this delicate equilibrium of parenthood, sharing our personal experiences at different stages of the journey. We emphasize the importance of repairing ruptures in parent-child relationships to build emotional intelligence. We also consider how to s...
Nov 11, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 143
In today’s episode, we examine the profound impact of technology on our well-being, unpacking how AI influences individual habits and cultural norms. We discuss the concept of attention sovereignty, expressing concerns about social media and smartphones, particularly among younger demographics. We also explain how AI applications might exploit our attention and dopamine systems, leading to addictive behaviors and reduced emotional regulation. While acknowledging the promise of integrating AI int...
Nov 04, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 142
In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of psychedelics, examining recent legal milestones like Dr. Joe Tafur's victory in Arizona for the use of Ayahuasca as a religious sacrament, as well as the União do Vegetal’s (UDV) landmark Supreme Court case nearly two decades ago. These developments signal a broader trend in the U.S. toward decriminalization and legalization, with states such as Oregon and Colorado leading the way in establishing regulated frameworks for psilocybin se...
Oct 28, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 141
This episode explores the pitfalls of wellness culture and spiritual seeking, focusing on avoiding counterproductive efforts. We share personal updates and examine the tension between the pursuit of wellness and ego limitations. The conversation highlights how rigid beliefs and the obsession with perfection can lead to burnout and self-judgment. We offer an alternative approach by emphasizing wholeness over perfection. Ultimately, the discussion encourages a balanced, resilient approach to growt...
Oct 21, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 140
Psychedelic therapy has proven to be one of the biggest breakthrough treatments in the mental health industry, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions. Although the demand will continue to increase over the next few years, there won’t be enough providers to meet that demand. Listen in as we discuss the current status of psychedelic therapy including Ketamine, MDMA & Psilocybin, and why now is a great time to get trained as a psychedelic-assisted therapy provider and un...
Mar 27, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular podcast episodes featuring women’s health expert and New York Times Bestselling author, Dr. Sara Gottfried. In this episode, Dr. Gottfried talks about the unique challenges women face at different stages in life and how those challenges can often impact their mental and physical health. She’ll also share how women can be empowered in their health by learning more about the connection between their bodies and brai...
Mar 16, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 138
Self-determination is a concept in psychology that refers to having a significant influence over your life, such as the direction and fulfillment of your career, relationships, finances, and the impact you have on the world. Although levels of self-determination vary greatly between individuals and their unique circumstances, there are a handful of things you can do in order to increase the likelihood of life going in the direction that you want. In the first two episodes of this series, Keith t...
Mar 08, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 137
We all want to live the life that we desire, which includes being able to be our most authentic selves even when it seems risky. But in order to be your true self, you have to first know who you are and that means knowing your values. In last week’s episode, Keith talked about how to release values that aren’t your own. In this episode, he’ll discuss how you can learn who you are by identifying your values. He’ll also share five eye-opening questions to help you identify your values which will u...
Mar 01, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Many of us understand the importance of living a values-based life. However, most people don’t feel fully aligned in their career and consider it a sacrifice. This incongruence can cause stress and lead to significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. In part one of this 3-part series, Keith discusses how easy it can be to find yourself misaligned in a career and what you can do about it. He’ll share his own story of entering the workforce feeling incongruent, and a unique exercise that you ca...
Feb 22, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Trauma doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can be impacted by trauma at any time, including us providers. So what happens when the healer needs healing? That’s what we’ll discuss in today’s episode. Join us for part two of this series as we continue our conversation with Dr. Rola Hallam. Not only will we discuss the revolutionary treatment options that now exist for helping others overcome trauma, but we’ll also talk about how we, as providers, can work to heal our trauma. Show notes: The Fracturing of...
Feb 01, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 134
In this episode, Dr. Rola Hallam, an award-winning doctor known for her deep passion for global health and humanitarian work during the war in Syria, shares her experience of overcoming trauma as a provider. She’ll talk about her journey to becoming a doctor, her mission-driven work in Syria and other war zones, and her work as a trauma-informed life coach. Shownotes: Born to become a Doctor - 4:28 The Calling to Save Lives - 6:32 The Horror of War - 7:41 The Cost of Helping - 8:36 Inadequate Eq...
Jan 26, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 133
During the last few episodes, we talked about the role that money plays in our lives, past experiences that have shaped our views around money, and the importance of preparing financially for the future. In today’s episode, we wrap up this series by sharing some practical tips that can help you get on the way. Shownotes: Invest In Future Self - 3:18 Like A Plant In A Pot - 3:59 Having A Safety Net - 6:05 Saving Builds Momentum - 8:25 Financial “Entropy” - 11:08 Is Budgeting Right For You? - 13:2...
Jan 18, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 132
It’s a new year which means many people are reevaluating their goals and establishing new ones. With that comes an opportunity to think about your financial future. What does financial freedom mean? How can you build wealth to support your lifestyle even when you’re not actively bringing in income? How can you invest in yourself by preparing financially for your future? While money can be a touchy subject, it affects various aspects of your life. Just think about how many choices you make that a...
Jan 11, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 131
In the final part of this two-part series, we'll continue our discussion on the role that money plays in our lives and how it can be used as a tool to create more opportunities and experiences, and achieve desires. We’ll also talk about the importance of having a mission or meaning behind the pursuit of money. Show notes: Why the Lottery Works So Well - 2:12 The Value of Money - 5:44 Overcoming Blind Spots Around Self-worth and Self-esteem - 7:38 Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness - 16:29 To learn more...
Dec 14, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 130
It goes without saying that money plays a significant role in our lives. The relationship we have with money tends to be influenced by experiences that we’ve had with money early on in life, including bearing witness to how our parents and other adults in our lives navigated their relationship with money. In part one of this two-part series, Will and Keith have a detailed discussion about their experiences with money throughout their childhood and teenage years, and how it has affected their rel...
Dec 07, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 129
In this episode, we explore the connection between presence and gratitude, and how to develop gratitude during challenging experiences. We will also examine how ingratitude affects our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Plus, we’ll discuss different practices that can help with maintaining gratitude throughout the day. Show notes: Gratitude and Presence - 02:29 The Stakes Went Up When I Became a Father - 03:57 An Expensive State - 08:02 Control and Gratitude - 13:41 The Path is the...
Nov 30, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 128
The tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran’s capital of Tehran while in police custody on September 16, 2022, has sparked outrage and protests in Iran and all over the world. In this 2-part series, we sit down with Dr. Noshene Ranjbar, trauma expert and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, to discuss both the trauma and hope surrounding the fight for freedom in Iran. Shownotes: The Story Behind Mahsa Amini - 2:34 A Massive Public Out...
Nov 16, 2022•22 min
In part two of this series, we’ll continue our conversation on psychedelic therapy integration as we discuss the ins and outs of this process. Listen in as we talk about issues such as fragmentation, that can sometimes occur after a dosing session. We’ll also discuss the rare instances in which integration may not be possible. Show notes: Integration: Letting it Happen Naturally - 01:29 The Beauty of Psychedelics in Integration - 02:40 Parts Work in the Integration Process - 06:33 The Negative S...
Nov 09, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Integration is a key component of the psychedelic therapy healing process. Integration sessions can often help a client unpack material that arose during the psychedelic session that wasn’t completely digested and sequenced in the client’s body. In this episode, we’ll discuss advanced integration topics of psychedelic therapy, as well some stories of what can happen without proper integration. Show notes: Recalling an Earlier Experience - 2:01 An Opportunity for Healing - 11:19 Radical Tendencie...
Nov 02, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 124
In part 2 of this series, we continue the conversation with Dr. Daniel Emina about the use of SPECT brain scans in studying blood flow patterns that correlate with symptom clusters. Listen in as we dive a little deeper and talk about the process used to analyze data from SPECT scans to help create treatment plans for patients experiencing mental illness symptoms. Show notes: SPECT Patterns Behind Suicidal Tendencies - 03:01 Taking Care of our Brain - 10:48 Minimizing the Use of Medication - 19:5...
Oct 26, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 121
