Tuesday Dec 26, 2023

104. Mindful Healing: Psychedelic Therapy and Herbal Remedies for OCD with Natalia Aíza and Matthew Williams

When it comes to finding effective ways to help people dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the search for better treatments is an ongoing journey. Traditionally, we've relied on therapies and medications, but there's a new and somewhat controversial idea gaining attention – psychedelic therapy.

In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Natalia Aíza and Matthew Williams, the founders of Kairos Wellness Collective. Natalia Aíza, an LPC is a passionate mental health advocate who has personally journeyed with OCD. Matthew Williams, a clinical herbalist, brings a wealth of knowledge from his advanced degree in traditional Chinese medicine and his upbringing in South Korea. Both Natalia and Matthew have extensive knowledge about psychedelic treatment for OCD and herbal natural remedies.

During our conversation, we discussed their holistic approach to treating OCD, incorporating traditional Chinese medicine, herbs, and psychedelic treatments like ketamine. We emphasize the importance of a controlled setting for ketamine therapy and the potential for lasting change through regular sessions and integration activities. We also discuss the need for flexibility in treating OCD, as it presents differently in each individual.

In This Episode

[03:30] The current research for psychedelic treatment for OCD
[04:57] The shift from ego-centric OCD to ego-tonic OCD
[06:35] Effects of psilocybin and ketamine on neuroplasticity and anxiety reduction
[08:46] The IV setup and referral list
[09:37] The science behind ketamine
[17:18] Psychedelic medicine and therapy
[18:13] Incorporating EMDR and safe container
[19:17] Dosing and perspective with ketamine
[25:14] Flexibility in OCD treatment
[25:49] Kairos Wellness Collective

Notable Quotes

[09:43] "Am I spending my time doing the things that I care about? That's what ketamine did for me." - Natalia
[19:19] “Since by nature, you know, ketamine and other psychedelics are just associative. And so we must make sure that we get you back into your body and you feel comfortable so that you're connected." - Matthew
[23:14] "Ketamine is an incredibly safe drug that we know exactly how to dose it, it's been studied extensively with OCD and it's very effective." - Natalia

Our Guests

Natalia Aíza, a multicultural counselor, prioritizes active client participation in her modern, goal-oriented therapy. With diverse international experience, including creating a play therapy program in a Shanghai orphanage, she practices transformative therapy at Kairos Wellness Collective in Boulder, integrating outdoor activities with her therapy dog, Miszu.

Matthew Williams, a clinical herbalist rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, enhances well-being through personalized consultations and holistic treatments. Raised in South Korea, he combines acupressure, Tui Na massage, and dietary therapy, drawing from his own experiences with OCD and the Autistic spectrum to support individuals with Neurodiversity in customized sessions for holistic healing.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

Matthew Williams and Natalia Aíza

**Disclaimer**

Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

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