Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with clinical psychologist and psychedelic therapist Dr. Joseph McCowan about identity, cultural trauma, and the role of social justice within the psychedelic renaissance. Drawing from his work as a trainer and supervisor in MDMA-assisted therapy trials for PTSD, McCowan reflects on entering the field while navigating imposter syndrome, stereotype threat, and the pressures of practicing in predominantly white research environments. The conversation explores how psychedelic therapy challenges pathologizing models of mental health by centering context, identity, and collective trauma, and examines the responsibilities clinicians carry as these treatments move toward wider implementation. Together they discuss culturally humble care, community partnerships, and the importance of building systems of healing that reach those historically excluded from mental health care.

(10:14) The Psychedelic Closet — Entering the field while navigating imposter syndrome and belonging.

(18:13) Stereotype Threat — Practicing psychedelic therapy without visible role models.

(29:20) Psychedelics and Social Justice — Framing the renaissance as part of broader liberation movements.

(38:16) Repression and Oppression — Linking internal healing models to societal power structures.

(55:16) Health Equity — Expanding psychedelic care to communities historically excluded from mental health systems.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Dr. Joseph McCowan, PsyD: https://www.fluencetraining.com/about/team/joseph-mccowan-psyd

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with Dr. Daniel Zimmerman and Heather Hamilton of Acheron Psychiatry in lower Manhattan about the evolution of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in their practice and in the broader field. They trace their entry into psychedelic medicine, discuss the shift from symptom-focused treatment toward insight-oriented psychotherapy, and explore dosing philosophy, music, risk, and the influence of practicing in New York City. The conversation balances enthusiasm with caution, emphasizing pacing, integration, and ethical humility in a rapidly expanding field.

(09:29) Ketamine as Catalyst — Moving beyond symptom management toward medicine-assisted psychotherapy.

(26:58) Dosing and Risk — IM vs lozenge, high-dose concerns, and integration pacing.

(40:07) Music and Setting — Curated playlists and environment as therapeutic container.

(46:55) The New York Context — Speed, ambition, trauma history, and slowing down.

(53:59) Group KAP — Community healing and expanding into intentional group work.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Heather Hamilton, Psychotherapist, LMHC Acheron Psychiatry: https://acheronpsych.com/heather-hamilton/

Daniel Zimmerman, M.D., Psychiatrist , Founder Acheron Psychiatry: https://acheronpsych.com/daniel-zimmerman/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with an anonymous licensed clinical psychologist about her experience of sexual abuse and boundary violations during an underground MDMA-assisted therapy session. Recorded across two conversations a year apart, the episode traces how power, confusion, and attachment needs can delay recognition of harm—especially within altered states of consciousness. Together, they examine informed consent, the weaponization of "neediness," and the profound impact of unaccountable facilitators within psychedelic spaces. The conversation offers a sobering reflection on ethics, responsibility, and what true safety requires in psychedelic-assisted healing.

(00:09) Content Warning and Context — Chantelle introduces the episode and explains the decision to keep the guest anonymous.
(06:16) Preparation and Trust — How careful planning and professional credentials failed to protect against harm.
(14:51) Abandonment and Vulnerability — The destabilizing impact of being left alone while under MDMA.
(19:20) Boundary Violations — Confusion, somatic freezing, and delayed recognition of sexual touch without consent.
(26:00) Confusion Trauma — Gaslighting, self-blame, and the erosion of internal trust.
(36:13) Ethics and Accountability — Situating the experience within broader patterns of harm in therapy and psychedelic work.
(55:13) Blind Spots and Repair — What ethical practice requires: humility, consent, and the capacity to be accountable.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/