Overview
This presentation aims to provide a deeper understanding of the therapeutic work with MDMA and psilocybin for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Both substances have shown promising results in alleviating symptoms and providing long-lasting benefits for individuals suffering from these mental health conditions.
The first part of the presentation will focus on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Clinical studies show significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. The three-phase therapy, consisting of preparation, MDMA-assisted session, and integration, allows patients to explore and process their trauma in a controlled setting.
The second part of the presentation will explore psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, induces altered states of consciousness and facilitates profound introspection. In a supportive environment, patients are able to explore their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, leading to a shift in perspective and a deeper understanding of their depression. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in depressive symptoms, even in treatment-resistant cases.
Keren Tzarfaty, Ph.D, MFT
Keren Tzarfaty, Ph.D, MFT is executive director of MAPS Israel and the co-founder of the Hakomi Institute of Israel. She leads Psychedelic Assisted psychotherapy studies in Israel and is a senior trainer for the MDMA PTSD FDA-approved clinical trial examining the impact of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on severe PTSD patients. She is one of the founders of the new MA program at Haifa University: Integrative psychotherapy: Body, Mind, Spirit. Keren holds an MA in Somatic Psychology and a Ph.D in East - West Psychology, both from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. She specializes in integrating mindfulness-based psychodynamic psychotherapy with somatic psychotherapy, attachment psychotherapy, trauma psychology and transpersonal psychology. Her approach is grounded in traditional western psychologies as well as inspired by Eastern and Shamanic spiritual traditions.
