EP:103 MDMA Assisted Therapy for PTSD ~ Dr. Michael Mithoefer

In this episode, Libby Bates, host of our sister podcast, Behind the Service, steps in for Tyler to chat with Dr. Michael Mithoefer about MDMA Assisted Therapy for PTSD. Dr. Mithoefer is the Senior Medical Director for Medical Affairs, Training and Supervision for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Dr. Mithoefer covers his background and what inspired his passion to help the veteran community heal from PTSD and trauma.

Dr. Mithoefer describes the process of participating in a MDMA Assisted Therapy Trial and how the use of MDMA decreases fear and defensiveness to enable the desire to discuss the trauma. Several participants have expressed the inability to move forward or process the trauma clearly, however, after several sessions they have been able to evolve within a safe, controlled environment. Creating a new perspective!

MDMA Assisted Therapy is currently in its third stage of clinical trials. Follow the research at maps.org/mdma/ptsd .  Follow on MAPS news on Instagram @mapsnews

Bio for Dr. Michael Mithoefer
Michael Mithoefer, M.D., is a psychiatrist living in Asheville, NC, with a research office in Charleston, SC. In 2000, he began collaborating with MAPS on the first U.S. Phase 2 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. He and his wife Annie have since conducted two of the six MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trials testing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, as well a study providing MDMA-assisted sessions for therapists who have completed the MAPS-sponsored MDMA Therapy Training Program, and a pilot study treating couples with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy combined with Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy. He is now Senior Medical Director for Medical Affairs, Training and Supervision at MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC). He is a Grof-certified Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator, is trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy, and has nearly 30 years of experience treating trauma patients. Before going into psychiatry in 1991, he practiced emergency medicine for ten years, served as medical director of the Charleston County and Georgetown County Emergency Departments, and has held clinical faculty positions at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has been board-certified in Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine.

Links
Mount Sinai: Five Things to Know About MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
Psychedelic drug provides relief for veterans with PTSD