Psychedelic Therapy: Why We Wrote The Book + The Future of Mental Healthcare – Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer – HPP 154

In this episode, Will and Keith announce the release of their long-awaited book, Psychedelic Therapy, and discuss the personal and professional experiences that drove them to write it. The conversation delves into the "psychedelic revolution," critiquing the current state of mental healthcare for its focus on symptom suppression rather than addressing the root causes of suffering, such as trauma. Both speakers share their unique paths—Will's disillusionment with traditional psychiatry and Keith's own journey through a challenging psychedelic experience and subsequent mental illness. They explore how psychedelic therapy serves as a tool for inner exploration, moving beyond the "known" self to foster authenticity and growth. The episode also emphasizes the critical importance of a safe, guided clinical setting and the necessity for specialized therapist training to handle client vulnerability. Show notes : ● Introduction and the "Psychedelic Revolution" ● Will's Path: Disillusionment with Traditional Psychiatry ● Keith's Journey: From Challenging Experiences to Healing ● Beyond Symptom Reduction: Authenticity and Growth ● The Failure of Modern Mental Healthcare ● Psychedelic Therapy as a Tool for Inner Exploration ● The Importance of Setting and Professional Guidance ● Comparing Clinical, Spiritual, and Ceremonial Contexts ● The Therapist's Role and Client Vulnerability ● Facing the Unknown and Identity in Pain ● Metaphors for Healing: The Castle and the Wilderness ● Conclusion and Book Overview How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of the episodes>click the ratings and reviews section>tap stars to rate>click write a review. To learn more, visit: Interested in psychedelic therapy? Get the book at Amazon here:

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Psychedelic Therapy: Why We Wrote The Book + The Future of Mental Healthcare – Keith Kurlander & Dr. Will Van Derveer – HPP 154 is an episode from The Higher Practice Podcast for Mental Health Providers by Keith Kurlander.

This episode is 39:41 long.

This episode was published on Mar 31, 2026.

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