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The Addicted Mind Podcast

340: Exploring Ayahuasca: Bridging Western Psychology and Indigenous Medicine for Trauma and Addiction Recovery with Dr. Jeff McNairy

The Addicted Mind Podcast

Duane Osterlind, LMFT

Health & Fitness, Medicine, Mental Health

4.8621 Ratings

🗓️ 30 June 2025

⏱️ 46 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Join us on a transformative journey as we sit down with Dr. Jeff McNairy, the Chief Medical Officer at Rythmia, who shares his compelling shift from traditional mental health practices to the world of alternative therapies. Inspired by Gerard Powell's remarkable healing journey, Dr. McNairy unveils the promising potential of integrating Western psychology with indigenous medicine. We explore how ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine, offers a new perspective on addiction and trauma recovery, providing hope for those who have found conventional treatments lacking in addressing the root causes of their struggles.

Our conversation delves into the complex relationship between trauma, subconscious memories, and healing methods. Dr. McNairy and I discuss the resurgence of interest in regressive trauma work through modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR and hypnotherapy, and the role psychedelics like ayahuasca play in accessing deep-seated emotions. Highlighting the importance of intentionality, setting, and aftercare, we consider how these therapies can foster personal growth and healthier relationships, particularly for recent trauma victims, including veterans.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Exploration of integrating Western psychology with indigenous medicine for trauma and addiction recovery.

  • Dr. Jeff McNairy's transition from traditional mental health practices to alternative therapies, inspired by Gerard Powell's healing journey.

  • The role of ayahuasca in accessing deep-seated emotions and its effectiveness for recent trauma, particularly in veterans.

  • Discussion on modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR, hypnotherapy, and their relationship with regressive trauma work.

  • Importance of intentionality, setting, and aftercare in the use of psychedelics like ayahuasca for personal growth and healing.

  • Insight into the transformative work at Rhythmia and its long-term positive impact on mental health recovery.


Interested in finding out more about Rythmia?

About Ayahuasca Guide


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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

All right, everyone, welcome to the Addicted Mind podcast where we explore the challenges and

0:09.9

triumphs of recovery through compassionate storytelling and expert insights.

0:15.6

I'm your host, Dwayna Austerland, and today we have a truly inspiring episode lined up.

0:22.1

Joining us is Dr. Jeff McNary.

0:24.4

He is the chief medical officer at Rhythmia, the only medically licensed

0:29.4

ayahuasca retreat center in the world with over 18,000 transformational success stories.

0:36.1

Dr. Jeff is a trailblazer in the mental health revolution,

0:40.0

blending Western psychology with indigenous medicine to help people break free from addiction,

0:45.6

PTSD, and depression. He's going to share his personal journey of healing. His work with

0:52.2

individuals from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, therapists,

0:57.2

medical professionals, and the transformative therapies that are changing lives. And as a former

1:05.5

clinical director of one of the world's leading luxury rehab centers. He's witnessed the limitations of traditional

1:12.6

treatments firsthand. And it was this experience that inspired him to delve into the remarkable

1:19.6

potential of alternative therapies. It's an episode filled with hope, scientific insights,

1:26.0

and a deeper look at alternative past to recovery.

1:29.7

So stay tuned.

1:31.0

And don't forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

1:36.5

All right, everyone.

1:37.3

Let's get started.

1:40.8

All right, everyone.

1:42.0

Welcome to the Addicted Mind podcast.

1:44.6

I have a great guest today, Dr. Jeff McNary, and he is the chief medical officer at Rhythmia.

...

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