EP14: Root Causes and Healing of Psychosis with Stephanie Mitchel

Stephanie Mitchell, a certified IFS therapist, discusses her work with complex trauma and psychosis. She explains that psychosis can be a response to trauma or a disowned part of oneself trying to communicate. Stephanie also addresses the question of whether people with a family history of psychosis should engage in psychedelic therapy, highlighting the importance of a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. In this conversation, Stephanie shares her perspective on the relationship between psychosis and psychedelic experiences. She explains that psychosis and spiritual emergence are not separate categories, but rather different expressions of the same underlying conflicts and traumas. Stephanie also discusses the potential use of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in working with individuals who have experienced psychosis. She highlights the importance of creating emotional safety and following the person's experience in both psychedelic and therapeutic settings. Stephanie also mentions her upcoming research on the use of IFS for psychosis.

Takeaways

• Psychosis is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leading to mistreatment and dehumanization of individuals experiencing it.
• People with psychosis can and do get well, and their experiences make sense when listened to and understood.
• Psychosis can be a response to trauma or a disowned part of oneself trying to communicate.
• Attachment theory and parts work can be helpful in understanding and working with individuals experiencing psychosis.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can be a valuable approach in working with individuals who have experienced psychosis.
• Creating emotional safety is crucial in both psychedelic experiences and therapeutic settings.
• Following the person's experience and allowing them to explore their own inner world is essential in supporting healing and integration.
• Stephanie is conducting research on the use of IFS for psychosis to provide a resource for therapists and demystify the process.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Stephanie Mitchell and her work with complex trauma and psychosis

04:21

Misperceptions about psychosis and the need for a non-pathologizing approach

09:34

Healing psychosis through exploration of parts and core beliefs

11:48

Assessing the risks and benefits of psychedelic therapy for individuals with a family history of psychosis

12:12

Understanding the root causes of psychosis: trauma and attachment

18:48

Working with conflicting parts in psychosis through IFS therapy

29:02

Understanding the Intersection of Psychosis and Psychedelic Experiences

31:59

Exploring the Messages and Meanings of Psychosis

34:57

Upcoming Research on IFS for Psychosis

38:09

Supporting Loved Ones Dealing with Psychosis

42:33

Debating the Differentiation Between Spiritual Emergence and Psychosis

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