therapeutic action: trauma processing

Building resilience through healing communities

This editorial reviews innovative approaches to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries that blend local healing practices with modern psychiatric treatments. Instead of imposing Western medical models, these programs work with communities to develop culturally appropriate solutions that reduce stigma and improve access to care. Examples include combining spiritual healing traditions with psychiatric care in Ethiopia, using psychedelic-assisted therapy informed by historical trauma in Jamaica, and employing creative arts and mindfulness methods as accessible treatments.

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Therapeutic emergence of dissociated traumatic memories during psilocybin treatment for anorexia nervosa

Two patients with severe anorexia nervosa received psilocybin-assisted therapy and unexpectedly recovered memories of sexual assault that had been unconsciously suppressed. Processing these traumatic memories with professional support led both patients to achieve remission from their eating disorders within three months. This case report suggests that psilocybin may help unlock and heal deeply buried trauma underlying eating disorders, though more research is needed to understand how this works and ensure patient safety.

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Psychedelics and the treatment of eating disorders: considerations for future research and practice

As researchers explore using psychedelic drugs like psilocybin to treat eating disorders, this article outlines important safety considerations and ethical guidelines needed before widespread use. While some early trials show promise, significant concerns exist including physiological risks (heart problems, nausea), psychological challenges, potential for therapist misconduct, and medication interactions. The authors recommend rigorous research designs, better inclusion of diverse populations, and careful integration of psychedelics with proven eating disorder treatments.

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Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Psychotherapy: Reframing, Redefining, Renaming Treatment Models

This paper addresses confusion about how ketamine and psychedelics are being used to treat mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. The authors propose new clear definitions to distinguish whether these drugs are used alone for their chemical effects, combined with established talk therapies, or used to create experiences that are then processed in therapy. Using these clearer definitions will help patients, doctors, and regulators better understand what treatments involve and make more informed decisions.

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