The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health

It goes without saying that money plays a significant role in our lives. The relationship we have with money tends to be influenced by experiences that we've had with money early on in life, including bearing witness to how our parents and other adults in our lives navigated their relationship with money. In part one of this two-part series, Will and Keith have a detailed discussion about their ex...

In this episode, we explore the connection between presence and gratitude, and how to develop gratitude during challenging experiences. We will also examine how ingratitude affects our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Plus, we'll discuss different practices that can help with maintaining gratitude throughout the day. Show notes: Gratitude and Presence - 02:29 The Stakes Went Up Whe...

The tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran's capital of Tehran while in police custody on September 16, 2022, has sparked outrage and protests in Iran and all over the world. In this 2-part series, we sit down with Dr. Noshene Ranjbar, trauma expert and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, to discuss both the trauma and hope surroundin...

In part two of this series, we'll continue our conversation on psychedelic therapy integration as we discuss the ins and outs of this process. Listen in as we talk about issues such as fragmentation, that can sometimes occur after a dosing session. We'll also discuss the rare instances in which integration may not be possible. Show notes: Integration: Letting it Happen Naturally - 01:29 The Beauty...

Integration is a key component of the psychedelic therapy healing process. Integration sessions can often help a client unpack material that arose during the psychedelic session that wasn't completely digested and sequenced in the client's body. In this episode, we'll discuss advanced integration topics of psychedelic therapy, as well some stories of what can happen without proper integration. Sho...

In part 2 of this series, we continue the conversation with Dr. Daniel Emina about the use of SPECT brain scans in studying blood flow patterns that correlate with symptom clusters. Listen in as we dive a little deeper and talk about the process used to analyze data from SPECT scans to help create treatment plans for patients experiencing mental illness symptoms. Show notes: SPECT Patterns Behind...

In today's episode, we have the timely opportunity to discuss Colorado Proposition 122 with one of its co-authors, attorney Josh Kappel. The Natural Medicine Health Act of Colorado would create a pathway to legalize psilocybin therapy in Colorado, and contains some very interesting nuances that make this initiative revolutionary and distinct from other state initiatives. We'll talk about what this...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Emina, Psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics, to discuss SPECT brain scans and the role that this revolutionary technology has in the field of integrative psychiatry. During this two-part series we'll talk about the advantages of SPECT brain scans and even some of the controversy surrounding this type of imaging. Show notes: A Uniq...

In today's episode, we discuss the new & exciting developments that are happening in Oregon, surrounding the Ballot Measure 109, which refers to the regulatory licensing and use of psilocybin products and services. Listen in as we go over details of this new Oregon law as we understand it, the risks and advantages of psilocybin as a therapeutic model, and a somewhat similar initiative that will be...

In today's episode, we're joined by renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté, to discuss his latest book entitled "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture". Listen in as we discuss some of the highlights of the book, including the causes of illness, the effect that toxic culture has on our minds and bodies, and a pathway to health and healing. Show notes:...

Money and mental health. It's a topic that isn't discussed as often as it should be, especially in the practice of psychotherapy. In today's episode, we sit down with financial therapist and author of, "The Art of Money", Bari Tessler to discuss the psychology of money and where many money habits come from. Bari will also share few techniques that you can use to help your clients or patients, and...

What exactly is trauma? How many people actually carry trauma in their bodies? How do we know the actual source of our trauma's when it's not a specific event that happened? What if the source of one's trauma is intergenerational—passed down from previous generations? In today's episode, we take a deeper look at these difficult questions that need answers in order to heal on the personal and colle...

As a society we have become more and more disconnected with nature. This phenomenon and the psychological and physical stress it has placed on many of us is referred to as Nature-Deficit Disorder. It's a growing problem that was only heightened by the pandemic. Nature can regulate the nervous system in ways that are difficult to attain otherwise. Nature is truly food for the soul. In today's episo...

In today's episode, we are joined by one of the pioneers of advanced neurofeedback, Dr. Siegfried Othmer. Join us as we get into an exciting conversation about how the brain works and how it behaves by measuring brain activity using EEG and how much of an impact it can bring towards integrative psychiatry. Show notes: Getting to know Dr. Othmer - 02:12 The Brain Responds to its Own Reflection - 09...

Culturally, ambition is often talked about in relation to career or professional goals. However, ambition is a conversation that can be a very relevant part of various areas of your life. And while it's amazing to be ambitious, it's equally important to focus on enjoying the journey all along the way. In today's episode, we'll take a deep dive into a conversation around ambition, goal setting and...

In today's episode, we are joined by fitness expert Dan Go as he discusses his healing journey and how it led to him becoming the #1 body transformation coach for entrepreneurs. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while improving cognitive function, self-esteem and overall mental wellness. Listen in as we dive deep into the topic of fitness, mental h...

In today's episode, we're joined by New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned mind/body connection expert Dr. Joan Borysenko. During our time together, we discuss her thoughts about death, the grieving process, and the importance of living a fulfilling life. Dr. Borysenko also shares how she and her husband came face to face with death and the renewed sense of gratitude they found on th...

The pursuit of spiritual development can take many twists and turns, sometimes showing us where we are growing and sometimes showing us where our shadow continues to operate unabated. In spiritual communities, unexamined unconscious material can get amplified causing significant suffering. In today's episode, Will and Keith share what they learned from experiences with gurus and in being members o...

In today's episode, we are joined by New York Times bestselling author Resmaa Menakem. Resmaa is returning to the podcast to discuss his new book "The Quaking of America", where he takes a deeper dive into structural racism and its roots in American politics and the political landscape today. We discuss the January 6th insurrection and the path forward during heightened times in such a divided nat...

We're so excited to announce the reboot of the Higher Practice Podcast! Over the past 9 months, we devoted a considerable amount of time to curriculum development and enhancing our programs in the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. During that time one of the constant conversations we were in is how to stay inspired during the busyness of life. Upon reflection, it takes discipline, purpose, and hea...

Creating art is for music producer Random Rab a spiritual experience, and this is obvious in the art he creates. Rab's prodigious output of compositions over decades has gained him invitations to play at some of the world's biggest festivals and venues, and his warmth and connection to his audience is legendary. In psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, the right music is a key element of the healing...

Women often face tough challenges and power dynamics navigating our culture. Gender inequalities manifest outwardly but also inwardly for many women, including obstacles around self-expression, personal empowerment, enjoying pleasure and sexuality. Today, we talk with somatic experiencing practitioner, sexological bodyworker, and author, Kimberly Ann Johnson. Join us as we explore the specific cha...

Today we talk all about relationships with our partners and sharing experiences, and how we cope and deal with difficulties that are common in every relationship. In today's episode, we're excited to have Jayson Gaddis, a relationship expert, coach, and author. Show notes: Getting to Zero - 03:28 A Personal Journey of Getting to Zero - 04:54 Conflict Repair in Relationships - 09:46 Working Through...

Documentary film is a potent tool for shifting perceptions about the challenges we face as a society. "The Wisdom of Trauma," the latest documentary produced by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo, reached over 4,000,000 viewers in over 200 countries. It depicts the pioneering work of Gabor Mate connecting the role of trauma to the skyrocketing rates of addiction and chronic illness that plagues Western soc...

In today's episode, we are incredibly honored to have a famous philosopher and writer, Ken Wilber, on the show. Ken's work has been monumental in the field of transpersonal psychology and has developed the integral theory. Today, he shares his insights about the ego structures, states of consciousness, human development, and a whole lot more. Show notes: Where We Are In The Human Journey - 05:56 T...