EpiphanyClinic BC
You might have noticed that we'v re-branded. Our new name is EpiphanyClinic BC. The epiphany is the 'aha' moment when two neurons connect: neuroplasticity, growth, learning, crossing the divide. To encourage more neuroplasticity, we're now offering psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy starting in May 2023 at our previous location at Lonsdale Quay. Now you will be able to access this novel and effective means of managing trauma and difficult emotions. It promises to be a game changer. If you want to know more, join us on Tuesdays at 7 pm. See below for the next virtual Q&A.
What is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
How can psychedelics help me?
Psychedelics don't have much of an effect on ADHD.
But psychedelics do help people manage trauma. I've never seen anything like it to be honest. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is counseling, turbo-charged by the mind-jiggling effects of psychedelic molecules. Psychedelics allow us to look at scary things, with less fear.
By addressing the underlying trauma that drives addiction, we get better outcomes. People are not as unstable, so the need to cope with substances, is less.
As substance use subsides, life with ADHD is more manageable.
How do psychedelics work?
We know quite a bit about how they work, but there are still a lot of unknowns.
We know all psychedelics have their effects throughout the same brain circuits as anti-depressants. All psychedelics hit the same receptor as Prozac (5HT2a).
Usually 'cross-talk' from different parts of the brain is constrained, so that you don't get overwhelmed by unnecessary information. Psychedelics increase the conversation amongst different parts of the brain that usually don't talk to one another.
By increasing the amount and volume of chit-chat across different brain areas, it is possible to put 2 and 2 together, where perviously they did not seem to be connected. That's the basis for the aha! moment. Seeing something new, yet looking at something old. Seeing a connection between two things that previously escaped you.
Psychedelics also trigger learning through the same pathways as anti-depressants. We call it neuroplasticity. Basically they feed the brain allowing neurons to grow together.
But there's more.
Psychedelics can perform another magic trick. They disconnect the usual circuits, allowing new circuits to connect. They turn off the, 'It's all about me, aren't I special' circuit (Default Mode Network, DMN).
Temporarily turning off the DMN allows you to see the world through different eyes. Psychedelics allow you to 'walk a mile in someone else's shoes', and that's exactly the part of the brain that lights up when you use psychedelics, the empathy circuits.
Psychedelics trigger insights that facilitate adaptation, learning and change, mysteriously allowing the brain to disconnect from unhelpful circular patterns of thinking that may be contributing to mental health distress.
Taking psychedelics, is like shaking the snow globe. After the snow falls, all the old tracks are gone.
During the session, ketamine provides the opportunity for psychedelic exploration, which allows you to objectively and safely revisit past events, life experiences, and traumas.
When paired with the structure and support of talk therapy, there’s an opportunity to establish new tracks, new connections, stories, habits, thought patterns, and perceptions for better, overall mental health.
All of a sudden, you’re able to see the bigger picture. That allows you to process and integrate the old emotional attachments and belief systems that have been making you feel powerless all these years. It's a bridge to healing.
Therapeutic Integration
Therapeutic Integration
The real magic is how psychedelics allow you to re-tell the story of your life's journey, the good with the bad, in a blame-free way, to make a cohesive narrative that allows the past to integrate into the present.
Start Here
Choose your location
The first rule of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is: 'Set and Setting'. Our first goal is to get to know you. Our second goal is to treat you where you are most comfortable: at our clinic; at your home; or a hybrid model which includes the best of both
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Moving Pieces
To whom it may concern,
The impact that EpiphanyClinic has had on my life is inexpressible. To start, it felt like there were so many moving pieces. I didn't have the tools to communicate my needs. Anyways, they just cut right through all the static. It changed everything and set me on the path to --not just actualizing my potential-- but finding contentment within myself (I can't overstate the difference it makes to a confused kid, just having somebody on your side; someone to speak for you, when you aren’t able to speak for yourself)
It was a real turning point in my life. Dr. Ocana made a difference. Sorry if it's a little cheesy, I just don't think I've ever properly thanked him.
