EP 73: The Potential of Psychedelics to Help and Heal with Victor Cabral

Psychedelics are having a mainstream moment. They continue to gain a bigger presence in our cultural awareness beyond their druggy stereotype over the last several decades. Psychedelics also continue to grow as an approach to treating certain mental health conditions leading many people to rethink the role of these drugs from solely being dangerous to possible catalysts of healing.Over the last several years, studies using psychedelics like Ketamine and MDMA have been released focusing on complex PTSD and depression in individuals who had what was dubbed “treatment resistant.”The early results and continued results show incredible promise and are beginning to stretch views on the use of psychedelics beyond just party drugs and into powerful and legitimate supports to healing.So, I started doing my own review of the research to find trusted resources to learn from who also understood the many layers–clinically, socially, economically, and legally–surrounding psychedelics as they gain a more mainstream lens and more people are using them to support their mental wellbeing. My inquiries led me to today’s incredible and wholehearted Unburdened Leader guest. Victor Alfonso Cabral is a collaborative and strategic leader who is committed to making an impact on historical inequalities in his community and beyond. Victor serves as the Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Fluence Training, a company that provides evidence-based training in psychedelic-assisted therapy and psychedelic harm reduction and integration services (PHRI) to clinicians across the world. Victor is also a Licensed Social Worker and practicing psychotherapist with training in Internal Family Systems, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and psychedelic harm reduction and integration. He is listed on Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s list of 40 Under 40 Outstanding BIPOC Leaders in Drug Policy in the United States and received the 2022 Emerging Social Work Leader Award from the National Association of Social Workers of Pennsylvania.Please note: Much of what is discussed is still not legal in most states and studies. This is a conversation and not a blanket permission slip to use these powerful substances without specialized and caring support. Stay curious and discerning.Listen to the full episode to hear:* How connecting with his community as a struggling young adult informed Victor’s call to servant leadership and his healing journey* How a harm reduction approach to setting and safety informs Victor’s approach to psychedelics* Potential red flags to be aware of with psychedelic experiences and facilitators* Why it’s vital to consider the structural issues inherent in our cultural and legal systems when considering who benefits and profits from psychedelics* How Victor’s personal experiences with healing with psychedelic support have allowed him to unburden and tap into joy, liberation, and authenticityLearn more about Victor Cabral:* Fluence Training (http://fluencetraining.com/)*