Though psychedelic medicines are often presented as a “quick fix” or “magic pill” in mainstream Western culture, the truth is far more complex than that. In this conversation, Mariya Javed-Payne & Liz Zhou explore what a decolonial approach to psychedelic medicines would look like — an approach that divests from capitalism, honors Indigenous wisdom & sovereignty, and centers community.

In this poignant conversation, Liz Zhou & Halle Thomas explore why the medical model (which assumes that health = the “absence of illness”) is not the only paradigm. We discuss ways to make therapy safer for queer, BIPOC, & neurodivergent folks; and how to weave ancestral & cultural practices into the healing process.

Neurodivergence, like autism & ADHD, is often stigmatized in Western mental health. They’re seen as pathologies in need of a “cure.” But what if we viewed neurodiversity through a curious & affirming lens, acknowledging both the challenges AND gifts?

Endless productivity is not realistic, yet many of us carry the burden of feeling “lazy,” like we’re not doing enough. This blog post explores why rest is a need, not a reward; how capitalism & culture impact our relationship to work; and what it means to move at the speed of your nervous system — not at the speed of capitalism.

If you have an inner voice that tells you, “I’m unworthy,” “I don’t matter,” or “I’m crazy/too sensitive”... let’s explore why these beliefs may come from the systems of oppression around us — and how we can relate to ourselves in a more compassionate way.

Community is essential for nervous system health, especially in times of injustice and collective transition. Let’s explore how to build community in ways that align with our needs, capacity, & available resources.

Our bodies hold subconscious & intergenerational information. Your ancestors play a role in the story of your nervous system.

How do we bring sacred ceremony & healing into our lives, without appropriating from other cultures? What would it look like to heal spirit, body, and mind? Liz Zhou shares insights from her role as a shaman’s translator – and how it informs her work as a psychedelic integration therapist.

Decolonizing the mind is an ongoing process that requires our active curiosity and participation. When we challenge colonial thinking, we can work toward dismantling systems of oppression and building a world that is truly inclusive and safe for all.