Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with Dr. Daniel Zimmerman and Heather Hamilton of Acheron Psychiatry in lower Manhattan about the evolution of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in their practice and in the broader field. They trace their entry into psychedelic medicine, discuss the shift from symptom-focused treatment toward insight-oriented psychotherapy, and explore dosing philosophy, music, risk, and the influence of practicing in New York City. The conversation balances enthusiasm with caution, emphasizing pacing, integration, and ethical humility in a rapidly expanding field.

(09:29) Ketamine as Catalyst — Moving beyond symptom management toward medicine-assisted psychotherapy.

(26:58) Dosing and Risk — IM vs lozenge, high-dose concerns, and integration pacing.

(40:07) Music and Setting — Curated playlists and environment as therapeutic container.

(46:55) The New York Context — Speed, ambition, trauma history, and slowing down.

(53:59) Group KAP — Community healing and expanding into intentional group work.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Heather Hamilton, Psychotherapist, LMHC Acheron Psychiatry: https://acheronpsych.com/heather-hamilton/

Daniel Zimmerman, M.D., Psychiatrist , Founder Acheron Psychiatry: https://acheronpsych.com/daniel-zimmerman/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas speaks with an anonymous licensed clinical psychologist about her experience of sexual abuse and boundary violations during an underground MDMA-assisted therapy session. Recorded across two conversations a year apart, the episode traces how power, confusion, and attachment needs can delay recognition of harm—especially within altered states of consciousness. Together, they examine informed consent, the weaponization of "neediness," and the profound impact of unaccountable facilitators within psychedelic spaces. The conversation offers a sobering reflection on ethics, responsibility, and what true safety requires in psychedelic-assisted healing.

(00:09) Content Warning and Context — Chantelle introduces the episode and explains the decision to keep the guest anonymous.
(06:16) Preparation and Trust — How careful planning and professional credentials failed to protect against harm.
(14:51) Abandonment and Vulnerability — The destabilizing impact of being left alone while under MDMA.
(19:20) Boundary Violations — Confusion, somatic freezing, and delayed recognition of sexual touch without consent.
(26:00) Confusion Trauma — Gaslighting, self-blame, and the erosion of internal trust.
(36:13) Ethics and Accountability — Situating the experience within broader patterns of harm in therapy and psychedelic work.
(55:13) Blind Spots and Repair — What ethical practice requires: humility, consent, and the capacity to be accountable.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Dr. Chantelle Thomas sits down with longtime friend Andrew Isham to explore his first ketamine-assisted psychotherapy intensive at Integrata. Together, they unpack the preparation, the unusual choice to share the journey with a close friend, and how the medicine compared to Andrew's past experiences with psilocybin and meditation. The conversation moves from levity and curiosity to profound realizations about agency, intimacy, and embodiment, offering listeners a rare inside view of what ketamine therapy can reveal.

(00:33) Setting the Stage — Andrew shares why he chose ketamine therapy.
(06:16) A Joint Session — Doing the intensive with a close friend.
(12:00) First Ketamine Session — Comparing psilocybin and ketamine.
(22:41) Floating Above the Valley — Observing humanity with warmth and distance.
(34:50) Meditation and Familiarity — How meditation shaped the journey.
(50:19) Somatic Exploration — Pleasure, hope, and the "bulldozer."
(56:39) Second Ketamine Session — Clarity, cosmic rhythm, and intimacy as stuckness.

Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Executive Clinical Director Windrose Recovery: https://windroserecovery.com/

Integrata: www.integratahealing.com