Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies
02 of 08For some people, a turning point when other approaches have not been enough.
Psychedelic-assisted therapies belong in the conversation about PTSD. People describe experiences of reconnecting with emotions, approaching painful material differently and feeling present in their lives again. It can feel like your life automatically switched back on. Our founder is one of them. Personal experiences matter alongside careful research into who benefits, who may be harmed and how improvements last.
MDMA-assisted therapy combines medicine sessions with psychological support, preparation and integration. Two phase 3 trials found greater improvement in PTSD symptoms with MDMA plus therapy than with placebo plus the same therapy.
The results are promising, but uncertainty remains. The 2025 RANZCP-endorsed guideline advises against routine use for most people and limits consideration to carefully selected adults with persistent PTSD after adequate first-line treatment.
In Australia, TGA-authorised psychiatrists can prescribe MDMA for PTSD under a restricted pathway. This is access to an unapproved medicine, rather than general approval of a product for safety, quality and effectiveness. Assessment and a controlled medical setting are required.
Our founder describes ibogaine as one of the most profound experiences in her recovery from complex PTSD, particularly after debilitating shutdown. Emerging research is beginning to document striking changes in symptoms and everyday functioning.
In a 2024 Stanford-led study of 30 male special operations veterans with traumatic brain injuries, participants received ibogaine alongside magnesium and complementary support. One month later, researchers recorded average symptom reductions of:
- 88% for PTSD
- 87% for depression
- 81% for anxiety
Participants also showed improvements in concentration, memory and everyday functioning. These figures describe average reductions in symptom severity, rather than the percentage of people cured.
The results offer a compelling reason for further research. This was a small observational study without a comparison group, so it cannot establish how much improvement came from ibogaine itself or whether others would experience similar benefits.
Ibogaine requires specialist medical care because it can cause dangerous, potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Thorough screening, continuous cardiac monitoring and emergency support are essential, even when magnesium is used.
The experience is only part of the work
Other medicines, including psilocybin and ketamine, are being explored in trauma care, but the evidence and access pathways differ. These are not interchangeable treatments. Preparation, skilled support, appropriate medical oversight and aftercare matter. Integration means making room to process what emerged and receiving help with changes in relationships, environments, habits and everyday life.
