The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health

Have you ever considered how our attachments shape our experiences of fulfillment and suffering? In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, examining how these forces influence our spiritual and emotional lives. Drawing from contemplative traditions, we discuss the role of the ego in shaping des...

Despite significant advancements in healthcare, gaps in women's health continue to leave many underserved, as discussed by Dr. Will Van Derveer and Dr. Sara Gottfried Szal in their exploration of the evolving field of female care. Dr. Szal reflects on her medical journey, highlighting the shift from physician-centered models to persona...

This episode explores the complexities of New Year’s resolutions and effective goal-setting strategies, emphasizing the pitfalls of impulsive resolutions and advocating for a structured visioning process. We discuss setting goals across key life areas—career, family, health, and personal pursuits—...

Transformation happens when moments of clarity are translated into lasting change, but this process is rarely simple. In this episode, we highlight the challenges of psychedelic integration, focusing on the difficulty of turning powerful insights into actual behavioral shifts. Drawing from neurosc...

What if we could literally change our lives by confronting our own stress responses? In this episode, we explore the profound impact of stress on mental health, examining its physiological and psychological aspects while offering insights for understand...

The findings are clear: you are what you eat! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between food and mood, exploring how your diet impacts your body, brain, and overall wellbeing. From debunking the outdated food pyramid to uncovering...

Ever wonder why some goals stay dreams while others become reality? In this episode, we explore the difference between fantasy and vision, sharing how to transform dreams into actionable steps that inspire clarity...

In this episode, we explore the profound and often enigmatic nature of mystical experiences, particularly those induced by psychedelics. Through the lens of Western psychology and shamanic traditions, we examine encounters with mysterious entities, synchronicities, and the transformative insights these states can offer. We also address...

What if our current understanding of mental health is merely a brief moment in the vast history of human knowledge? In this episode, we explore how the introduction of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has dramatically changed the way we talk about and understand mental health. We dive into both the benefits and...

As parents, one of our primary goals is to raise children who are self-assured, adaptable, and equipped to navigate the challenges of adulthood – but striking the right balance between support and challenge is no easy feat. In this episode, we explore t...

In today’s episode, we examine the profound impact of technology on our well-being, unpacking how AI influences individual habits and cultural norms. We discuss the concept of attention sovereignty, expressing concerns about social media and smartphones, particularly among younger demographics. We also explain how AI applications might...

In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of psychedelics, examining recent legal milestones like Dr. Joe Tafur's victory in Arizona for the use of Ayahuasca as a religious sacrament, as well as the União do Vegetal’s (UDV) landmark Supreme Court case nearly two decades ago. These...

This episode explores the pitfalls of wellness culture and spiritual seeking, focusing on avoiding counterproductive efforts. We share personal updates and examine the tension between the pursuit of wellness and ego limitations. The conversation highlights how rigid beliefs and the obsession with perfection can lead to burnout and self...

Psychedelic therapy has proven to be one of the biggest breakthrough treatments in the mental health industry, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant conditions. Although the demand will continue to increase over the next few years, there won’t be enough providers to meet that demand. Listen in as we discuss the current status of psychedelic therapy including Ketamine, MDMA & Psilocybin, and why now is a great time to ...

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular podcast episodes featuring women’s health expert and New York Times Bestselling author, Dr. Sara Gottfried. In this episode, Dr. Gottfried talks about the unique challenges women face at different stages in life and how those challenges can often impact their mental and physical health. She’ll also share how women can be empowered in their health by...

Self-determination is a concept in psychology that refers to having a significant influence over your life, such as the direction and fulfillment of your career, relationships, finances, and the impact you have on the world. Although levels of self-determination vary greatly between individuals and their unique circumstances, there are a handful of things you can do in order to increase the likelihood of life going in the direction...

We all want to live the life that we desire, which includes being able to be our most authentic selves even when it seems risky. But in order to be your true self, you have to first know who you are and that means knowing your values. 

In last week’s episode, Keith talked about how to release values that aren’t your own. In this episode, he’ll discuss how you can learn who you are by identifying your values. He’ll also share five e...

Many of us understand the importance of living a values-based life. However, most people don’t feel fully aligned in their career and consider it a sacrifice. This incongruence can cause stress and lead to significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. In part one of this 3-part series, Keith discusses how easy it can be to find yourself misaligned in a career and what you can do about it. He’ll share his own story of entering the...

Trauma doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can be impacted by trauma at any time, including us providers. So what happens when the healer needs healing? That’s what we’ll discuss in today’s episode.

Join us for part two of this series as we continue our conversation with Dr. Rola Hallam. Not only will we discuss the revolutionary treatment options that now exist for helping others overcome trauma, but we’ll also talk about how we, as prov...