Ep14 Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo - Psychedelics: Are We Missing the Point? One Therapist's Bold Take

Psychedelics are going mainstream, but are we losing the heart of what they offer?

Join Dr. Sandra Dreisbach on Psychedelic Source as she sits down with Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the psychedelic space. Sergio shares his personal story of finding his way back to his Mexican roots through psychedelic medicine, and challenges the Western view of psychedelics as simply a treatment for trauma.

Sergio's story is one of unexpected turns. From his early interest sparked by Jim Morrison and The Doors, to his time at CIIS, and eventually becoming an apprentice to a Mexican healer, Sergio's journey is a testament to the power of the medicine to guide us where we need to go.

Sandra brings her sharp insights, questioning the common beliefs about medicine and growth. She highlights the limitations of a Western, human-centered view, pushing Sergio to share his experiences with traditions and the importance of relationship with the plants themselves.

Sergio emphasizes the need for well-trained guides, sharing insights from his dissertation research on training programs. He breaks down the key elements of proper training:

- Intra-personal: Working on your own "stuff" before guiding others.

- Interpersonal: The technical, legal, and ethical aspects of guiding.

- Transpersonal: Connecting with spirit and understanding the spiritual aspects of psychedelics.

Sergio shares stories of abuse and harm within psychedelic communities, stressing that ethical guidelines are useless without deep personal work. He also shares the traditions, where the focus is on relationship and balance.

Sandra and Sergio touch on reciprocity, cultural sensitivity, and the need to honor traditions when working with plant medicine. They discuss the different ways people connect with the divine.

Sergio leaves us with a powerful message: "You are okay just the way you are. You are loved beyond belief and things are unfolding exactly as they should."

Ready to expand your mind and shift your perspective?

Subscribe to Psychedelic Source and join the conversation! Tune in to hear Sandra and Sergio's discussion, and discover a fresh perspective on healing, growth, and the potential of psychedelic medicine.

The dissertation that Sergio mentions in the episode:

An Integral Blueprint for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy the Training of a General Practitioner of the Soul - ProQuest

https://www.proquest.com/docview/3146016346

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/14

**Disclaimer**The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance.The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!