The Presence You Bring: MDMA Therapy with Annie Mithoefer

Annie Mithoefer, B.S.N., is a Registered Nurse living in Asheville, NC. She was co-investigator on two of the MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trials for individuals with PTSD and a pilot study treating couples combining MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD. She is currently co-investigator in MT1, a protocol allowing MAPS-trained therapists to receive their own MDMA-assisted session, she conducts MAPS Therapist Trainings with her husband, Michael, and is a supervisor for Phase 3 therapists. Annie is a Grof-certified Holotropic Breathwork Practitioner and she is trained in Hakomi Therapy. I met Annie several years ago as a student of hers in the MAPS MDMA training, and I so enjoyed reconnecting in this conversation.

What you will learn:

• How MDMA therapy works to heal trauma, and the rich possibilities that exist for MDMA as effective treatment for couples, eating disorders, depression, end of life care, addiction treatment and more
• The importance of the body and the breath in healing; how Annie has activated both with tools like the Hakomi method, creating deeper presence and safety for patients 
• What makes a good psychedelic therapist or sitter, and why advanced training or education of some type is needed
• Best practices for Annie’s self care
• The challenges of the moment with covid-19 and creating clear systems to support new therapists working in this space

• Resources from this Episode: