My earliest childhood memories are full of carefree love and adoration for my family and surroundings -- a life that was quickly extinguished by the tragic death of my older brother when I was four years old. That loss imprinted itself deep in my body and mind, and for the last 15 years of my adulthood I've been committed to healing: therapeutic retreats, DBT, EMDR, pharmaceuticals, somatic therapies, nutrition, exercise, and faith-based practices. Each pursuit offered some measure of relief from depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, but nothing touched the core.
I discovered Satya Therapeutics through a friend who said, "If I did psilocybin therapy in Oregon, I'd go to Ashland -- that town has the vibe." I reached out and was connected to Bern. From our first conversation, Bern carried a presence that immediately put my mind at ease. Within a week, I was on a flight from Texas to Oregon.
Bern brought a compassionate courage to the room that words can't fully measure. Leading up to the session, he spent hours guiding me to clarify my intentions -- work that proved invaluable once the medicine took effect. My first journey was epic and indescribable; in short, it became a Lord of the Rings-like pilgrimage through my life. I experienced deep forgiveness for people and parts of myself that hadn't measured up, and I began to see myself as strong and courageous rather than a victim. The ending of that journey was heavenly -- a visceral, living knowledge of a perfect eternal spiritual realm existing alongside my physical life. It felt complete and lacking nothing, with no more fear of living -- or of death, for that matter.
Over the next few months, Bern and I spoke often about integrating the first experience into my life and came to realize another journey was needed. For the intentions that were emerging, we felt called to include a woman facilitator, and Meixa joined the team. Meixa brought a warm, compassionate embrace that was profoundly special. My second journey with Bern and Meixa was nothing short of miraculous. For about four hours I was able to deeply remember my brother -- his life, the significance of his loss, and the grief that had lodged itself throughout my entire body. Waves of anguish and pain surged through me, and Bern and Meixa guided me gently but firmly through releasing it all.
Coming out of the session felt like a dam of love and wholeness had finally broken open -- the kind of love I hadn't felt since before my brother's death. I'm only a few days out, but everyone close to me notices the change: my demeanor, my energy, my very presence. I even went surfing this weekend, and my longtime surf partner said he hadn't seen me surf with such soul before. I'd agree -- the barrier of pain and anguish between me and the world is gone. Love and vibrant energy now flow freely through me, connecting me to people and life around me in a way I haven't known since early childhood.
I can't thank Bern, Meixa, and Satya Therapeutics enough for creating the space for this miraculous healing. If you're searching for compassionate, skilled guides for psilocybin-assisted work, Satya is the real deal. read more
