116: The Human Puzzle: Trauma, Healing, and Psychedelic Therapy with Keith Kurlander

In this episode of A Simple Therapy Podcast, Sindee Gozansky talks with Keith Kurlander, MA, LPC, co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and a pioneer in psychedelic therapy education. Keith shares his own mental health journey, beginning with a near-suicide at 19, and how decades of healing led him to build innovative training programs that are reshaping the field. They dive into the growing role of psychedelic-assisted therapy, what integration really means after a transformative session, and why trauma is often the common thread in mental health struggles. Keith also explains the roots of integrative psychiatry—addressing physiology, nutrition, trauma, and spirituality together—and why every therapist will need at least a basic understanding of psychedelic therapy in the years ahead. This conversation is a reminder that we all carry puzzles inside of us, and healing isn't about solving them once and for all—it's about showing up with compassion, curiosity, and gratitude for the journey. 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:21 - A Near-Suicide that Sparked a Healing Journey 08:31 - Defining Integrative Medicine in Mental Health 12:38 - Psychedelic Therapy as a Disruptive Intervention 18:28 - Integration as the Key to Lasting Change 21:14 - The Evolving Landscape of Psychedelic Education 25:22 - Education and Trainings of Integrative Psychiatry Institution  29:15 - Mystical Experiences in Therapy for Clients and Providers 36:36 - Untangling Mental Health from Spiritual Growth 46:24 - Embracing the Human Puzzle with Gratitude Check out Berries: Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com   Connect with Keith Kurlander:   Integrative Psychiatry InstituteKeith Kurlander Higher Practice Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/higherpractice  Connect with Sindee Gozansky: Visit my website: asimpletherapypodcast.com/ Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: 
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instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/ YouTube: youtube.com/@asimpletherapypodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sindeegozansky/   Want to be a guest on the podcast?  Email Sindee: [email protected]