Healing Childhood Trauma with the Aid of Plant Medicine: A Night with Denise Rue
At District216, our mission is to explore the profound potential of psychedelic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a captivating evening at The District House featuring an interview with Denise Rue, a licensed clinical social worker, clinical hypnotherapist, and psychedelic facilitator. Denise shared her extensive knowledge and insights on the topic of "Healing Childhood Trauma with the Aid of Plant Medicine," shedding light on the transformative power of these substances in therapeutic settings.
Before diving into the profound discussion, let's introduce Denise Rue, the brilliant mind behind this enlightening event. Denise is not just an ordinary therapist; she's an experienced practitioner who has worked as a retreat leader and lead therapist at a legal psilocybin retreat center in Jamaica. With over 1,500 psilocybin sessions and group integration sessions under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise and a profound respect for the healing potential of psychedelic medicine. Denise also has a private practice in New Jersey, focusing on individuals with complex trauma, particularly adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Her commitment to the field of psychedelic therapy is further reflected in her role as the founder of the New Jersey Psychedelic Therapy Association and her involvement in teaching certification courses in psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Denise's presentation at The District House delved into the intricate web of childhood trauma and how plant medicine can play a pivotal role in the healing process. Her slides guided the audience through a thought-provoking journey, offering insights into various aspects of trauma and recovery:
What feelings & sensations are coming up? - Exploring the emotional landscape that accompanies trauma.
Examine belief systems about childhood trauma - Unraveling the ingrained beliefs that may hinder healing.
Trauma - A deeper understanding of trauma and its pervasive effects.
What Was It Like To be in the Child’s Body? - Encouraging empathy and self-reflection by revisiting our childhood experiences.
Adaptations Develop to Cope - Recognizing the coping mechanisms that shaped our adult selves.
What Parts of Yourself Did You Have to Bury? - Acknowledging the aspects of ourselves that were suppressed due to trauma.
Who Did You Have to Become? - Reflecting on the personas we adopted to survive.
Common Ways Children Adapt - Identifying common patterns of adaptation in childhood trauma survivors.
These Once-Adaptive Parts Get Frozen In “Trauma Time.” They Are Like Prisoners Of War Who Don’t Know The War Is Over - Understanding how trauma keeps us stuck in the past.
Why Traditional Talk Therapy Often Falls Short - Recognizing the limitations of conventional therapy in addressing deep-rooted trauma.
Why Psychedelics Catalyze Deep Healing - Exploring why plant medicine can be a catalyst for profound transformation.
Compassion - The importance of self-compassion on the healing journey.
Age regression - Going back in time to connect with our inner child.
Denise Rue closed the night with a moving guided meditation, which included breathwork and an age regression exercise. In this deeply introspective journey, participants were encouraged to revisit their childhood and form a compassionate relationship with their inner child. This powerful exercise allowed attendees to confront and heal wounds from the past, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and self-love.
The evening at The District House with Denise Rue was a remarkable exploration of the potential of plant medicine in healing childhood trauma. Denise's expertise, combined with her compassion and dedication to this field, provided valuable insights into how these transformative substances can facilitate deep healing. We, at District216, are grateful to have had the opportunity to host such an enlightening event, and we look forward to continuing our journey of exploration and growth with our dedicated members.
