Psyche Meets Soul

The intersection of brain and humanities 

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP

"Nine Perfect Strangers" Mistakes Catharsis for Therapy

Hollywood would have you think psychotherapy is all about dramatic breakthroughs. "Nine Perfect Strangers" recklessly adds psychedelics to this myth.

What "Nine Perfect Strangers" Got Wrong About Psychedelics

"Nine Perfect Strangers" is fun to watch but a reckless depiction of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Where Have All the Therapists Gone?

Will psychedelic therapies siphon off clinicians from an already overstretched mental health system and further reduce access to care?

"Soul:" A Psychedelic Adventure Into Meaning

The new Disney/Pixar film “Soul” boldly ventures into the afterlife, the great-before, and what gives life meaning, turning one man’s life into a psychedelic adventure.

How to Become a Psychedelic Therapist

As psychedelic-assisted therapy becomes more likely, patients are asking questions, and therapists are interested in learning more.

The Western Wildfires: Reminders of Inescapable Impermanence

September 11th, COVID, and watching a place you grew up burning teaches difficult lessons about impermanence and grief.

Not Letting the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good

Until there is a vaccine, masks, distancing, and testing will be our best chance at reducing the spread of COVID-19.

What Can the HIV/AIDS Pandemic Teach Us About COVID-19?

We must reduce stigma, understand transmission, and improve access to testing.

The Path Out of COVID-19 Means Letting Go of Certainty

As states open back up amid controversy, we're all wondering, "What is safe?" The uneasy answer is "nothing, entirely." How do we navigate this discomfort?

Missing the Unessential During COVID-19

It’s the little things that give our days their shape. I miss them.