Psyche Meets Soul

Addiction

Should You Be a Bystander or Not? It Can Be a Hard Choice

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on August 15, 2023

A Personal Perspective: I was walking through an airport when I saw someone who I thought may have overdosed. I wasn't sure what to do.

A Personal Perspective: I was walking through an airport when I saw someone who I thought may have overdosed. I wasn't sure what to do.

Therapy

How Artificial Intelligence Could Change Psychotherapy

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on March 15, 2023

The therapybot will see you now.

The therapybot will see you now.

Attention

What a Pandemic and a Little Bird Taught Me About Attention

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on February 17, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Three years after the start of the pandemic, a little bird still reminds me to pay attention.

A Personal Perspective: Three years after the start of the pandemic, a little bird still reminds me to pay attention.

Trauma

"Nine Perfect Strangers" Mistakes Catharsis for Therapy

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on October 12, 2021

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

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

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

What "Nine Perfect Strangers" Got Wrong About Psychedelics

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on October 7, 2021

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

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

Health

Where Have All the Therapists Gone?

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on July 19, 2021

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

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

Depression

"Soul:" A Psychedelic Adventure Into Meaning

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on January 19, 2021

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.

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.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

How to Become a Psychedelic Therapist

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on November 1, 2020

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

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

Child Development

The Western Wildfires: Reminders of Inescapable Impermanence

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on September 12, 2020

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

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

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Not Letting the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on June 11, 2020

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

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

Coronavirus Disease 2019

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

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on June 10, 2020

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

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

Coronavirus Disease 2019

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

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on May 17, 2020

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?

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?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Missing the Unessential During COVID-19

Andrew Penn RN, MS, NP on May 7, 2020

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

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