265. Psychedelics, Trauma & the Search for Healing265. Psychedelics, Trauma & the Search for Healing
Strong Tower Mental Health with Heidi Mortenson
Heidi Mortenson examines psychedelics through research, personal stories and scripture, questioning whether relief from trauma and addiction equals genuine healing. The discussion invites Christians to grow in discernment, consider long-term spiritual and mental health impacts, and look towards Christ-centred alternatives for care.
30:29•9 Nov 2026
Psychedelics, Relief and Real Healing: A Christian Look at Mental Health
Episode Overview
- Relief from symptoms through psychedelics is not automatically the same as deep, lasting healing.
- Research shows both promising results and serious risks, highlighting the need for caution and long-term perspective.
- Christians are urged to seek God’s guidance, stay sober-minded and avoid treating spiritual experiences like something to be switched on with drugs.
- Evidence-based therapies such as EMDR can offer trauma relief without chemically altering consciousness.
- Working with qualified, preferably Christian, professionals can help address both psychological wounds and spiritual fallout from difficult experiences.
“We will basically treat God as like a genie or I'm going to just God on demand. I need God. So here's the button I'm going to push and I'm going to get God.”
Ever wondered whether relief from deep pain is the same thing as genuine healing? This conversation on Strong Tower Mental Health takes that question seriously as licensed marriage and family therapist Heidi Mortenson looks at psychedelics, trauma, and faith through a Christian lens. You’ll hear Heidi walk through what substances like psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA and ibogaine actually do, using current research to show both the reported benefits and the very real risks.
She notes that many people describe dramatic shifts in depression, PTSD and addiction, yet also highlights data on poison centre calls, hospitalisations and worsening mental health for some users. Her focus is steady: short-term relief matters, but long-term fruit matters more. A key part of the episode centres on former Navy SEAL Sean Ryan’s publicly shared journey.
Heidi summarises how he first felt what he described as a powerful encounter with God, then later faced disturbing experiences, fear and a sense that he had "opened the door to something that I don't even, I don't think we're supposed to." This sparks a wider reflection on spiritual discernment and the danger of treating God "as like a genie" or pursuing a "God on demand" experience through drugs or hyper-charismatic practices.
Heidi weaves in scripture, including Galatians 5 on sorcery (pharmakeia) and 1 Peter 5’s call to be sober-minded, while carefully avoiding blanket judgements. She stresses that many people turning to psychedelics are simply desperate to stop hurting, and she urges Christians to ask God honest questions, seek wise counsel, and differentiate between medical care and chasing supernatural thrills.
For those wrestling with trauma, depression, anxiety or addiction, Heidi mentions evidence-based options like EMDR and encourages working with Christian professionals where possible. The heart of the episode is clear: grow in wisdom, watch the spiritual doors you’re opening, and remember that "relief" is not the same as the deep, Christ-centred healing many people are longing for. Could this be the nudge to look again at where your hope is rooted?
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