Episode 9: Psychedelics, Chronic Pain and the Mind-Body Connection with Ari Borinsky
Welcome to Integrating Psychedelics, featuring insights gleaned from psychedelic experiences and conversations around how to integrate this wisdom into our daily lives. I'm your host, Jenny Weinar, and in today's episode I'm speaking with Ari Borinsky.
Ari is a psychotherapist in private practice working in Brooklyn. He holds a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, having majored in Philosophy and Spanish Literature. After college, Ari spent time living in Brazil where he taught English and studied Portuguese. He then served as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, working predominantly in rural health and community development. Ari obtained his master’s in social work from Columbia University, concentrating on providing services to Spanish-speaking immigrants. He has spent the last ten years working with underserved populations in New York City and recently has transitioned full time to private practice.
Ari became interested in the healing power of psychedelics after attending his first ayahuasca retreat in Peru in 2018. Ari’s postgraduate trainings include: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy, and a certificate program in Traditional Amazonian Plant Medicines. He is currently enrolled in a training program where he’ll have the opportunity to work with psilocybin in a therapeutic setting. He hopes to soon lead retreats to Latin America where mental health professionals can experience Sacred Plant Medicines.
In this conversation we discuss::
Ari's initiation into the world of psychedelics as a way of accessing joy and strengthening friendships
The importance of community in working with these medicines
How Ari's experience with chronic pain related to his mental health
The connection between physical pain and psychological trauma
Ari's journey of healing his back pain beginning with his first ayahuasca ceremony
How Ari's integration practices have changed from his early psychedelic experiences
The sensory experience of psychedelics and how this catalyzes change
Accessing the psychedelic nature of everyday life
Exploring the mind-body-spirit connection as integration
The role of permission in healing from physical and emotional pain
…and more!
You can find Ari on Psychology Today and Psychedelic Support.
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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. Please do your research about the legality and safety of any substance you are considering using and make the most informed choice possible for your unique situation and self.