Psychedelic Medicine Podcast with Dr. Lynn Marie Morski · Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD

Addressing Racial Trauma through Psychedelic Therapy with Monnica T. Williams, PhD, ABPP

June 25, 2025·35 min·3 clips

A black male student is constantly late because police pull him over on the same road his professor drives without issue.

This episode explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for addressing racial trauma with clinical psychologist and researcher Dr. Monnica T. Williams. Host Dr. Lynn Marie Morski engages Dr. Williams on her work as the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Williams defines racial trauma as the psychological impact from daily and systemic racism, with symptoms clinically similar to PTSD. She describes a survey study finding many people of color quietly use psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD to manage racism, reporting large, sustained reductions in stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. The study indicated the intensity of the psychedelic experience and a feeling of safety in the setting were crucial for positive outcomes. Dr. Williams notes her lab is piloting a 12-session CBT protocol for racial trauma due to a lack of empirically validated treatments, which is hindered by funding challenges. A key insight is that the "armor" people develop against daily racial assaults can be stripped away during a psychedelic experience, making therapist competence critical. Dr. Williams shares a personal anecdote about being harmed during a session by a therapist whose biases emerged, leaving a lasting wound. She argues that in an altered state, a client cannot easily dismiss a therapist's microaggressions, which can compound trauma if not addressed. Her upcoming workshop aims to train therapists in cultural competency to mitigate such harms. The conversation highlights the concept of intersectionality, where race combines with other identities like gender or sexuality, creating unique experiences of marginalization. Dr. Williams announces an upcoming plant medicine retreat in Jamaica, funded by groups like Dr. Bronner's, to formally study psychedelic retreats for racial trauma healing. She also mentions a new online Master's program in Psychedelics and Consciousness Studies at the University of Ottawa. The tone is educational and conversational, blending clinical research with personal narrative and advocacy. The style is interview-based, with the host facilitating a deep dive into the guest's expertise and ongoing projects. This episode would deeply interest mental health clinicians, psychedelic therapy researchers, and individuals curious about social justice applications of psychedelics. Listeners seeking only basic psychedelic science or those uncomfortable with discussions of systemic racism might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A measured look at racial trauma, safety, and psychedelic care.

This episode follows Dr. Lynn-Marie Morski and Dr. Monica T. Williams as they talk through how psychedelics might help with the mental health effects of racial trauma.

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Why you'd press play

For a grounded look at how psychedelics may help with the mental health impacts of racial trauma, with safety and set-and-setting front and center.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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