Eliza Dushku, best known for her role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has made a significant career shift from acting to psychedelic-assisted therapy, which she now describes as her “real calling.” The 43-year-old actress revealed in a recent interview that she is now certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and is on the verge of completing her master’s degree in counseling and clinical mental health.
The Journey to a New Career
Dushku’s transition to this new field was sparked by her personal experiences with trauma and the healing she found through psychedelic therapy. After struggling with past traumas, including alleged sexual molestation at a young age, Dushku turned to psychedelic-assisted therapy as a means of healing. Her experience with MDMA and psilocybin therapy was transformative, providing her with a sense of rebirth and inner peace.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Trauma Background | Struggled with past traumas, including alleged sexual molestation at a young age. |
| Therapeutic Shift | Turned to psychedelic-assisted therapy for healing. |
| Transformative Experience | MDMA and psilocybin therapy provided a sense of rebirth and inner peace. |
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is described as a “breakthrough treatment” for various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This form of therapy involves the medically supervised use of psychedelic substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine, combined with psychotherapy.
| Therapy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conditions Treated | Anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD. |
| Substances Used | MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine. |
| Supervision | Medically supervised with psychotherapy. |
Advocacy and Research
Dushku, along with her husband Peter Palandjian, is not only practicing in this field but also actively supporting its advancement:
| Advocacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Research | Supporting clinical trials into the potential uses of psychedelics. |
| Legalization Efforts | Contributing to efforts to legalize access to regulated therapeutic use of psychedelics. |
| Philanthropic Contributions | Donated $7.5 million to Brigham and Women’s Hospital; $5 million for treatment of substance use disorders. |
Impact and Future Plans
Dushku’s shift to psychedelic-assisted therapy represents more than just a career change; it’s a personal mission to help others heal from trauma and mental health issues. She emphasizes the transformative power of this therapy and its potential to significantly reduce suffering in measurable ways.
| Future Plans | Details |
|---|---|
| Completing Education | On the verge of completing her master’s degree in counseling and clinical mental health. |
| Advocacy Role | Poised to play a significant role in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. |
| Potential Impact | Could revolutionize trauma treatment in Boston and beyond. |
As she completes her academic journey and continues her work in this field, Dushku is poised to play a significant role in the growing field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, potentially revolutionizing trauma treatment in Boston and beyond.
