Imagine stepping into the depths of your own mind, confronting the shadows of unimaginable trauma, and emerging transformed—a journey that Holocaust survivor and author Ka-Tzetnik undertook through the lens of LSD therapy, as captured in a groundbreaking film about his healing.
Ka-Tzetnik’s Journey: From Auschwitz to LSD Therapy
Ka-Tzetnik 135633, the pen name of Yehiel Dinur, is perhaps best known for his harrowing accounts of life in Auschwitz, including the seminal work House of Dolls. But few know of his profound therapeutic journey decades later, one that took him beyond the written word and into the realm of psychedelics. In a pioneering LSD-assisted psychotherapy session in Amsterdam, Dinur sought to confront the weight of his trauma—the unbearable legacy of surviving the Holocaust.
The Return From the Other Planet: A Film That Illuminates Healing
This journey, documented in the film The Return From the Other Planet by director Asaf Lapid, sheds light on the emerging intersection of trauma therapy and psychedelics. While the idea of using substances like LSD in therapy might once have been relegated to the fringes of psychiatry, recent years have seen a renaissance in psychedelic research. Studies suggest that compounds like ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD can help rewire the brain, allowing individuals to process trauma in ways that traditional therapy often cannot.
Reliving the Pain: Ka-Tzetnik’s Transformative LSD Session
For Dinur, the therapeutic session was not just a method to address the unrelenting nightmares and feelings of disconnection but also an existential reckoning. As he described it, the LSD experience allowed him to confront the “biological Auschwitz” he carried within himself. In his altered state, he relived the trauma but also accessed a profound sense of understanding and, ultimately, release. The film captures this transformative process, illustrating the depths of pain and the potential for healing.
Psychedelics and Trauma: A New Frontier in Therapy
The use of psychedelics in trauma therapy is not without controversy. The stigmatization of these substances, due in part to their association with the counterculture movements of the 1960s, has long overshadowed their therapeutic potential. However, growing bodies of research from institutions like Johns Hopkins University and MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) are paving the way for a reevaluation. These studies demonstrate how psychedelics can help individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression confront and process their pain, often in ways that traditional medications and talk therapy cannot achieve.
Breaking the Stigma Around Psychedelics in Therapy
In Ka-Tzetnik’s case, the film serves as both a testament to his courage and a call to action. It urges us to consider the untapped potential of psychedelic therapies, particularly for those burdened by the kind of severe, life-altering trauma that defies conventional treatment methods. For the past three years, I have been learning about and providing psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. I am a clinical psychologist in practice for well over a decade, and the healing and movement I have witnessed via the use of psychedelics is unlike anything I have seen in my career. These medicines are not magic; they require work and dedication on the part of both client and therapist, but utilized correctly, they can be life-changing.
The Science of Psychedelics: How They Help Heal Trauma
As the stigma surrounding psychedelics continues to lift, stories like Dinur’s offer hope and a roadmap for what healing might look like in the 21st century. Psychedelics are not simply tools for escape but avenues for deep healing. By engaging specific neural pathways, these substances can facilitate the processing of long-buried emotions, providing access to insights and emotional release that may remain elusive through traditional therapy alone.
Honoring Ka-Tzetnik’s Legacy of Healing and Hope
Ka-Tzetnik’s legacy is one of unflinching honesty, not only about the horrors of the past but also about the possibilities for healing. His journey reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable darkness, there is a path toward light—one that may require us to rethink our understanding of trauma, therapy, and the human mind.
Join the Conversation: Screening and Discussion Details
On January 27th, I will join Asaf Lapin, the director of The Return From the Other Planet, for a screening of the film, followed by a discussion on Ka-Tzetnik’s life, trauma, and the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy. Tickets available at:https://tickets.jccdenver.org/Tickets/22nd-annual-fred-audrey-friedman-marcus-holocaust-lecture-298821
Photo Credits
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
About the Author
AJ Grovert, PsyD, LCP
Dr. AJ Grovert is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in EMDR, perinatal mental health, psychological assessment and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She has significant experience and passion for working with Jewish clients, LGBTQ+ communities, female veterans, and those recovering from religious traumas. She has been in practice for over 10 years and specializes in a number of areas such as trauma, perinatal mental health, anxiety, and emerging adulthood.
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