Dissertation Title:
The Journey Back to Self: Healing Childhood Trauma Through Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Candidate:
Travis Trotter
Date, Time & Place:
December 3, 2025 at 10:00 am
Virtual
Abstract
This dissertation explores the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to facilitate healing from complex post-traumatic stress disorder rooted in childhood trauma. Utilizing a blended qualitative approach that integrates heuristic and hermeneutic methodologies, the study examines how psychedelic-assisted therapy can address the psychological, somatic, and existential impacts of early relational wounding. Drawing from depth psychology, trauma studies, and contemporary psychedelic research, the study frames healing as a multidimensional journey of self-reclamation, closely aligned with Joseph Campbell���s Hero���s Journey model. Three primary compounds���MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin���are evaluated for their distinct therapeutic contributions across different stages of trauma recovery. Findings highlight the necessity of a staged, integrative approach that scaffolds emotional safety, cognitive reorganization, and spiritual meaning-making. This research contributes to a growing body of literature suggesting that psychedelic-assisted therapy, when ethically and thoughtfully applied, offers profound potential for transforming trauma into pathways of resilience, individuation, and psychological wholeness.
- Program/Track/Year: Psy.D. Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology, LG,
- Chair: Dr. Nitsa Dimitrakos
- Reader: Dr. Kayla Bunderson
- External Reader: Dr. Mark Seelig
- Keywords: Psychedelic-assisted Therapy, Complex PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Depth Psychology, MDMA, Psilocybin, Ketamine, Hero���s Journey, Individuation
