Exploring Healing: Anouk’s Conversation with Brian on Psychedelic Therapy and Trauma

Interviewer: Anouk Malavoy
Interviewee: Brian Fernandes

I was introduced to Brian by my beautiful sister, Isabelle, who is currently studying psychoterapy which the intent to provide trauma treatment using psychedelics.

Her passion for this emerging field sparked my curiosity—not because I’m advocating for it, but because I believe in learning about new approaches to healing, especially those that challenge long-standing stigmas.

Trauma is no joke.

It quietly shapes how people move through life, often leaving them feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck. While traditional therapy has helped many, others continue to search for something that resonates more deeply. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is one such approach for those suffering of acute PTSD—still in its early stages, and certainly not for everyone—but it’s gaining attention for its potential to help people confront and process trauma in a new way.

When I first met Brian, I was struck by how grounded and fulfilled he seemed. He wasn’t just working in this space—he was living it, serving his community with compassion and clarity. I wanted to understand more, and I invite you to do the same.

This conversation is not a recommendation or medical advice—it’s an exploration.

Anouk: Brian, thank you for joining me in this space today. I’m really excited to share with my readers some of the “secret sauce” behind what you do—it’s so unique. I’ve already introduced you briefly, but I know people will have questions about your passion and this new direction in the medical world. So let’s start with this: What drew you to the field of using psychedelics to help people heal from trauma?

Brian: It’s a mix of personal and professional motivations. I’ve worked in mental health for over a decade, and I’ve seen how traditional tools—like antidepressants and talk therapy—can help, but they don’t work for everyone. There’s a growing need for alternative approaches, and psychedelics offer something different.

Personally, I’ve been interested in psychedelics since I was young. They’ve been a powerful tool for my own growth and healing. I remember seeing early research on ketamine at Sunnybrook Hospital around 2014, and that sparked my interest in how these substances could help others. Over time, the stigma around psychedelics has started to fade, and now we’re seeing mainstream conversations and serious research happening at universities and hospitals. It’s exciting to be part of that shift.

Anouk: When people hear “psychedelics,” they often react with fear or skepticism. They think, “You want to give me drugs to heal?” How do you respond to that kind of reaction?

Brian: That reaction is understandable. Psychedelics have been heavily stigmatized, especially since the war on drugs in the 1960s. Substances like cannabis—and psychedelics more broadly—were criminalized and painted as dangerous. The messaging around them has been confusing and fear-based.
What we’re doing now is reframing that narrative. We’re looking at these substances through a medical and therapeutic lens, not a recreational one. Psychedelics aren’t about numbing pain—they’re about facing it. They help people explore their emotions, confront trauma, and move through it with awareness and support. My work is about helping people untangle that stigma and see the healing potential these tools can offer.

Anouk: When I think of drug use, I think of self-medication—people trying to numb pain. But you’re saying psychedelics can help people step into their power and voice, face what’s hurting them, and begin to heal?

Brian: Exactly. Psychedelic journeys can be intense and challenging, but they’re not about escape. We welcome all feelings—joy, grief, anger, fear—and treat them as important signals. The process is about going into those emotions, not avoiding them. Feelings become compasses that guide healing. When people engage with their emotions fully, they can move through trauma and come out stronger.

Anouk: When I first met you, Brian, I could tell you were living your best life—grounded, fulfilled, and deeply connected to your work. That made me wonder: Do you feel happy doing this? What does happiness look like for you in this space?

Brian: That’s a beautiful question. Yes, I do feel happy—though I’d say it’s more than happiness. It’s a sense of purpose. Helping people reconnect with themselves, watching them move through pain and come out stronger—that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s not always easy work, but it’s meaningful.
I think happiness, for me, comes from alignment—when what I do reflects who I am and what I care about. And in this space, I get to live that every day.

Anouk: Ketamine therapy, for example, can be expensive—often over $1,000 per session—and isn’t always covered by insurance. What advice would you give to someone who’s led by trauma but doesn’t have the resources for this kind of treatment? What can they do daily to help themselves feel less stuck?

Brian: Psychedelics are just one tool. There are many others that can support healing. First, I’d recommend seeking professional support—someone you connect with deeply and who understands trauma. That relationship is key.
Beyond that, there are therapeutic approaches like DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), mindfulness practices, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) that can be incredibly helpful.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is another powerful tool—many people, like yourself, have found it life-changing. The important thing is to explore different modalities and find what resonates with you. Everyone’s trauma is unique, and healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Even small daily practices—like grounding exercises, journaling, or breathwork—can help people feel more present and less overwhelmed.

Anouk: I did 12 years of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and it changed my life.

Brian: That’s amazing. CBT can be incredibly effective for many people.

Anouk: For someone reading this and feeling curious, how would a person actually start the process to engage in this kind of treatment?

Brian: A person would begin by identifying a provider of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Currently in Ontario, Field Trip Health and Atma Cena are among the largest and most well-known providers.

The first step is to consult with a physician or nurse practitioner affiliated with the psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy program to determine whether the individual is a suitable candidate and to rule out any contraindications. If deemed appropriate, the individual would then be matched with a therapist—based on their preferences—who would guide them through the preparation, administration, and integration phases of treatment.

Anouk: And who would you say is the ideal candidate for this type of therapy?

Brian: The ideal candidate for this treatment is someone who is voluntarily seeking to explore and better understand their emotions—both in and out of an altered state. Openness is an important quality, as the healing process can often unfold in unexpected ways. An ideal candidate is also someone who can stay engaged with the process itself, rather than being overly focused on specific outcomes or goals, recognizing that healing is often non-linear.

It’s important that a potential candidate understands that psychedelic medicine is not a “quick fix,” and is committed to the full therapeutic process—including thorough preparation beforehand and thoughtful integration afterward.

That said, many individuals coping with trauma may not meet all of these criteria. Their circumstances do not necessarily represent a contraindication to treatment. Psychedelic therapy can still be beneficial for those who do not present as “ideal” candidates.

Anouk: Brian, thank you for opening our eyes to this emerging field. Psychedelic therapy is still in its early stages, but it’s clear there’s a lot more to come and I’m curious to see what’s next. Thank you again for your time and insight.

Brian: My pleasure. Thanks for having me.
 

Note: This interview is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your mental health or treatment options.