Welcome to the Psychedelic Conversations Podcast!

Episode 177:
In this episode, we speak with returning guest David Drapkin about the evolving relationship between psychedelics, mental health, and artificial intelligence. David shares how his background in social work, psychotherapy, addiction treatment, and psychedelic education now informs his work designing AI conversations for wellness support. We explore AI’s potential as a therapeutic co-pilot, alongside vital questions about consent, privacy, regulation, and the irreplaceable value of human presence. We also discuss the shadow side of the psychedelic field, practitioner accountability, medicalisation, safe access, and the need for transparent standards and peer support. David reflects on low-dose approaches, inner healing intelligence, and the importance of moving slowly when someone is psychologically destabilised. Together, we consider why lasting healing requires community, careful preparation, and a reliable “landing container” for integration.

Watch our previous conversation here:
https://youtu.be/ePWwr_iaNWk?si=b9SXIf3ZlXR9rkI0

About David:
David Drapkin is a psychotherapist trained in England, Australia, and the United States, with 12 years of clinical experience. He specialises in addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, men’s health, OCD, PTSD, and psychedelic- and cannabis-assisted therapy. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, CBT, psychoanalysis, Internal Family Systems, somatic-informed practices, and mindfulness, David takes a humanistic, strengths-based approach that honours each client’s complexity and innate capacity for healing. His work helps people look beyond diagnostic labels, identify the deeper roots of unhealthy patterns, and reconnect with their values, intuition, and authentic selves. By encouraging curiosity, mindful self-awareness, emotional honesty, and a willingness to embrace change, David supports clients in developing the insight, skills, and resolve needed to create meaningful and lasting transformation.

Connect with David:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddrapkin/
- Website: https://www.davedrapkin.com/

Thank you so much for joining us!

Psychedelic Conversations Podcast is designed to educate, inform, and expand awareness.

For more information, please head over to https://www.psychedelicconversations.com

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This show is for information purposes only,
and is not intended to provide mental health or medical advice.

About Susan Guner:
Susan Guner is a holistic psychotherapist with a mindfulness-based approach grounded in Transpersonal Psychology, focusing on trauma-informed, community-centric processes that offer a broader understanding of human potential and well-being.

Connect with Susan:
Website: https://www.psychedelicconversations.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.guner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-guner/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susanguner
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susanguner
Blog: https://susanguner.medium.com/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/susan-guner

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