My Journey

I transitioned to working in the fields of Integrative Medicine and Psychedelic Therapy after my own health crisis, a stage IV cancer diagnosis, forced me to deepen my understanding of the barriers that prevent us from healing and the tools and practices that can help us transform and thrive.

The Mind-Body Connection

Whilst we now understand that a huge amount of chronic illness is related to stress and inflammation, many of us find ourselves living in a state of chronic stress due to our modern way of living and working. I know this was certainly true for me when I working as a junior doctor and navigating my mid 20’s.

Prior to my diagnosis I imagine it looked like I had my life ‘together’ from the outside, but on the inside I was overwhelmed, unfulfilled and exhausted. I even remember standing in the shower one day and thinking to myself “if I remain in this state, I’m going to get cancer sooner or later”.

Looking back, I wish I’d reached out for the support, tools and practices that I now understand were available. Instead, I did what many of us do when we’re struggling - I put my head down and claimed I was fine. But as I’ve learned the hard way, there’s a huge problem with this approach. When we suppress spiritual and emotional pain it can eventually manifest as dis-ease.

By continuously activating the fight or flight stress response, chronic stress and distress (anxiety, sorrow, pain etc) can contribute to chronic inflammation, an impaired immune system and DNA damage. This can lead to autoimmune conditions, cancer and many other chronic diseases. In the words of Dr Bessel Van der Kolk “the body keeps the score”.

The Role of Integrative Medicine

Following my diagnosis I addressed the root cause issues that had been contributing to my state of chronic stress and introduced holistic practices that could help activate my body’s innate capacity for healing. Whilst undergoing two years of immunotherapy treatment, I focused on supporting my immune system by optimising my gut microbiome, improving my sleep, taking regular exercise, switching to a plant-based diet, and enjoying plenty of rest, epic adventures and time in nature. I also introduced contemplative and spiritual practices into my life and this set me on a path of transformation and self-development.

After an initial period of disease progression, approximately four months after starting immunotherapy the tumours in my chest visibly started melting away. Soon afterwards the tumours in my lung and adrenal gland were also no longer visible on scans. Seven years later, my scans gratefully still show N.E.D (no evidence of disease).

Healing verses Curing

My biggest lesson during my own experience with illness was the understanding that you can be declared cured without being healed just as you can experience healing without being cured.

Whilst curing signals the return of health or an absence of symptoms, healing is a restoration of wholeness. Healing is not the removal or cessation of symptoms but rather an integrative process that transcends the physical and includes mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Trauma-Informed Healing

Unfortunately, shortly after going into remission I was involved in a car accident which helped me to better understand trauma, chronic pain and the somatic (body-focused) practices required for complete healing.

While many consider trauma to be an emotional response to a challenging experience it is crucial to recognise that trauma also impacts the physical body via the nervous system. When a stressful experience pushes the nervous system system beyond its limits (termed “the window of tolerance”), it can become stuck on “on” and we can experience anxiety, restlessness and panic - this is our “fight or flight” mode. For some people their nervous systems will stay here, while others will become stuck in an “off” state - this is the “freeze” mode. Below the window of tolerance we see symptoms of depression, fatigue and disconnection.

Healing from trauma involves mind-body therapies that bring the nervous system back into homeostasis. There are many unique ways you can learn to support your nervous system such as through practices like meditation and breathwork.

The Intersection of Nature & Science: Plant Medicine

A final tool I have incorporated into my practice is plant medicine - everything from herbal adaptogens, functional mushrooms, medical cannabis and sacred plant medicine (psychedelics). I also advocate for spending time in nature as the ultimate medicine for healing.

With regards to psychedelics, it was my own experience at a psilocybin-truffle retreat in The Netherland that changed my perspective on psychedelics and ultimately resulted in me training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. I now passionately believe that when taken in a safe, supported and responsible way, psychedelics offer a unique pathway to healing, growth and transformation. Although currently illegal in many countries, I anticipate we will see a shift in scheduling over coming years, meaning more people will legally and safely be able to access these medicines.

Crisis as a catalyst for growth & transformation

During the past seven years I’ve come to understand that with the right tools and support, even the most difficult life events can be a catalyst for transformation and post-traumatic growth. When we experience deeper healing, we get to move forward and live a life of far greater meaning, joy and purpose than ever before.

My vision is a world where we all flourish, where we enjoy optimal wellbeing, live with greater meaning, and contribute to healing the collective.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back” - Albert Camus