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Listen: Bristol Unpacked with the doctor prescribing ketamine to assist therapy

We chat to Dr Ben Sessa, co-founder of Awakn, a company leading the burgeoning movement offering therapy assisted by psychedelic drugs.

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NOTE: In March 2024, Dr Ben Sessa was suspended from medical practice for a year after admitting to having a sexual relationship with a former private patient, who has since died. He admitted to all the allegations and apologised for this actions.

Depending on who you ask, ketamine – with which Bristol has often had an unhealthily strong relationship – conjures up different images and associations.

For Dr Ben Sessa, a leading authority and practitioner of psychedelic assisted therapy, it is a powerful aid to helping people suffering from trauma and addiction.

Sessa is the co-founder of Awakn, a company leading the burgeoning movement to use psychedelic drugs for healing with a clinic in Bristol and internationally. Tune in with Neil to explore the science, philosophy and context of this exciting field with a raver, campaigner and medical professional. 

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  • It’s EMDR (not EDMR). And van der Kolk (his first name is Bessel). Dr Gabor Maté’s first name pronunciation was also wrong… I think the presenter need to do a little more research before interviewing.

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