Inside the Nervous System: Integrative Psychiatry & Polyvagal Healing | Dr. Altobelli on Recalibrated Vision with Bianca Ariel, MBA
Inside the Nervous System: Dr. Eva Altobelli on Integrative Psychiatry & Polyvagal Healing — Recalibrated Vision with Bianca Ariel, MBA Jump to: About Dr. Eva Altobelli Integrative Psychiatry Explained Polyvagal Healing & Nervous System Insights Practical Tips for Mental Wellness Listen to the Full Podcast About Dr. Eva Altobelli Dr. Eva Altobelli is a leading integrative psychiatrist based in Los Angeles, specializing in treating complex mental health challenges through a holistic, patient-centered approach. With a focus on understanding the interplay between the mind, body, and nervous system, Dr. Altobelli integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with innovative modalities that promote long-term wellness and nervous system regulation. Integrative Psychiatry Explained Integrative psychiatry combines traditional psychiatric approaches—such as medication management and psychotherapy—with [...]
Resilient by Design
When things break down, it can feel disorienting, painful, or even like failure. But breakdown also carries within it the possibility of rebuilding into something stronger and more resilient. We see this in simple ways: when we exercise, muscles “break down,” sometimes to the point of shaking, and yet it’s precisely this process that allows them to rebuild stronger than before. Embracing imperfection, change, and transformation This philosophy is beautifully illustrated in Kintsugi —the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold-tinted lacquer. What was once considered broken or flawed becomes even more beautiful and more valuable, carrying a history that includes both fracture and repair. The deeper lesson is about embracing imperfection, change, and transformation. Of course, when we’re inside the experience of loss, [...]
Balancing Intuition and Knowledge
Recently, I have been exploring Taoist philosophy, which dates back to 300 BC. A central theme in Taoism is the importance of maintaining an open awareness of the world and trusting in one’s inner self. When this state of being is lost, we may begin to look outside ourselves for answers, potentially creating systems that restrict our personal freedom. “When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend on authority.” —Stephen Mitchell, Tao Te Ching Senses vs Measurable Scales This is an interesting idea to contemplate. Reflecting back on the Age of Enlightenment, which sounds ideal in many ways, I’ve come to understand it as a time when we stopped relying on our [...]
Psychedelics and Psychotherapy
How is it that psychedelics can change the way we think? Some neuroscientists think of the psychedelic experience biochemically; serotonin excitation creates an opening to question deeply held beliefs. That opening can lead to a dopamine-driven “wait, there are so many other possibilities” moment, which can shift how we think. This made me wonder: is the therapeutic change driven more by neural excitation and inhibition than by the experience itself? There are ongoing studies looking at whether psychedelics still work without the psychomimetic component. I’m curious—if we remove the altered state, does the change still happen? Or is the intensity of the altered experience relative to the healing potential? Abraham Maslow spoke about peak experiences—those moments that feel almost perfect. They can come from a [...]
KRATOM: A Wellness Trend with Hidden Risks
I feel compelled to share a public service announcement about something I've been noticing more often in my clinical work: a surprising rise in Kratom use. Some people are intentionally using Kratom, aware that it's a plant with opioid-like properties. But more concerning are those who are unknowingly consuming it—often through "health drinks" sold at upscale health food stores, where Kratom is just one ingredient on the label. Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. While it has traditional uses and can act as a pain reliever or even help with opioid withdrawal, it also carries serious risks. In fact, it's banned in countries like Malaysia and Thailand due to its addictive potential, yet its availability in [...]
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as Published in Los Angeles Psychotherapy Association Digest, Spring Volume 2024
Eva Altobelli, MD David Laramie, PhD We are experiencing a mental health crisis, and rates of depression and suicide continue to rise. According to the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, “Mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time ” (CDC, 2023). Over 30% of the population is suffering from mental health disorders and addiction (SAMHSA, 2021), and seventy percent of those suffering do not receive any mental health treatment. (Chatterjee, 2023). In the face of this, it is imperative that the field of mental health broaden its horizons in search of potential treatments.
ARTICLES:
Analysis of the concept of Psychedelic Integration and its practice. (15-20 min read)
https://www.frontiersin.org/