Blog
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.