Our Mission

Modern Western culture has by in large neglected the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being in mental and physical healthcare. This limited perspective has contributed to the growing epidemic of mental health and psychosomatic disorders [including anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)]. In such problems, the role of underlying emotional trauma deserves more attention.

Approaches that address both underlying emotional trauma and the spiritual dimension of illness broaden possibilities for healing. Addressing unresolved trauma often leads to improvements in mental and physical health and increased awareness.

Modern Spirit is dedicated to demonstrating the value of spiritual healing in modern healthcare by illuminating the intersection between biology, emotion and spirituality. As a non-profit dedicated to scientific research, community-building, and educational programs, we are working to expand our culture’s capacity to heal. Our network extends from our base in the Phoenix Metro area, to our office in California, and outward across the globe. Current projects include:

MODERN SPIRIT EPIGENETICS PROJECT
Our first major initiative was the Modern Spirit Epigenetics Project (MSEP), developed during integrative work with traditional Amazonian healers. The Modern Spirit Epigenetics Project is based at the University of Southern California (USC) Dept. of Psychiatry in Los Angeles and is being conducted in collaboration with the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Through this study, we are looking for ways in which MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy can lead to measurable biochemical (“epigenetic”) change. We are collecting saliva samples from study participants in order to analyze the epigenetic effects of this form of trauma healing.

RECIPROCITY PROJECT
The Modern Spirit Reciprocity Project, in collaboration with Resilience Behavioral Health Solutions, is providing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to Native Americans in the Phoenix/Mesa area at no cost. We have been seeing inspiring results, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD..

COLOMBIA PROJECT
We have also joined forces with the Colombian-based non-governmental organization Cultural Tras La Huella, focused on promoting cultural education, strengthening artistic processes, and traditional/indigenous knowledge among native, rural and urban peoples for social development. We are supporting ongoing film projects and assisting in the translation of those projects, bringing the ancestral wisdom of the Americas to a larger audience.

AND MORE
Modern Spirit is developing educational programs for both healthcare workers and the larger community; drawing upon collaborative efforts between Western medical practitioners, research scientists, integrative healthcare providers, spiritual practitioners and traditional healers. This includes the River Course, an online course which introduces students to the art and science of ancestral spiritual healing techniques and their relevance to the expanding world of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Additionally, we host monthly online community discussions through our Modern Spirit Community Patreon.