Pain, Process & Psychedelics

Short Description and chapters

In this episode, Dr. Wayne Kampers, discusses his journey from suffering debilitating back pain to finding relief and developing a comprehensive pain recovery program. Dr. Kampers highlights the role of the autonomic nervous system and the importance of addressing both physical and emotional aspects of pain. He also delves into the limitations of Western medicine, the potential of integrating Eastern philosophies, and the emerging role of psychedelics in psychiatry. The conversation also delves into the importance of self-care, curiosity in medical practice, and a holistic approach.

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00:00 Introduction to Self Matters Podcast

00:32 Dr. Kampers' Journey into Psychiatry

01:02 The Struggle with Chronic Pain04:59 Discovering the Root Cause of Pain

06:52 Understanding Pain and the Nervous System

09:34 Charlie's Personal Pain Experience14:54 Approaching Pain in the Clinic

19:51 The Future of Psychiatry: Psychedelics and New Therapies

23:58 Dr. Kampers' Self-Care Routine

25:15 Improving the Mental Healthcare System

27:20 Closing Remarks and Farewell

People in this episode

Host

Charlie Wells

Charlie Wells is Founder & CEO of HelloSelf. He is dedicated to improve mental wellbeing for all. After a life-altering brain haemorrhage in 2011, he embraced a second chance at life, prioritising personal wellbeing and positive impact.

Inspired by this journey, HelloSelf, the company behind the Self Matters podcast, was born to address the growing demand for mental health services.

Main guest

Dr Wayne Kampers

Dr Kampers is a highly specialised and experienced doctor with a broad range of expertise and clinical skills in General Practice, General Adult and Elderly Care psychiatry. He always had a curious and inquisitive mindset, especially about what he consider to be the blind spots in Western Medicine, specifically Chronic Primary Pain and Medically Unexplained Symptoms and the inadequate and often myopic approach to these areas by Western Medicine; the impact of mental health issues on the autonomic nervous system, disconnection, and the fracturing of sense of self; the role of Ketamine and psychedelic assisted therapy in individuation and the rediscovery of sense of self; undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, particularly overfocused ADD in women especially in relation to female hormonal mental health issues in the perimenopause and menopause. Dr Kampers believes mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing are all equally important, and go hand in hand. His approach focuses on mind-body-spirit optimisation, and he assesses individuals as a whole and in context. He is a mind-body and trauma informed expert clinician, who uses a biopsychosocial and evidence-based approach to Chronic Primary Pain, Chronic Functional Syndromes, and Medically Unexplained Symptoms. He needs to know the why, so his patients can understand his diagnostic and treatment approach bespoke to them. He believes in the virtue and value of Equanimity in helping his patients to develop a non-reactive attitude to thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which is useful in the therapeutic context to assess experiential avoidance and a patient’s emotional reactivity. This approach facilitates a state of psychological stability in mind, body, spirit, and soul, as advocated by ancient philosophies and many major religions. Dr Kampers coordinated and chaired The Pain Edition of the Masters Series and chaired the panel on Chronic Primary Pain in the Sheldonian Theatre at The Masters Series Oxford at the end of September 2023 at The Masters Series Oxford. Dr Kampers is the only Consultant Psychiatrist in the UK that currently offers any and all of these programs. He is one of the most forward and lateral thinking psychiatrists in the UK and his approach values integrity, perseverance, and curiosity. He integrates traditional medical and psychiatric approaches and works closely with complementary healthcare practitioners registered with the Complimentary & Natural Healthcare Council and trauma informed expert coaches, working closely with all of them. Thanks to a progressive career spanning three continents, patients can be assured of an approach that is international in outlook and sensitive to different cultures, expectations, and norms.