Listening to Ecstasy

The Conscious Consultant Hour

This week Sam welcomes Psychoanalyst, Mental Health Counselor, & Author, Charles Wininger.

Charles Wininger, LP, LMHC, is a licensed psychoanalyst and mental health counselor specializing in relationships and communication skills. Recognized as “The Love Doctor” by the New York Times & Newsday, he’s been treating couples and individuals in his Manhattan and Brooklyn offices for 30 years. He sits on the Board of Advisors of the Psychedelic Education and Continuing Care Program at the Center for Optimal Living in New York.

We will be discussing his new book, Listening to Ecstasy : The Transformative Power of MDMA

Tune in for this enlightening conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Video by Going Here.

Show Blocks

Segment 1

Sam starts with a quote from a book called Everyday Awakening about forgiving our mistakes and enjoying life rather than trying to reach a false ideal. Today’s guest Charles Wininger explains how his interest in MDMA began, and why he decided to research its therapeutic application. Sam and Charles discuss the diverse ways that some psychedelics have been used and its potential, specifically in the treatment of PTSD. Both Charles and Sam are supporters of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).

Segment 2

At age 40 Charles realised that he wanted to be a therapist. Prior he was an executive recruiter and while he was successful he realised that it was not a career he wanted to continue for the rest of his life. In his practice Charles has noticed an alienation as well as a lack of communication between couples even prior to the pandemic. He attributes this to the amount of time we spend living behind a screen. When the psychedelic renaissance began, Charles and his wife decided to host potluck dinners in order to support the MAPS community. His book Listening to Ecstasy : The Transformative Power of MDMA, Charles talks about his experience with his wife as they navigated through the psychedelic community. Sam notes that within the psychedelic community there are two camps, one looks into lab created drugs while the other studies the natural ones. Charles is interested in MDMA specifically because of the impact it has had on his life and has respect for all medicines because of the benefits they share.

Segment 3

Charles believes that we are in the middle of an emotional crisis. He shares his own personal experience with MDMA and how it has acted as an “emotional glue” when resolving their conflicts. Sam asks if there were any past experiences that they have held onto and allowed to harm their present relationship. Charles shares their challenges with projection and self love. After taking MDMA or other substances, it is important to focus on integrating the lessons learned into your life. One of the ways that Charles has learned to integrate those experiences in meditation. It is because of these experiences that Charles wrote his book and guides others as they open up to the therapeutic benefits of MDMA.

Segment 4

Charles answers a question about the therapy. It is a temporary use, not long term. Often 2-4 sessions in between sober talk therapy is enough. He calls it a “gateway drug” because it is a gateway to the heart and it reveals some of your deepest and darkest thoughts. He believes that many of people’s problems are ego focussed. With MDMA and your ego temporarily dissolved, you see the world in a radically different way. You can find Charles’ book Living in Ecstasy on Amazon and Simon & Schuster. Also visit his website listeningtoecstasy.com.

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