This week on the podcast, we’re honored to sit down with the radiant and deeply insightful Ayla Shepherd — a Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist, Plant Medicine Facilitator, and Life Coach.

Ayla shares her powerful and personal journey that began with a Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis, which led her on a profound path of healing and self-discovery. Through her studies in Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté and a year immersed in trauma work, Ayla unearthed the deeper emotional and psychological roots of illness, leading to the transformative work she now offers to others.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ayla dives into how trauma — especially early childhood experiences — shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and the energy we carry into adulthood. She guides us in recognizing how unresolved trauma may be holding us back, and how becoming aware of our patterns can lead to empowerment and real change.

We also explore the fascinating world of plant medicine. From Ayla’s work with Ayahuasca and studies in Reiki, Theta, and Shamanic Healing, to the growing science around Psilocybin micro dosing and the potential of medicinal marijuana, this episode is a thought-provoking dive into alternative healing and expanded consciousness.

This conversation opened our hearts and minds — and we know it will do the same for you.