The Psychedelic Path to Healing After Divorce: How Ketamine Therapy Transforms Trauma with Therapist Ashley Mahoney
In this transformative episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Ashley Mahoney, a licensed mental health counselor and certified psychedelic-assisted therapist, to explore the powerful potential of ketamine therapy for emotional healing during and after divorce. Ashley shares her expertise on how psychedelics, particularly ketamine, can help individuals reconnect with their true selves, break free from deeply ingrained trauma, and step into a new chapter with clarity and empowerment. Together, they discuss the preparation, safety, and community support essential for effective therapy, emphasizing that healing is not only possible—it's a journey worth taking.
Listeners will gain insight into the process of psychedelic-assisted therapy, its historical roots, and how it creates a safe space for women to heal relational wounds and reclaim their narratives. Ashley also details the importance of integration after therapy, where the real magic of healing continues. Olivia and Ashley reflect on the courage it takes to face one's deepest fears and the profound liberation that comes with emotional release and community support.
If you've been searching for new ways to heal from the emotional upheaval of divorce, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding peace, connection, and self-discovery through psychedelic therapy. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that challenges traditional narratives around healing after divorce.
Learn more about Ashley Mahoney on her profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/arise-wellness
Healing Beyond Talk Therapy: How Psychedelics Help Divorce Recovery: Interview with Ashley Mahoney
Olivia Howell: Hello, hello, hello! Welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter—because as you know, divorce happens, and then you start fresh. Today, we’re here with one of our Fresh Starts experts, Ashley Mahoney, talking about something that not many people associate with divorce healing: psychedelic-assisted therapy. I’m thrilled to have this conversation. Ashley, can you introduce yourself and share what you do?
Ashley Mahoney: Hi, thank you! I’m Ashley Mahoney. I’m a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I offer a mix of virtual and in-person sessions and specialize in EMDR, trauma therapy, and parts work to really dive deep into nervous system healing. I’m also certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Right now, ketamine is the only legal medicine we can use, and while it’s technically not considered a psychedelic, it’s in the same family and has been well-studied for therapeutic use.
Olivia Howell: That’s amazing. I wanted to bring you on because I recently spoke with Cindy DiTiberio, who shared her experience with ketamine therapy. She said it was the catalyst for realizing she wanted a divorce—it completely changed her perspective. She often describes her life as ‘before and after’ that moment. Every time I talk to you, I’m so fascinated by your work. Tell us, what are psychedelics? When I hear psychedelics, I think of lava lamps and Woodstock. What do they actually do for us?
Ashley Mahoney: (laughs) I could talk about that for hours, but I’ll try to sum it up. Psychedelics have been studied and used for thousands of years in indigenous cultures and healing communities. In recent decades, there’s been a resurgence in therapeutic use. Unlike substances like alcohol or cannabis that are often dissociative, psychedelics are the opposite—they take you inward. It’s about confronting your stuff, not avoiding it. That’s why it’s important to have guidance, a safe setting, and harm reduction measures in place. It’s all about set and setting—your mindset and environment dictate how the experience unfolds.
Olivia Howell: That’s fascinating. It’s like The Wizard of Oz—you go from black and white to color, and the path opens up. Let’s set the scene: I’m a woman going through a divorce, I come to Massachusetts to work with you. What does the process look like?
Ashley Mahoney: We have a few different options, including group sessions. One example is our 'Elevated Motherhood' group. Say you’re a mom who just went through a divorce, you’ve done a lot of therapy, but there’s still this stuck feeling. Ketamine isn’t technically a psychedelic; it’s an anesthetic. But researchers found it had a profound impact on depression and trauma. Ketamine pauses your default mode network, which is where all your repetitive thoughts and beliefs are stored. It quiets the noise and allows you to access parts of yourself you may not have connected with for a long time.
Olivia Howell: That’s incredible. So, people come in with an intention?
Ashley Mahoney: Exactly. It can be anything from reconnecting with joy to healing inner child wounds. We set the scene with cozy blankets, candles, and intention setting. People take their medicine, have their journey, and we don’t do integration that same day. It’s important to let the aha moments settle first. Journaling happens, and we come back the next morning to integrate. Everyone shares their journey in a non-judgmental space, and that’s where a lot of the magic happens. Healing in community is powerful, especially post-divorce.
Olivia Howell: I imagine a lot of people are afraid to touch those deep wounds. How do you help them overcome that fear?
Ashley Mahoney: Preparation is key. We do a lot of prep work before the session to create safety. We talk about consent, touch, expectations—everything. The goal is to create the safest environment possible. When you feel safe, you can go deeper.
Olivia Howell: I love that. And what happens after? Do people just go back to their regular lives?
Ashley Mahoney: We talk about that during preparation. Some people travel here and stay at local inns so they can decompress. You’re not supposed to drive after ketamine, so we always create a plan. You’re in this open state for a while—especially in the first 24 to 48 hours. We really emphasize the importance of integration and reflection during that time.
Olivia Howell: It must be so healing to do that in a group of women. I imagine it brings up mother wounds and all kinds of relational stuff.
Ashley Mahoney: Absolutely. We internalize so much as women—medical gaslighting, societal expectations, all of it. Psychedelic therapy helps shift those narratives and opens you up to new possibilities.
Olivia Howell: I love that. If someone is listening and wants to learn more or join a session, where can they find you?
Ashley Mahoney: You can find me at Arise Wellness—arisewellness.org—and on Instagram at @arise.wellness. I’m happy to answer questions, do consultations, and reduce the stigma around this kind of therapy.
Olivia Howell: Amazing. Thank you so much, Ashley. We appreciate the work you do and are so happy you’re part of the Fresh Starts community.
Ashley Mahoney: Thank you, Olivia. I’m so grateful to be here.