Dr. Jenny Cundari, ND

03/14/2024

Check out my latest podcast interview 🤓

I was interviewed by two lovely women from my hometown on their podcast “Walk Together Fiercely.”

See description of the episode below and click link below to listen ❤️

Embark on a transformative journey with us as Dr. Jenny Cundari shares her profound insights on the healing powers of psychedelics. Together, we navigate the landscape where emotional breakthroughs and therapeutic applications intertwine, offering hope for those grappling with the depths of depression and the echoes of trauma. Our conversation delves into the potential certain natural substances may be as an aid to emotional and traumatic healing, emphasizing their role in facilitating a deeper connection with one's authentic self and unlocking the door to personal growth.

As we traverse the realms of naturopathic medicine, we uncover the delicate balance between mind and body, illuminating the intricate dance of emotions, hormones, and overall health. Dr. Cundari, with her rich experience at Sage Integrative Health, brings to light the critical role of psychoneuroimmunology and psychoneuroendocrinology in our well-being. We explore how the ripples of chronic stress manifest physically and the ways in which addressing trauma stored in our bodies can lead to profound healing.

Closing out our session, we zero in on the paramount importance of safety, guidance, and integration post-psychedelic therapy. While sharing personal anecdotes from our own healing odysseys, we discuss the heightened neuroplasticity that paves the way for long-lasting change. From the preparation needed for such a journey to the indispensable support systems, we equip you with the knowledge to navigate the psychedelic path responsibly. Join us as we not only peer into the science and soul of psychedelics but also how they can be harnessed to foster a life of connection and wholeness.

This podcast is just a conversation and is not medical advice. This podcast is educational only and should not be used as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for any medical advice. Recreational Psychedelic use is illegal in Canada and in the US. We are in no way promoting the use of these substances outside of designated and approved clinics. Always seek professional medical advice with questions you have have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking help when you need it.

Embark on a transformative journey with us as Dr. Jenny Cundari shares her profound insights on the healing powers of psychedelics. Together, we navigate the landscape where emotional breakthroughs and therapeutic applications intertwine, offering...

05/29/2023

Fortunate to be interviewed by my wise friend, Megan Jayne, on a topic that I feel very passionate about: harm reduction in the psychedelic-assisted therapy space. With a particular focus on Ketamine therapy. This was a modality that I worked with while I was employed at a holistic mental health clinic in California (Sage Integrative Health). I consider myself lucky to have been a part of a clinic that holds this work with a lot of care, integrity and support.

I have concerns about ways other companies in the space are putting profit over care. They often don’t have a focus on the therapeutic container and are lacking direct support.

In my clinical experience, I have learned that what contributes to deep healing is the safety in the therapeutic container and the relationship that is established between patient and practitioner.

People are often coming to Ketamine-assisted therapy with serious mental health concerns. And when you give someone a psychedelic medicine alone without this safety and containment, it has potential to go sideways. Some people can manage this okay, but it also has potential to cause more harm when there isn’t adequate support for challenging internal material that may come forward.

Click the link below for the full Forbes article if you are curious 🤓❤️

Psychedelics have the potential to transform the way we approach mental health. When used wisely, they can elevate consciousness, heal relationships, and save lives. Yet if the industry prioritizes profit over ethical care, we risk mass malpractice and resultant legislative and regulatory constraint...

11/06/2022

November 5th, 2019, was a very significant day for me. It was the day that I was granted a 3-year work visa for Sage Integrative Health in Berkeley, California. Those 3 years rapidly accelerated my growth professionally and personally. I had no idea what I was in for, but I am grateful for the ride that it was.

I recently made the difficult choice to not renew this year and to step into a new phase of my career and life. Endings are so bitter-sweet. Very grateful for my Sage family, my patients and for all that I was privileged to learn in this emerging field of holistic psychiatry.

I am excited for what is to come and I am also holding a lot of grief with this closing chapter.

Thank you to Sage Integrative Health and to everyone who has been a part of my California chapter, I appreciate each of you 🙏🏽💛.
Canada and Costa Rica, I’m coming for you 💫.

📷:

08/06/2022

If the person you are learning from or working with does not guide you back to yourself, back to your innate wisdom and inner knowing, get curious and cautious. Do you feel like you are giving away a part of yourself or does something feel off and you can’t quite put your finger on it? Chances are something is off and you are giving your power away to them. This will only create more disconnection from self.

When we are feeling lost and disconnected, we are more vulnerable and really want to feel better. We can be more likely to give ourselves away to those who seem to “know what’s best”. This is a much bigger conversation. But, points to my frustration with the healing and wellness culture. And it reminds me of the time I was in a cult 🥴😅. Fortunately, I never got in as deep as some people that I care about did. I was a part of this group (NXIVM) for a couple of years in my early 20’s. I truly thought they had the answers that would “fix me”. I was so disconnected from myself and my body that I was not trusting that something felt very off. I obviously didn’t know it was a cult at the time and have a lot of compassion for my younger self that was really struggling.

Fortunately, I left in 2013 when I was deep in naturopathic medical school. I was one of the lucky ones. Watching the documentary series on HBO ( ), was a trip. I got to see, once again, just how fragile the human psyche is and how an abuse of power can cause a lot of damage. I have been in the wellness industry for over a decade now, and one of the most important lessons that I have learned is just how important it is to trust yourself. And to remember, you are not broken. You may be disconnected and you may feel broken, but you are not broken.
If you currently feel this way, take this as an invitation to come back to yourself, over and over again. And re-learn to trust yourself & your body again. 🤍
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03/08/2022

How are we going to get through this?
I am having very dark thoughts.
I am overwhelmed.
I am exhausted.
I am anxious.
I can’t sleep.
I am scared.
I am sad.

These are common statements that I hear in my work everyday with my patients. Working in the field of mental health, supporting others through this collective trauma over the last two years has been a ride. I have worked with people from all different walks of life and belief systems. And in each person, I witness the fragility and the resiliency of the human spirit. I see courageous people who desperately want to feel better. Who don’t want to be in fear anymore and who will do anything to move away from the discomfort.

And at the same time I feel privileged to be in a position to hold the most vulnerable spaces with people. Spaces to express dark thoughts, to feel deeply, to scream, laugh, cry and play. A space to be seen and held. A space to receive compassion when they feel no one else understands. And a space to explore with curiosity. To explore the intricacies of the human psyche and the emotional body. I have seen a lot over the last two years, yet the intensity is only increasing.

How are we collectively going to get through life as things continue to unravel? Three words come to mind: CURIOSITY, COMPASSION, and COMMUNITY.

We all are human. And we all have universal needs and fears. No one is certain. Yet everyone is certain. It feels good to be certain (it actually releases dopamine). Yet, it doesn’t leave room for difference. It enhances polarization, segregation and othering. It creates division and fragmentation. Which ultimately leads to more suffering.

Having COMPASSION and CURIOSITY allows for there to be space for meaningful dialogue and differing of opinions, without hating each other, discriminating or hurting one another. I believe we need radical cultural healing that allows for many perspectives. We need COMMUNITY and coming together.

We are all struggling in our own unique ways. I invite each of you to see if you can have more COMPASSION & CURIOSITY for yourself and for those you encounter, even if their beliefs are not your own. If this is difficult, get curious and seek support. As the world continues to unravel, it will become more and more apparent just how important COMMUNITY support systems are.

Sending love to each of you. And thank you for reading the musings of my mind. A special shout out to my fellow mental health practitioners and health care providers. I see you. I know you are tired and I hope you are taking time to care for yourselves too. Thank you for your work! 💛🌹

Click on the link below to see the full blog post:

http://www.drjennycundari.com/blog/2022/3/7/what-does-the-world-need-more-of

02/07/2022

Really appreciating this article. I have been trying to articulate this recently, but Thomas Huebl says it much more eloquently.

Much of us have never experienced collective trauma in the way that the last 2 years has been.

Working in the front lines of mental health has given me lots of insight, perspective and it also has stretched me to my edges.

Everyone is struggling with something. Take a read through this to get some more insight. And a gentle reminder to get support and to be gentle with yourself and those around you.
💗🌺🙏🏽

Addressing our stress and anxiety really starts with one simple step...

01/02/2022

Healing can occur when we give ourselves permission to intimately feel the layers of our own fears, grief, disappointment, anger, despair, joy & pleasure. When we can feel supported enough to turn towards and provide deep presence for our experience, it allows space for deeper compassion and understanding. A place where embodied wisdom can step forward and the opportunity to live fully from a heart-centered place becomes possible 💫.

Calling in more presence, playfulness, nourishment, & pleasure for my 2022 resources. Wishing all of you out there abundance in what you need to live with more presence & compassion this year 🌹.
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#2022

12/25/2021

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to all those that celebrate from my familia to yours ❤️. Missing my Canadian fam, and so grateful to have another California Christmas with my love. Wishing each of you gentleness, nourishment and love as we enter 2022 🌹
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📷:

11/10/2021

I was inspired to write a poem after a deep process with my own personal grief. Representing the experience of being human. Of pain and suffering. Of turning towards the pain, of deep surrender. The experience of reconnecting to one's deeper nature by going into the feelings with compassion. The duality and complexity of being human. 💛

I Remember:

Approaching the ocean with curiosity and fear.
As I dip my toes in, the waves start to rise.
Casting shadows.
I courageously lean in with trepidation.

The waves crash over me.
I am swept into the vastness; letting the waves crack my heart wide open.
I tumble, I thrash, moments of release, moments of terror, moments of confusion, and moments of grace.

I let go. I let go.
I am deeply humbled in the letting go.

Between the waves, I am guided to find my breath.

My compassionate presence arises.
I see a scared a little girl.
I pull her close and hold her through the waves.

As compassion grows, the grip softens.
I taste a moment of relief.
I start to see the sunlight peaking through the dark waters.

I begin to feel the warmth on my skin.
The waves calm down and settle.

Exhausted, yet grateful to still be alive.
More connected, embodied, calm, bright, and expansive.

The duality, the complexity.

I reflect.
I remember.
I remember my innocence.
I remember the loss.
I remember that I am human.
I remember who I am.
I am home.

📸: Drake’s beach, California
Published: https://spillwords.com/i-remember-by-jenny-cundari/

09/19/2021

“When we refer to how everything seems divided and people are turned against each other, we are also saying there is a lack of Eros, a lack of love, a loss of the bestowing soul that otherwise would remind us that we are in this together.

In Greek myth, Eros was a divine figure born out of the darkness and chaos before creation began. Eros or love had to be born first, for without it the created world could not come together or hold together. The same is true when everything seems about to fall apart. In terms of ongoing creation, the amount of eros and love present in each of our lives determines the state of our individual souls, but also affects collective life on earth.” - Michael Meade

What you love, is the cure. Love is medicine. Wishing that love finds each of you. 🤍
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09/02/2021

Honoured to be interviewed by my friend on his fantastic podcast Universe Within Podcast. If you feel like learning more about me and my work, check it out! You can find it on Spotify, Apple podcast or YouTube. Here is the full YouTube link recording if you also want to watch my expressive Italian hand-talking 🤌🏾☺️ (https://youtu.be/u2ovTkI-1VY)

I hope you enjoy the conversation! 💛🙏🏽

Repost from

Hey everybody! Episode 63 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with my friend Jenny Cundari. Jenny is a Naturopathic Doctor and works in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration. Jenny and I met a number of years ago at the Amazon plant medicine center, the Temple of the Way of Light, where she came to explore plant medicines more in-depth. I really enjoyed sitting down and catching up with Jenny, and she has a beautiful way of communicating medicine, holistic health, plant medicines, and therapy in a really cohesive and easy to understand way. She has a lot of wisdom to share and I hope and think you all will get a lot out of this episode. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!

YouTube: bit.ly/YouTubeUW
Apple : bit.ly/AppleUW
Spotify: bit.ly/SpotUW
Google: bit.ly/GooglUW

"Dr. Jenny Cundari is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a degree from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Cundari is trained to care for patients of all different ages and can address a wide range of health concerns. However, her approach extends to a particular passion for mental health and mind-body medicine. She treats each patient visit uniquely and views each patient through a compassionate lens. Her perspective on achieving optimal health is to restore the connection between mind and body, create balance, stimulate the healing power within and treat the underlying cause of illness.

Dr. Cundari's focus is always on the patient as an individual, factoring in their physiological, psychological, social, spiritual, structural environment and lifestyle factors. Patient-centered care is central in her work, meaning the focus is on individual patient needs. Her plans are individualized and her intention is to always meet the patient where they are at. Dr. Cundari is passionate about working with people who want to achieve a better quality of life, who feel stuck and who are looking for more enjoyment and fulfillment. Her personal and professional philosophy is grounded in connection and balance. Balance in the mind, body and spirit; and connection with self, others and nature. She empowers patients through knowledge to take responsibility for their own health and she especially wants to work with people who are open and willing to step up and do the deep work.

Initial appointments with Dr. Cundari include an in-depth discussion of health history and future intentions. Depending on individual patient's future goals, a plan will be discussed at the end of the visit. She uses a wide range of tools in her practice that include: herbal medicines, pharmaceuticals, nutrient support, nutrition/lifestyle counseling, integration of altered states of consciousness, somatic therapy, and body work.”

For more info about Jenny and her work, visit: https://sageintegrativehealth.org/jenny-cundari and http://www.drjennycundari.com/ and on Instagram

My colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) and I will be running dietas in the Sacred Valley of Peru on September 1-29 and in the Sinai desert of Egypt on October 10-27. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.org

If you are able to and would like to donate to the show to help out with new content that would be deeply appreciated. For just a few dollars a month you can subscribe through Patreon and it gives you some really nice added benefits like early access to shows, bonus episodes, and a chance to ask personalized questions.

To support this podcast on Patreon, visit: https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithin

Best
Jason

08/19/2021

With all of the intensity, heartbreak and heaviness in the world right now, it brings me to a space of complexity. The complexity of being human on earth right now. The complexity of holding all of the flavours of emotions. I can sometimes get stuck in the despair and sadness, similar to grieving the loss of a loved one. And just like when I am grieving the loss of a life, I am often reminded of the questions: How do I want to live? What kind of experiences do I want to have while I still can? What brings me meaning and joy with what I do have?

Lately, what has felt true is how meaningful it has been to bring my love to my hometown. To reunite with my family after a long f’n year. To see old friends and pick up right where we left off. I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to have this man in my life and this time back in Canada with loved ones. I know I am one of the lucky ones and it’s a privilege to even be writing about this. However, my hope is to inspire you to ask those questions for yourself and to let you know that you are not alone right now. It’s okay to feel like a hot mess. If you are paying attention, things are looking pretty grim out there. Now more than ever we need community, meaningful connections, laughter/play and support. Be gentle with yourselves and hug those loved ones tight 💛
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