John Saul found himself rebuilding his life after having it turned upside-down in late 2012. He was struck by systemic sclerosis, or “scleroderma,” a debilitating, painful, incurable life-threatening illness. Through many means, including participation as a study subject in the MAPS-sponsored Phase II clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety due to life-threatening illness, John has been able to emerge out of the darkest place one could find themselves and rebuild his fortitude and his life. He hopes that by sharing his story of psychedelic healing he can show others that that it is possible to choose life over death, become your own cure, and meet the resulting challenges with love and an empathetic heart. John continues to explore and work with a wide variety of healing modalities including self-administered therapeutic ketamine, meditation, yoga, cardiovascular training and cold-water therapy, and he is fascinated by witnessing the transformation of people who embark on therapeutic psychedelic journeys.

John is an Underground therapy practitioner and peer-support leader who utilizes nervous system, polyvagal, physical fitness and relational approaches. He facilitates both online and in-person sessions (with accelerants) offering residential and half-day programs in the Joshua Tree desert, adjacent to the parklands. He works with both individual clients and couples. His is one of the many success stories from the MAPS MDMA clinical studies and runs a quarterly peer support group for former participants as well as a monthly peer-support circle focusing on psychedelics and chronic pain/chronic illness.