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Sassafras

A memoir of love, loss and MDMA therapy

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Sassafras

By: Rebecca Huntley
Narrated by: Menik Gooneratne
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About this listen

 When you've experienced trauma and conventional treatments have failed, where do you turn? After unsuccessfully trying traditional therapy, renowned author and social researcher Rebecca Huntley chose an unconventional path to healing: MDMA.

The drug MDMA is made from the root of the sassafras tree. It is known as a party drug, taken to have a good time, to dance, to shed inhibitions. It has also, since early 2023, been authorised in Australia for use in treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder that has not responded to treatment.

For those with PTSD, the goal is not to have a good time and dance: it is to find a way forward in their lives after trauma, and to find their way back to the person they were before they were traumatised. For Rebecca, this meant reconciling with the violence, trauma, death and despair that had taken root in her life. It also meant stopping a crushing cycle of intergenerational trauma for the sake of her children.

She had three sessions of MDMA therapy, delivered by an underground healer. The treatment changed her life, her view of the world and the way she saw the past, present and future. It led to greater wisdom, compassion and awareness of the connections between humans and the natural world.

Sassafras is the story of a woman determined to confront her traumatic past head on. In doing so she discovered something that could be of great benefit to us all. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Medical Mental Health Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Professionals & Academics Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
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I heard Rebecca Huntley at the Fitzroy Writers Festival in April 2025. Of all the guest authors, I was least drawn to her story but attended for the hell of it. I’m so glad I did. Not only is she an engaging and articulate speaker but her story was fascinating. I immediately bought the book which I’ve just finished. It was a great though sad read, ultimately uplifting and I will be watching for more stories of the success of MDMA in treating trauma.

Really really interesting

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A story of honest resilience and gratitude. Relatable. Love is truly indefatigable and acceptance and letting go are sometimes the only way forward.

The honesty

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Have followed Rebecca for years and had no idea of the major traumas she faced. Truly an insight into how everyone is falling apart. Inspiring story that is told incredibly well. Wonderful performance too. Highly recommended.

Outstanding. So raw and real and a beautiful story.

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A personal account of the attachment wounds and trauma experienced within what’s seen from the outside as a “normal Australian family.”

Sadly, these traumatic phenomena are indeed normal, and widespread. Unfortunately, this courageous, intelligent author’s persistent journey towards personal insight and understanding won’t be replicable by most who live with trauma using current counselling/psychotherapy and pharmacology.

Hopefully affordable hallucinogenic psychotherapies (using MDMA, psilocybin, etc) can be developed to legally and effectively address this public need.

Refreshingly honest and hopeful

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Highly recommend listening for anyone interested in familial trauma, parenthood and new mental health treatments.

Excellent insights into new therapies for CPTSD

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.