Kathy Gruver, PhD

Kathy Gruver is a life coach, hypnotherapist and Reiki master in Santa Barbara who offers preparation and integration around psychedelic experiences, in person or over Zoom. She holds a PhD in natural health and does not provide psychedelic medicines herself.

Approach

Gruver took courses in mind-body medicine at Harvard’s Benson-Henry Institute, trained in coaching through CTI’s CoActive programme and studied mindfulness with Eckhart Tolle, and her work draws on Internal Family Systems and Resource State Therapy. She is an Associate Certified Coach and a certified hypnotherapist, has spent 30 years working in massage, hypnotherapy and consulting, and has completed psychedelic training. Integration can include meditation, journaling, breathwork, bodywork, Reiki, work with symbols and myth, and active listening. She describes her style as interactive and direct, with room for play, and draws on her background in improv, dance and acting.

Who it is for

She works with individuals, couples and teams, and helps with intention-setting and integration for psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and bufo experiences, including ones from years ago. Her other coaching covers life and spiritual questions, stress, business and leadership, and relationships, and she runs ego state group sessions for up to 12 people.

Practical details

Coaching comes as a package of six hour-long sessions for $900, or $810 if paid in full, with unlimited email support, and a non-refundable $250 deposit secures the booking. A six-month package of 12 sessions costs $1,600. Hypnosis outside coaching costs $140 a session. Her office is at 3040 State St, and a 15-minute discovery call comes first.

Care and safety

Before working together she carries out a medical and psychological assessment, with a lengthy intake form and a consent form. She asks clients to be aware of the laws where they live and says she does not condone illegal activity.