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Michael Raymond
Profile
Michael Raymond
Michael Raymond is an Australian Airforce Veteran, Psychedelic Therapies/Plant Medicines Advocate, and a Co-Founder of Returning Home. With a deep understanding of the traditional pathways of healing through psychedelic therapies, Michael is dedicated to communicating the value of plant medicine practices.
Having experienced his own struggles towards the end of his career as an Electrical Engineering Officer and Fighter Jet Avionics Technician, Michael found profound healing through the use of Psychedelic Plant Medicines such as Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT at wellness centres in Peru and Ecuador. These transformative experiences enabled him to work through his battles with PTSD and other mental health struggles, providing him with a unique perspective as both a lived experience member and a professional.
Recognising the importance of understanding the rich history and traditions of working with sacred plant medicines in the traditional ways, Michael has actively collaborated with traditional medicine men and women from around the world. This bridge between science and sacred knowledge allows him to promote safe and effective access to psychedelic plant medicines.
Michael's journey has been publicly shared, including being published in a book on psychedelic healing stories. Leveraging his personal experiences, he has become an international advocate for funding and regulatory changes, speaking in Parliament, The Department of Veteran Affairs, Universities, National Radio, and Media. Through his efforts, Michael has successfully contributed to the recent rescheduling of MDMA and Psilocybin and the recognition of Psychedelics as Medicine.
As the Managing Director and Co-founder of 'Returning Home,' a Charitable not-for-profit organization, Michael actively assists Veterans and First Responders in accessing Psychedelic Programs that utilize Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and other plant medicines, where they are legal both internationally and locally. Collaborating with organizations like the Heroic Hearts Project UK, Returning Home is aiming to contribute to the first observational study on Veterans using Ayahuasca in collaboration with Melbourne University, providing valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of these medicines.
Michael's leadership extends to his role as a Leader of a National Veteran and First Responders Community group. He serves as a prominent spokesperson for leading psychedelic charities on Lived Experience Panels, leveraging his lived experience and professional knowledge to advocate for the utilization of psychedelic therapies in addressing mental health challenges.
Driven by the desire to end the epidemic of suicide within Australia, particularly among the highly vulnerable Veteran and First Responder community, Michael tirelessly works towards providing accessible and effective support for these individuals. Through his dedication and expertise, he aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the traditional methods of plant medicine practices, while also recognising the limitations of the Western system, ultimately contributing to the advancement of mental health care.
Michael Raymond is an Australian Airforce Veteran, Psychedelic Therapies/Plant Medicines Advocate, and a Co-Founder of Returning Home. With a deep understanding of the traditional pathways of healing through psychedelic therapies, Michael is dedicated to communicating the value of plant medicine practices.
Having experienced his own struggles towards the end of his career as an Electrical Engineering Officer and Fighter Jet Avionics Technician, Michael found profound healing through the use of Psychedelic Plant Medicines such as Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT at wellness centres in Peru and Ecuador. These transformative experiences enabled him to work through his battles with PTSD and other mental health struggles, providing him with a unique perspective as both a lived experience member and a professional.
Recognising the importance of understanding the rich history and traditions of working with sacred plant medicines in the traditional ways, Michael has actively collaborated with traditional medicine men and women from around the world. This bridge between science and sacred knowledge allows him to promote safe and effective access to psychedelic plant medicines.
Michael's journey has been publicly shared, including being published in a book on psychedelic healing stories. Leveraging his personal experiences, he has become an international advocate for funding and regulatory changes, speaking in Parliament, The Department of Veteran Affairs, Universities, National Radio, and Media. Through his efforts, Michael has successfully contributed to the recent rescheduling of MDMA and Psilocybin and the recognition of Psychedelics as Medicine.
As the Managing Director and Co-founder of 'Returning Home,' a Charitable not-for-profit organization, Michael actively assists Veterans and First Responders in accessing Psychedelic Programs that utilize Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and other plant medicines, where they are legal both internationally and locally. Collaborating with organizations like the Heroic Hearts Project UK, Returning Home is aiming to contribute to the first observational study on Veterans using Ayahuasca in collaboration with Melbourne University, providing valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of these medicines.
Michael's leadership extends to his role as a Leader of a National Veteran and First Responders Community group. He serves as a prominent spokesperson for leading psychedelic charities on Lived Experience Panels, leveraging his lived experience and professional knowledge to advocate for the utilization of psychedelic therapies in addressing mental health challenges.
Driven by the desire to end the epidemic of suicide within Australia, particularly among the highly vulnerable Veteran and First Responder community, Michael tirelessly works towards providing accessible and effective support for these individuals. Through his dedication and expertise, he aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the traditional methods of plant medicine practices, while also recognising the limitations of the Western system, ultimately contributing to the advancement of mental health care.
