Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Buda.
Hi Krista, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a therapist who specializes in trauma healing and psychedelic integration. Growing up, I experienced childhood sexual abuse and my symptoms of trauma led me to a variety of other traumatic interactions, including but not limited to being misdiagnosed and mistreated as a way for my abuser to discredit me if I reported them. I was given a litany of mental health diagnoses, I was in and out of crisis and mental health hospitals, and by age 17 my parents had me court-ordered to have electro-convulsive (shock) therapy against my will.
I entered adulthood on disability, unable to work or take care of myself or form healthy relationships. I tried therapy for years and as hard as I tried my trauma patterns had me in and out of abusive relationships. I finally found the right therapy modality for me and found transformation and healing in plant medicine. I was unaware that there was therapy outside of traditional talk/CBT therapy. I remember when I was told I wasn’t disabled or sick and that I just had trauma and we could heal it. I remember most the anger at the number of treatment and providers who had shamed, blamed, and labeled me forcing me into a cycle of further illness. I decided in my 20s to become a therapist and work to service people with similar identities including queer, ENM, and kink folx so they could have a place where they could be seen and not mislabeled.
I pursued a Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine and have been trained in a variety of modalities to help those with trauma and OCD find relief. I specialized in psychedelics, EMDR, CPT, somatic work, and a variety of other treatments so I can truly sort through my toolbox and find the right fit for each client. I look back at my unsuccessful suicide attempts and the periods when I was told I would never be able to go to school or hold a job and I think about how if I can help even one person who is feeling unseen or hopeless then all the work I am doing is worth it. I truly believe I have and I plan to continue on this path to help as many others as I can.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Sexual abuse, domestic violence, suicide attempts, losing others to suicide, medical trauma and near-death experiences, being poor and having no family support financially or otherwise, and working two full-time jobs to put me through school.
Being queer and facing a lot of discrimination. As a self-harmer, I had a lot of scars that caused shame, and since have gotten more than half of my body tattoed as a way to reclaim my body. Eating disorders and lack of resources growing up.
As you know, we’re big fans of Alternative Healing- Trauma and Psychedelic Integration Clinic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I have a private practice where I do alternative therapy. I am a trained nutritionist and a licensed therapist among other things. I work with clients on their trauma through specialized modalities, lifestyle, and nutrition and help the client as a whole to improve their quality of life.
I am a member of and trained to support LGBTQIA, kink, and ethically non-monogamous clients. I have completed a year-long training from MAPS and IPI in MDMA, Ketamine, and Pscilosybin and I do integrative therapy with plant medicines. I have trained under a curandero to provide hapé.
My Ph.D. is focused on blending concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Naturistic paths to help clients find healing and I work with clients from these Eastern philosophies are traditional Western medicine to determine goals and language for their healing.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I am a transplant from Florida and have been here for the last couple of years. I love the nature here and the passion people from all over have for it. I have met so many amazing locals and transplants who find healing in the mountains, climbing, backpacking, and so forth.
I have found so much community and meaning in rock climbing, hiking, and being in this beautiful land. I think it can be hard as a person outside of the LDS culture and faith to feel like you are accepted or belong and I like that least.
Pricing:
- $150 a session, accepts many insurances
- $500 for a 4-6 hour plant medicine ceremony, accepts many insurances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.utahpsychedelichealer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativehealingclinic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089491750706
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/krista-jo-buda-layton-ut/951075
Image Credits
Tristan Gainey
