What is REBUS, and Can It Help Me?
Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics: A New Frontier in Women’s Health and Healing
In the ever-evolving world of mental health, one idea is shaking up our understanding of healing—REBUS, or Relaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics. Pioneered by Robin Carhart-Harris, this theory offers a compelling explanation for how psychedelic experiences can loosen the grip of our most entrenched beliefs.
While REBUS is traditionally studied in relation to psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) and other serotonergic substances, at Expanded Women’s Health + Wellness, we’re excited to explore how this concept applies to ketamine-assisted therapy, particularly for women seeking profound, lasting change.
The REBUS Revolution
At its core, the REBUS model suggests that psychedelics relax the brain’s high-level beliefs—the mental frameworks we use to interpret our world. Think of these beliefs as a set of well-worn paths: they guide our thoughts and behaviors, often without question. But sometimes, those paths become so rigid that they prevent us from seeing new ways of thinking or healing. Under the influence of a psychedelic like ketamine, however, these paths soften. The brain becomes more open, leading to psychological flexibility and becoming more amenable to rewriting old narratives.
Robin Carhart-Harris’s work has illuminated how this temporary relaxation can allow for a reorganization of thought, a chance to break free from patterns of negativity, trauma, or limiting self-perceptions. It’s not magic—it’s neurobiology in action, creating a window of opportunity for change.
Why It Matters for Women
Women often carry unique burdens: societal expectations, historical trauma, and the pressure to balance multiple roles. These pressures can create rigid belief systems around self-worth, identity, and what it means to be “enough.” For many, these deeply ingrained beliefs contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic stress.
Ketamine-assisted therapy, informed by the REBUS model, offers a way to gently disrupt these unyielding mental models. By relaxing the neural circuits that maintain these fixed ideas, ketamine creates space for new insights. Imagine having the chance to reimagine what you believe about yourself, your relationships, and your potential—all in an environment that’s safe, supportive, and guided by expert care.
At Expanded Women’s Health + Wellness, our approach integrates the REBUS model into a comprehensive 12–20 week therapeutic journey. This isn’t about a one-time fix; it’s about creating lasting change by:
• Pre-Session Preparation: Setting intentions and establishing a secure, empathetic space where the mind can safely loosen its rigid patterns.
• Guided, Bespoke Ketamine Sessions: Using the unique properties of ketamine to foster neural flexibility, allowing old, limiting beliefs to soften, all in our “city sanctuary” with wellness amenities, curated playlists and other comforts to make you feel at home.
• Post-Session Integration: Working closely with you to weave the insights gained during your sessions into everyday life, ensuring that these breakthroughs translate into meaningful, lasting transformation.
The Science Meets the Soul
One of the most exciting aspects of the REBUS model is how it bridges science and personal experience. On one hand, there’s robust neuroscience explaining how ketamine and other psychedelics affect brain connectivity and belief formation. On the other, there’s the deeply personal journey of rediscovery—a chance to step outside the confines of your usual thought patterns and see life from a fresh perspective.
This is particularly powerful for women in today’s world. When you’re able to relax longstanding, rigid beliefs typically coming from society and old narratives, you may discover new ways to love yourself, to set healthy boundaries, and to engage with the world in a more authentic and empowered manner. The process is largely about metabolizing and healing past wounds before becoming free to create a new life for oneself.
“It is extremely difficult to heal if we can’t imagine a life in which we are free from harmful thought patterns and beliefs. In order to change limiting beliefs, we must be able to see a world where this is possible. REBUS is the catalyst to this vision. ”
Embracing Change in a Supportive Environment
Change, especially at a fundamental level, can be daunting. The notion of dismantling long-held beliefs might even seem unsettling. That’s why our model doesn’t rely solely on the ketamine experience itself—it’s embedded in a broader, supportive framework. We believe in the power of preparation, guidance, and thoughtful integration. By committing to a longer-term process (12–20 weeks), we ensure that each client has ample time to prepare for, experience, and integrate these transformative moments.
This extended journey allows for a nuanced exploration of the self. It’s not a race to a quick fix but a carefully curated path that respects the complexity of your inner world. And it’s designed with you in mind—a compassionate, forward-thinking approach that honors both the science and the soul of healing.
Transformation Is Possible
At Expanded Women’s Health + Wellness, we’re passionate about empowering women to rewrite their stories. By applying the principles of REBUS through our curated ketamine-assisted therapy, we offer a chance to challenge the status quo of mental health treatment—one that’s as innovative as it is deeply human.
If you’re ready to explore a path where neuroscience meets soulful transformation, we invite you to join us. We would be honored to support you in stepping into a future where healing is not only possible, but expansive.
For more information you can read a heady article on REBUS in Nature here.
