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Ginny Jo Reyes, Ph.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Ph.D. Program in Couple and Family Therapy at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Kevin Lyness, PhD, Chairperson

  • Bryson Greaves, PhD, Committee Member

  • Shawntres Parks, PhD, Committee Member

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Professional photo of Dr. Ginny Reyes. Dr. Reyes wears a bright pink shirt and is smiling at the camera. Backround is a brown, wood, slat wall

Dr. Ginny Jo Reyes

Keywords

psychedelics, ayahuasca, mystical experiences, relationships, mental health, mixed methods, couples

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This mixed-methodology dissertation explores how participation in ayahuasca ceremonies at Rythmia Life Advancement Center (Costa Rica) influences relationship dynamics within couples. Looking at this in combination with self-reported mental health changes, the connection to mystical experiences are navigated. Statistical significance and narratives are explored; this study steps into the gap between ancient plant medicine traditions and the modern search for meaning, healing, and connection. Grounded in a social constructionist lens, the study combines pre- and post-surveys (CAGE-AID pre-only; MAT, KMS, RHS, PSS, GAD-7, PHQ-9; MEQ-30 post-only) with semistructured interviews. Quantitatively, participants showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with modest improvements in relationship satisfaction and interpersonal connections. Qualitatively, themes emerged as: ayahuasca phenomena experiences, relationship transformation, individual healing journey, meaning-making and integration, support systems, and program factors, all of which contextualized these nuanced shifts. Breath work, safety, education, and community emerged as key supports in the reported changes. Together, findings offer an initial empirical bridge between psychedelic sciences and systemic practice, suggesting ayahuasca may help foster deeper relational bonds while warranting careful attention to physical and psychological discomfort, vulnerability, and safety/ethical considerations. The study highlights the potential -- and limitations -- of integrating ancient ceremonial practices with contemporary therapeutic needs in modern relational and mental health contexts. This study contributes to ongoing discussions about the potential places for psychedelics as a plausible intervention in modern relational and mental health spaces. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID iD.: 0009-0000-6407-2124

Black and white head shot of Dr. Ginny Reyes against a background of scultptural silos

Ginny Jo Reyes, PhD, LCPC

Bio:

Ginny J. Reyes is a licensed clinical therapist, graduate-level professor, and integrative mental-health researcher specializing in high-achieving professionals and couples navigating relational growth. Ginny completed her doctorate in Couple & Family Therapy within an AAMFT-accredited clinical research program at Antioch University, where her dissertation explored mystical experiences and measurable relationship changes among participants attending an ayahuasca retreat at the only currently known medically licensed facility in the world.

As the owner of Healing Hope Counseling LLC, she brings a compassionate, trauma-informed lens to clinical practice, combining Social Emotional Relational Therapy (SERT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions to support deep emotional healing and navigate meaningful personal and relational changes.

Ginny also applies real-world and academic insight to organizational environments. She currently teaches Organizational Behavior in the MBA program at Bethany College and Couples Counseling at Fort Hays State University, mentoring students to integrate evidence-based practices with a collaborative systemic leadership focus.

With professional roots spanning international export coordination, K-6 education, high-school counseling, district crisis response teams, accreditation review committees, and campus meditation and wellness programming, Ginny’s work is anchored in genuine human connection, psychological safety, and systems-level change.

Ginny’s clinical specialty areas include navigating relational changes, emotional regulation, and change factors driven by a dedication to evidence-based solutions. Her core values embody optimism, integrity, collaboration, and empathy. Finding balance empowered through self-awareness and her own personal growth journey, she is passionate about helping people lead with authenticity. By trusting the process, these practices lead to lasting relational bonds, inner contentment, and lasting peace by setting boundaries and reframing challenging dynamics as intentional personal narratives that embody lasting growth.

Photo of Ginny Reyes walking away from the camera joyously tossing her doctoral tam in the air. Background is an ornate white wall decorated with geometric patterns in relief

Dr. Reyes celebrating the conferral of her doctoral degree.

Professional Presentations:

Reyes, G., (2024). Private Practice Demystified. Antioch University CFT Masters Program.

Reyes, G., & Torres, S, Collin, J. (2023). A Practical Guide to Starting a Private Practice. Antioch University New England Virtual Conference, Keane, NH.

Reyes, G., & Whorton, D. (2022). Mental Health Matters. Ellsworth Middle & High School, Ellsworth, KS.

Wicks, C., & Reyes, G. (2022). Title 9 Changes, Laws, Flow & Resources for Students. Bethany College Student Body, Lindsborg, KS.

Reyes, G. (2021). Mental Health Toolkit for Campus Resident Assistants. Bethany College Student Student Development Department, Lindsborg, KS.

Reyes, G. (2021). Anyone Can Open a Business. Bethany College School of Business, Lindsborg, KS.

Reyes, G. (2020). Campus-Wide Suicide Prevention Training. Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS.

Reyes, G. (2020). Suicide Risk Analysis for Campus Resident Assistants. Bethany College Student Development Department, Lindsborg, KS.

Reyes, G. (2019). Mental Health Training for Campus Resident Assistants. Bethany College Student Development Department, Lindsborg, KS.

Reyes, G., & Bulleigh, M. (2018). Suicide Prevention Presentation. USD 405 District, Lyons, KS

Reyes, G. (2015-2018). Scholarship Awards Assembly. Lyons High School, Lyons, KS

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