![380: [Soapbox] The potential for MDMA in coupes work](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/7318753/post/194612600/285d6e3bbba07f6c703fce27f33ef9e9.jpg)
380: [Soapbox] The potential for MDMA in coupes work
From Better Sex by Jessa Zimmerman
April 9, 2026 · 8 min
About this episode
Jessa Zimmerman discusses the potential of MDMA in couples therapy based on her training and research findings.
Sex therapist Jess Zimmerman shares what she’s learning from a 30-hour training on guiding people who choose to use MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly), emphasizing she is not endorsing illegal substance use and is focused on the research and potential pending FDA approval. She describes MAPS’s Phase 3 clinical trials using an MDMA-assisted protocol for severe, treatment-resistant PTSD, noting results where about two-thirds of participants no longer meet PTSD diagnostic criteria, though the FDA has requested more long-term safety data and has not approved it yet. Jessa explains proposed mechanisms such as increased serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin and reduced fear/defensiveness, and discusses why this could be promising for couples therapy by enabling deeper, less reactive conversations and breakthroughs, supported by integration sessions. She invites listeners to follow her work via www.heartweaveforcouples.com . 00:00 Show Intro 00:47 Soapbox Topic MDMA 01:09 Training And Disclaimer 01:46 MAPS Research Update 02:24 PTSD Protocol Results 03:01 FDA Status And Concerns 03:43 Why Couples Could Benefit 04:47 Therapy Breakthrough Potential 06:03 Heart Weave And Next Steps 06:50 Outro And Credits…
People in this episode
Host: Jessa Zimmerman
Topics covered
- MDMA
- couples therapy
- PTSD
- clinical trials
- therapy breakthroughs
- substance use research
Keywords
- MDMA
- couples therapy
- PTSD
- clinical trials
- FDA approval
- therapy breakthroughs
- serotonin
- dopamine
- oxytocin
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: MAPS, Charity: Water
Products: MDMA, Ecstasy, Molly
Places: FDA, www.heartweaveforcouples.com
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