This is part of a series of reflections by Paul Sinclair, one of the managing directors of Mind Matters. Drawing on his experience in high-pressure environments and his training with Dr Gabor Maté, Paul writes with unflinching honesty about the patterns he sees in his work with clients and in his own life. In this piece, he explores how psychedelics (especially psilocybin) may offer hope for those struggling with anxiety.
Table Of Contents:
- Breaking the Cycle of Fear and Anxiety
- Anxiety as an Adaptive Coping Mechanism: A Personal Journey
- The Emotional Pain Beneath the Surface
- Reframing Anxiety: From Enemy to Ally
- The Promising Role of Psilocybin in Anxiety Treatment
- Case Study: Emma’s Journey from Paralysis to Empowerment
Breaking the Cycle of Fear and Anxiety
For therapists, one of the most significant challenges in treating anxiety disorders is breaking through the rigid thought patterns and emotional loops that keep clients trapped in cycles of fear and worry. Traditional therapies, while effective for many, often struggle to reach the deep-seated, subconscious roots of anxiety. Clients may intellectually understand their condition, yet their bodies and nervous systems remain hyperaroused or avoid it altogether.
Anxiety as an Adaptive Coping Mechanism: A Personal Journey
Anxiety, at its core, is a survival mechanism. It’s the body’s way of staying alert, scanning for threats, and preparing to respond to danger. For me, anxiety wasn’t just a diagnosis—it was a lifeline. Growing up in a home where my father was violent and unpredictable, I learned to stay on high alert. My nervous system was constantly tuned to the frequency of threats, always ready to react. Anxiety became my armour, my way of navigating a world that felt unsafe. My coping mechanisms are not inherently good or bad. They’re simply tools we develop to survive. I often ask my clients: Is your anxiety your friend or enemy? How does it serve you in a positive sense?
My sister, on the other hand, coped differently. Her mechanism was to shut down, to screen out the pain of our childhood entirely. She doesn’t remember much of the dysfunction we grew up in—not because it didn’t happen, but because the memories were too painful to hold onto. My mother, like my sister and me, was a chronic nail-biter—a small, visible sign of the invisible turmoil we all carried.
For years, I saw my anxiety as a flaw, something to be fixed or overcome. But when I joined the Royal Navy and trained as a nuclear propulsion engineer for submarines, I began to see it differently. Few jobs demand the same focus, precision, and responsibility as working on a nuclear submarine. One mistake and the entire crew could be lost. A PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) is not a forgiving mistress. It was a role that required unwavering attention to detail and a constant state of alertness—qualities that my anxiety had already ingrained in me.
I remember sitting across from a Royal Navy psychiatrist during my screening for submarine service. He looked at my hands, noted my chronic nail-biting, and told me I wasn’t suitable for the role. I was stunned. How could a nervous habit disqualify me from the career I’d worked so hard for? But I wasn’t ready to give up. I made him a deal: he would greenlight my nuclear training if I could return in six weeks without biting my nails.
Those six weeks were gruelling. Whenever I felt the urge to bite my nails, I reminded myself of what was at stake. It wasn’t just about proving myself to the Navy—it was about proving to myself that I could change and take control of even the most minor parts of my life. When I walked back into that psychiatrist’s office six weeks later, my nails were intact. He kept his word, and I went on to complete my training. To this day, I haven’t bitten my nails.
The Emotional Pain Beneath the Surface
What I’ve come to understand is that anxiety, like all coping mechanisms, is born out of pain. It’s a response to an unsafe, unpredictable, or overwhelming world. Research confirms that early-life trauma can lead to long-term dysregulation of the nervous system, increasing susceptibility to anxiety disorders.
Reframing Anxiety: From Enemy to Ally
Today, I see anxiety not as an enemy but as a signal. It’s my body’s way of telling me that something needs attention, that there’s a wound that hasn’t fully healed. This perspective aligns with trauma-informed approaches to therapy, particularly those championed by Dr Gabor Maté and Peter Levine, whose work in somatic experiencing and trauma therapy has profoundly influenced my practice at Mind Matters.
The Promising Role of Psilocybin in Anxiety Treatment
This is where psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, presents a groundbreaking solution. Psilocybin temporarily quiets the brain’s default mode network (DMN)—the system responsible for repetitive, self-referential thoughts. In this altered state, individuals can access and process buried emotions and memories with reduced fear and defensiveness.
When combined with somatic therapy, which focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body, psilocybin fosters a profound mind-body connection that leads to deep healing. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms, increasing self-perception, and enhancing emotional regulation.
Case Study: Emma’s Journey from Paralysis to Empowerment
One client, Emma, came to me after years of struggling with crippling anxiety and panic attacks. She had tried conventional therapy, medication, and mindfulness, but nothing seemed to reach the root of her distress. Every session, she would describe feeling like she was “trapped inside her mind,” unable to escape intrusive thoughts and an overwhelming sense of dread.
During our psilocybin-assisted session, I created a space of complete safety and trust rather than attempting to direct or interfere. Given the right conditions, I believe in the mind and body’s innate healing ability. The medicine does not need interference—it needs allowance.
As Emma sank into her experience, her body naturally began to express what had been trapped for decades. She trembled, her breath became shallow, and tears streamed down her face. At one point, she curled into a fetal position, gripping her arms tightly—her body instinctively moving through a memory too deep for words.
And then, a shift. A deep, guttural sigh. Her muscles softened. Her breath slowed. A release that had been waiting for years. She later described feeling like she had “completed something” mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Over time, Emma reported a profound reduction in chronic fear and panic attacks. But more importantly, she no longer saw her anxiety as an enemy—it was a signal, a survival response from her nervous system that had finally been heard, understood, and released.
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this article series by Mind Matters is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, we advise you to consult a licensed medical professional or healthcare provider. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is not legalised in Malta; therefore, our services in Malta focus solely on preparation and integration. We do facilitate psychedelic-assisted therapy in collaboration with licensed therapists in jurisdictions where it is legal. We do not provide or facilitate the use of illegal substances. Please check the legal status of psychedelic substances in your jurisdiction, as legal frameworks are continuously evolving.
Paul Sinclair
Paul, Managing Director at Mind Matters, specialises in mental health, trauma, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. He has trained under Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in trauma and addiction, and has also undergone extensive training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Paul's diverse background as an elite military unit member, top athlete, and successful entrepreneur informs his unique approach to transforming ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour. He has trained thousands of individuals, and over 20,000 development and mental health professionals follow his teachings on LinkedIn. Paul believes in the power of resilience and personal transformation, drawing from his journey to inspire and guide his clients.
