Zahra Adloo (she/her)

Zahra joined Momma on January 13, 2025 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about PTSD & Ibogaine Therapy

About Zahra

Zahra’s strength lies in helping individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives. She assists her clients in working through challenges and uncovering the core of who they are. By fostering a deep sense of connection with themselves, Zahra aims to help her clients gain clarity, direction, hope, and healing. She works with individuals who have endured a variety of life challenges, including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and mood instability. Zahra also provides support to those struggling with body image issues, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

In her practice, Zahra integrates Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. She incorporates elements of Reiki, energy healing, and trauma-informed yoga into her therapeutic approach. Building a foundation of self-compassion is central to her work, helping clients foster self-worth and self-acceptance, which empowers them to develop the confidence to pursue the life they dream of. Zahra believes that anyone can rewrite their story from a place of empowerment, growth, and healing.

To enhance her expertise in psychedelic integration, particularly in using Ibogaine as a tool for addressing addiction and trauma, Zahra completed a course at Fluence. This education has deeply enriched her ability to support clients through their integration process, ensuring they receive compassionate and informed care.

Zahra received her training from Palo Alto University, focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Outside of her practice, she remains committed to her own personal growth and development through challenging workouts, yoga, and hiking. Zahra also has a passion for creative writing, podcasting, and traveling abroad. 

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeeshirazi

• Website: https://www.zahraadloo.com/

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Show Recommendation: Dosed

• New Path Ibogaine Center

• Kundalini Yoga

• Yin Yoga

• Hatha Yoga

• Book Recommendations

  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk 

  • Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear 

  • The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman 

  • Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything by James R. Doty 

• Favorite Poem

• Pomodoro Technique 

• Podcast Recommendation: Reinvent Yourself - Tara Swart

Episode Summary

If you're living with PTSD, OCD, addiction, or just feel stuck in patterns that traditional therapy hasn't touched, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Psychedelic therapy is a growing field with potential benefits. 

• PTSD can affect anyone, not just veterans.

• Ibogaine therapy requires intention and preparation.

• Connecting with a qualified facilitator is essential.

• Ibogaine can help rewire maladaptive thought patterns.

• The integration process is crucial after Ibogaine therapy.

• Self-compassion is crucial in healing trauma.

• Emotional release is essential for healing.

• Mind-body connection enhances therapeutic outcomes.

• Healing requires ongoing effort and lifestyle changes.

On this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, I sat down with Zahra Adloo to talk about PTSD, Ibogaine therapy and mental health treatment that actually makes a difference. Zahra shared her journey from a career in management information systems to finding her true calling in mental health counseling. Along the way, a life-changing ayahuasca experience opened her eyes to the power of psychedelics, eventually leading her to specialize in trauma, addiction and psychedelic integration therapy.

We dug into the reality that PTSD and OCD aren’t always what people think. PTSD isn’t just for veterans – it can affect anyone who’s experienced trauma, big or small. OCD isn’t about being neat and organized either; it’s about intrusive, disruptive thoughts that people feel forced to soothe through compulsions. Zahra explained how misunderstood these conditions are and how important it is to approach them without judgment.

The heart of the conversation was all about Ibogaine therapy. Zahra broke it down simply: Ibogaine is a psychedelic substance derived from the iboga plant, and it works by helping people reach the root causes of their trauma or addiction. It's not a quick fix, but it’s a powerful catalyst that kickstarts healing and rewires the brain to support healthier patterns. Zahra made it clear, though — the real magic happens when Ibogaine is combined with strong integration work afterward. It’s about creating sustainable change, not just having a powerful experience.

We also talked about the risks. Ibogaine therapy isn’t for everyone, especially if you have heart issues, liver problems, or a history of psychosis. And because it’s illegal in the U.S., people have to seek treatment in places like Mexico, Canada and Portugal, where it’s legal. Zahra stressed the importance of vetting clinics and facilitators carefully, because the psychedelic world has its fair share of bad actors.

Zahra also shared her personal experiences with Ibogaine and other psychedelics, how she uses tools like trauma-informed yoga and Reiki to support healing, and how reconnecting with the body is just as important as working with the mind. She’s a strong advocate for compassion, both for yourself and others, especially when facing mental health struggles.

One of the most powerful messages Zahra left us with was the reminder that asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s strength. Healing starts when we stop seeing mental health care as something shameful and start recognizing it as something courageous.

Overall, this conversation was full of hope, honesty, and solid advice for anyone interested in alternative paths to healing trauma and breaking free from old patterns. Whether you’re just curious about Ibogaine or seriously considering it as a therapy option, Zahra’s insights were eye-opening and empowering.