Why We Prefer “Expanded” (and Other Touchy Topics)


PODCAST

Touch with Substance – Episode 7: Language, Contact, and Consciousness with Sabrina Santa Clara & Suz Vera Burroughs

Dear Community,

This episode is a nerdy and nourishing deep dive into something deceptively simple: the words we choose and why they matter so much when we’re talking about touch, transformation, and expanded states of consciousness.

Sabrina and I unpack:

  • The difference between altered and expanded states
  • How language can reinforce or resist cultural norms about what's "normal"
  • Drawing from our work in somatics, psychedelic care, and trauma-informed practice, we examine how these terms point to implicit frameworks, and how they can both clarify and complicate our understanding of what’s happening in embodied, expanded state experiences.
  • How this shapes research, conversations, and client experience

If you've ever wondered how small word choices shape big shifts in psychedelic and somatic care, this episode is for you.

We’re not just playing semantics. We’re practicing integrity and curiosity.

With care,
Suz
Unwind Learning

P.S. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need support accessing the podcast!


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Unwind Learning - Touch with Substance

Suz is the Managing Owner at Unwind Oakland, Unwind Learning, and Touch with Substance. Designed above-ground Ketamine-Assisted Massage Therapy and bodywork (KATM) in partnership with KAT and KAP providers as well as developed psychedelic/entheogenic preparation and integration bodywork methods. In 2023, published the first NCBTMB board approved continuing education course for massage therapists and bodyworkers on the topic of psychedelics and entheogens: Introduction to Psychedelic Conversations and the Massage Table. Completed core facilitator training at Sacred Garden in 2024. She is continuing with their Ordained Facilitator Training (in progress). Active participant in the process of crafting the details of California Senate Bill 1012. Suz stands for equitable access to services, a broad pool of facilitators, and the protection of sincere religious practice including indigenous autonomy. Teaches workshops such as Ethical Safety and Support Touch for Guides, Traditional Healers, Psychotherapists, and Witnesses in multiple languages and in cross-cultural groups. Working with Ethical Psychedelic International Community (EPIC) to seed public guidelines and resources on psychedelics and touch. Producing the upcoming Touch with Substance Conference (2024). When she’s not at the office, she’s enjoying time with her dog and exploring Oakland where she’s lived since 2003.

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