Film/Documentary: How to Change Your Mind – Netflix Series
Based on the book: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
Topic: Psychedelics, personal development, therapy
What is the documentary about?
The documentary series How to Change Your Mind explores the history, effects, and potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic substances such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA, and mescaline. The guide through the series is journalist Michael Pollan, who wrote the book of the same name based on his own experiences and interviews with experts and patients who have used psychedelics for treatment.
The documentary focuses on how these substances can change our worldview, perceived reality, and sense of self. It shows that psychedelics have enormous potential in psychotherapy, especially in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictions.
What interested me about the documentary?
I’m enthusiastic about topics related to self-transformation, psychology, and alternative therapeutic approaches, so naturally this documentary caught my attention.
What I found very interesting is its historical perspective — how psychedelics had a boom in the 1960s, were then banned, and are now rediscovered for their therapeutic role. I was also surprised by the scientific aspect, such as descriptions of studies showing how these substances help people with severe trauma or anxiety.
The documentary reveals that psychedelics are not just about “hallucinations,” but can open new views into our inner worlds and help people connect with their authenticity or overcome deeply rooted emotional blocks.
Practical ideas from the documentary
- Psychedelics in therapy: The use of psychedelics in controlled therapeutic settings can help with:
- Depression treatment
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Addiction
- Existential anxiety (for example, in terminally ill patients)
- Not party drugs: The documentary clearly shows psychedelics are not “party drugs” but tools for deep inner work. Proper use requires a guide and a safe environment.
- Neuroplasticity: It explains how psychedelics change brain function, connecting parts of the brain that normally don’t communicate. This can help people change ingrained patterns of thinking and behavior.
- Set & Setting: A key idea is the importance of “set & setting” — the mindset and environment in which the psychedelic is taken. These two factors determine whether the experience will be positive and therapeutic or unpleasant.
There is also a book, but I haven’t read it:
The documentary is based on the book of the same name by Michael Pollan, which reportedly goes deeper, covering both scientific research and the author’s personal experiences with the substances. I haven’t read the book yet, so I can’t compare, but the documentary itself offers a very interesting overview and inspiration.
Why watch it?
If you’re interested in personal development, changing your worldview, brain functions, and modern therapy, this documentary is a great introduction to the world of psychedelics. It serves both as a historical overview and a glimpse into the future of therapies increasingly studied in psychology and psychiatry.
I recommend it as inspiring viewing for anyone curious about the boundaries of the human mind and alternative approaches to mental health.
Where to find it
On Netflix: Jak se mění vědomí
I also found that there is an audiobook in Czech titled Jak se mění vědomí – Co nás moderní věda o psychedelikách učí o vědomí, umírání, závislost